Epidemiology and healthcare resource utilization in atopic dermatitis in Colombia: A retrospective analysis of data from the National Health Registry from 2015 to 2020 / Epidemiología y uso de recursos de salud en dermatitis atópica en Colombia: análisis retrospectivo de datos del Registro Nacional de Salud de 2015 a 2020

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema or atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by the presence of pruritus accompanied by itching. In Colombia, epidemiological and healthcare resource utilization information regarding this pathology is limited. Objective: To describe atopic dermatitis epidemiological characteristics and healthcare resource utilization patterns in Colombia. Materials and methods: A retrospective database study using real-world data obtained from the national claims database SISPRO (Sistema de Información para la Protección Social) for the 2015-2020 period was carried out. Sociodemographic (age, and health services delivery), epidemiological (incidence, prevalence, and comorbidities), and healthcare resource utilization data were extracted from the SISPRO database. Results: The epidemiological results showed increased incidence and prevalence of atopic dermatitis in Colombia in the 2018-2019 period compared to 2015-2017. Accordingly, the number of medical consultations (particularly with specialists), the number of procedures, and the number of hospitalizations of patients with atopic dermatitis increased. Topic and systemic corticoids were the most frequently prescribed drugs. Conclusions: Diagnoses of atopic dermatitis in Colombia increased with a concomitant increase in healthcare resource utilization during 2015-2020, which was possibly slowed down by the arrival of the Covid-19. This study may help physicians gaining a better understanding of the disease, improving atopic dermatitis patient management.

Introducción. La dermatitis atópica, también conocida como eczema o eczema atópico, es un trastorno inflamatorio crónico de la piel caracterizado por la presencia de prurito acompañado de picor. En Colombia, la información epidemiológica y de utilización de recursos sanitarios sobre esta enfermedad es limitada. Objetivo. Describir las características epidemiológicas y los patrones de utilización de recursos sanitarios para la dermatitis atópica en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo en el cual se utilizan datos de la práctica clínica real obtenidos del registro nacional SISPRO (Sistema de Información para la Protección Social) en el período 2015-2020. Se extrajeron datos sociodemográficos (incluida la edad y la prestación de servicios de salud), epidemiológicos (incluidos la incidencia, la prevalencia y las comorbilidades) y los correspondientes a la utilización de los recursos sanitarios. Resultados. Los resultados epidemiológicos han demostrado un aumento de la incidencia y prevalencia de la dermatitis atópica en Colombia en el periodo 20182019, en comparación con el periodo 2015-2017. Aumentó el número de consultas médicas (particularmente, con especialistas) de pacientes con dermatitis atópica, el de procedimientos y el de hospitalizaciones. Los corticoides tópicos y sistémicos fueron los medicamentos más prescritos. Conclusiones. Los diagnósticos de dermatitis atópica en Colombia aumentaron con un incremento concomitante en la utilización de recursos sanitarios durante 2015-2020, que posiblemente se vio atenuado por la llegada del Covid-19. Este estudio puede ayudar a los médicos a tener un mejor conocimiento de la enfermedad y, por lo tanto, mejorar el tratamiento de los pacientes con dermatitis atópica.

Razão oferta/necessidade de consultas médicas, exames de diagnóstico e acompanhamento da doença renal crônica no Sistema Único de Saúde: estudo descritivo, estado de São Paulo, 2019 / Relación oferta/necesidad de consultas médicas, pruebas diagnósticas y seguimiento de la enfermedad renal crónica en el Sistema Único de Salud: estudio descriptivo, São Paulo, Brasil, 2019 / Supply/demand ratio for medical consultations, diagnostic tests and chronic kidney disease monitoring in the Brazilian National Health System: a descriptive study, state of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019

Objetivo: Determinar a razão oferta/necessidade de procedimentos relacionados com o diagnóstico e assistência à doença renal crônica no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, 2019. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, utilizando dados dos sistemas de informações ambulatoriais e hospitalares do SUS. Os números de consultas médicas e exames diagnósticos e de acompanhamento da doença renal realizados no período foram comparados com as estimativas de necessidade obtidas por diretrizes ministeriais. Resultados: Usuários exclusivos do SUS eram 28.791.244, e indivíduos com hipertensão e/ou diabetes mellitus, 5.176.188. O número de procedimentos realizados e a razão entre esse número e a necessidade da população foram de 389.414 consultas com nefrologista (85%); 11.540.371 dosagens de creatinina sérica (223%); 705.709 dosagens de proteinúria (14%); 438.123 ultrassonografias renais (190%); e 1.045 biópsias renais (36%). Conclusão: Na assistência à doença renal crônica no SUS existem, simultaneamente, falta de oferta, desperdício e rastreamento deficiente de procedimentos importantes.

Objetivo: Determinar la relación oferta/necesidad de procedimientos relacionados con el diagnóstico y atención de la enfermedad renal crónica en Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) del Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, en 2019. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo utilizando datos de los sistemas de información ambulatoria y hospitalaria del SUS. Se comparó el número de consultas médicas, pruebas de diagnóstico y seguimiento de la enfermedad renal realizados con las estimaciones de necesidad recomendadas por directrices ministeriales. Resultados: Los usuarios exclusivos de SUS fueron 28.791.244 e hipertensos y/o diabéticos, 5.176.188. El número de procedimientos realizados y la relación entre este número y la necesidad de la población fueran de 389.414 consultas con nefrólogo (85%); 11.540.371 determinaciones de creatinina sérica (223%); 705.709 determinaciones de proteinuria (14%); 438.123 ecografías renales (190%); y 1.045 biopsias renales (36%). Conclusión: En la atención de enfermedad renal en SUS existe, simultáneamente, falta de oferta, desperdicio y seguimiento deficiente de procedimientos importantes.

Objective: To determine the supply/demand ratio for procedures related to diagnosis and treatment for chronic kidney disease in the Brazilian National Health System (SUS), in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019. Methods: This was a descriptive study, using data from the SUS outpatient and hospital information systems. The numbers of medical consultations, diagnostic and chronic kidney disease monitoring tests, performed in the period, were compared with the demand estimation, obtained through ministerial guidelines. Results: Exclusive SUS users were 28,791,244, and individuals with arterial hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus, 5,176,188. The number of procedures performed and the ratio between this number and the needs of the population were 389,414 consultations with nephrologists (85%); 11,540,371 serum creatinine tests (223%); 705,709 proteinuria tests (14%); 438,123 kidney ultrasounds (190%); and 1,045 kidney biopsies (36%). Conclusion: In the chronic kidney disease care in the SUS it could be seen simultaneous existence of lack of supply, waste and inadequate screening of important procedures.

Diagnóstico de situación de la evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias en instituciones de ámbito de la salud en Argentina / Diagnosis of the situation of health technology assessment in health care institutions of Argentina

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias (ETS) es el proceso sistemático de valorización de las propiedades, los efectos y el impacto de la tecnología utilizada. La institucionalización de la ETS es una herramienta fundamental para llevar adelante las políticas de salud y conseguir mejores resultados con mayor eficiencia y equidad. El objetivo del estudio fue describir el estado actual en la institucionalización de la ETS a nivel nacional y conocer las características de estas organizaciones. MÉTODOS: Se efectuó un estudio exploratorio transversal descriptivo a través de una encuesta autoadministrada para identificar organizaciones que realizan ETS y describir sus características, recursos, producción y procesos. RESULTADOS: Se recibieron encuestas de 70 instituciones, de las cuales 39 realizan informes de ETS. Entre las limitaciones referidas para su implementación se señaló la falta de recursos humanos capacitados y de financiamiento específico. Según el 80%, para mejorar el impacto de las recomendaciones es importante incrementar el apoyo organizacional, dinamizar las estructuras de toma de decisiones y estimular los canales de comunicación y redes establecidas. DISCUSIÓN: Existe una considerable capacidad institucional para desarrollar ETS en Argentina. Los datos obtenidos permiten guiar el esfuerzo para fomentar el uso de la ETS en la toma de decisiones, fortalecer los vínculos entre las organizaciones identificadas, incrementar el intercambio de información y articular esfuerzos

INTRODUCTION: Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is the systematic process of assessing the properties, effects and impact of the technology used. The institutionalization of the HTA is a fundamental tool to carry out health policies and achieve better results with more efficiency and equity. The objective of the study was to describe current state of the institutionalization of HTA in Argentina and to know the characteristics of these organizations. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted through a selfadministered survey to identify organizations and to describe their characteristics, resources, production and processes for the development of HTA. RESULTS: A total of 70 surveys were received, 39 of those institutions carry out HTA reports. The lack of trained human resources and the lack of specific financing were among the limitations for the implementation of HTA. According to 80% of respondents, it is important to increase organizational support, streamline decision-making structures and foster the established communication channels and networks in order to improve the impact of the recommendations. DISCUSSION: There is a significant institutional capacity to develop HTA in Argentina. The data obtained can serve as a reference to promote the use of HTA in decision-making, strengthen the links between the organizations identified, increase information exchange and coordinate efforts

Assessment of the prescription of red blood cell concentrates in the pediatric age group / Avaliação da prescrição de concentrados de hemácias na faixa etária pediátrica

Summary Objective: To verify the adequacy of red blood cell (RBC) prescription to pediatric patients in different sectors of a pediatric hospital. Method: A retrospective study was conducted including 837/990 RBC transfusion requisition forms for children and adolescents (0 to 13 years old) filed in between January 2007 and April 2015 by the pediatricians of the emergency room (ER), infirmary ward and intensive care unit (pICU). Transfusion requisition forms belonging to patients with chronic anemia or acute hemorrhage, as well as incompletes requisition forms, were excluded. Results: Trigger, prescribed volume and subtype of RBC concentrates were adequate in 532 (65.3%), 460 (58.8%) and 805 (96.2%) of the transfusions, respectively. When the clinical picture was considered, prescription adequacy was higher compared to the use of the hemoglobin level alone (70.9% vs. 41%). The pICU had the highest correct trigger percentage (343 [71.6%]; p<0.001) while the ER showed more often adequate prescribed volumes (119 [66.1%]; p=0.020). The most common inadequacy regarding volume was that of prescriptions above the recommendation > 15 mL/kg found in 309 cases (36.9%). Thirty-two (32) RBC subtypes were requested and none were consistent with current recommendations. Conclusion: The results obtained in our study showed that RBC transfusion occurred more appropriately when the clinical picture was taken into account at request. There was a tendency to prescribe higher volumes and RBC subtypes without the justification of current protocols. Hemotherapic teachings at undergraduate level and medical residency must be improved.

Resumo Objetivo: Verificar a adequação na prescrição de concentrado de hemácias (CH) por pediatras em diferentes setores de um hospital pediátrico. Método: Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo onde avaliamos 837/990 fichas de requisição de CH para crianças e adolescentes (0 a 13 anos), preenchidas entre janeiro de 2007 e abril de 2015 pelos médicos pediatras do pronto-socorro (PS), da enfermaria e da unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). Excluíram-se as transfusões realizadas em portadores de anemia crônica, crianças com hemorragia aguda e requisições incompletas. Resultados: Gatilho, volume prescrito e subtipo de concentrado de hemácias foram adequados em 532 (65,3%), 460 (58,8%) e 805 (96,2%) das transfusões, respectivamente. Quando foi considerado o quadro clínico, a adequação foi maior em comparação à prescrição pelo valor isolado da hemoglobina (70,9% vs. 41%). A UTI teve o maior percentual de acerto no gatilho (343 [71,6%]; p<0,001) e o PS, no volume prescrito (119 [66,1%]; p=0,020). A inadequação mais comum, em relação ao volume, foi a prescrição acima da recomendação (> 15 mL/kg, 309 [36,9%]). Foram solicitados 32 subtipos de CH e nenhum estava de acordo com as indicações atuais. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos mostram que a transfusão de CH aconteceu de forma mais adequada quando a situação clínica era levada em conta na solicitação. Houve uma tendência à prescrição de volumes elevados e de subtipos de hemácias não justificados segundo os protocolos atuais. É necessário melhorar o ensino de hemoterapia na graduação e residência médica.

Utilization focused evaluation at Bahria University Medical and Dental College

Objective: To evaluate integrated learning program of neurosciences for continuation of integrated learning in the forthcoming teaching and learning modules of undergraduate medical curriculum at Bahria University Medical a Dental College [BUMDC]

Methods: A mixed method design was conducted from August 2016 to February 2017 after ethical approval from BUMDC. The quantitative aspect was evaluated retrospectively by desk records of marks obtained in integrated module and nonintegrated module. Focused group discussion were conducted with primary intended users [chair of integration committee, faculty and students of first and second year MBBS] to share their expectations and concerns and get responses on key evaluation questions for implementation and outcome evaluation of integrated learning program

Results: The desk record revealed a positive perception of students and faculty at the time of implementation with improvement in results after integration in subjects of basic sciences. The discussions highlighted reasons which resulted in failure of its continuation and affirmed readiness for re-induction and continuation of integration with clinical sciences

Conclusion: Evaluators considered approval and re-application of integrated curriculum at BUMDC after utilization focused evaluation

Antibiotic Control Policies in South Korea, 2000-2013 / 감염과화학요법

Antibiotic stewardship is a key strategy for limiting antibiotic resistance. Over the last decade the South Korean government has implemented a series of healthcare policies directed to this end, consisting of legislative separation of drug prescribing and dispensing, antibiotic utilization reviews, healthcare quality assessment, and public reporting. As a result, the proportion of antibiotic prescriptions for acute upper respiratory tract infections in primary healthcare facilities decreased from 72.9% in 2002 to 42.7% in 2013. However, no significant decrease in antibiotic resistance occurred over the same period in clinically important bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. These government-driven policies played a pivotal role in improving antibiotic use for outpatients and surgical patients in South Korea. However, to achieve long-lasting successful outcomes, coordinated efforts and communications among the stakeholders, including physicians and medical societies, are needed.

Horizontal Inequity in Elderly Health Care Utilization: Evidence from India

Against the backdrop of population aging, this paper presents the analysis of need-standardised health care utilization among elderly in India. Based on nationally representative morbidity and health care survey 2004, we demonstrate that the need for health care utilization is indeed pro-poor in nature. However, the actual health care utilization is concentrated among richer sections of the population. Further, the decomposition analysis reveals that income has a very strong role in shifting the distribution of health care away from the poor elderly. The impact of income on utilization is well-demonstrated even at the ecological-level as states with higher per capita incomes have higher elderly health care utilization even as the levels of need-predicted distribution across these states are similar. We also find that the distribution of elderly across social groups and their educational achievements favours the rich and significantly contributes to overall inequality. Nevertheless, contribution of need-related self-assessed health clearly favours pro-poor inequality. In concluding, we argue that to reduce such inequities in health care utilization it is necessary to increase public investments in health care infrastructure including geriatric care particularly in rural areas and underdeveloped regions to enhance access and quality of health care for the elderly.

Frequency of uilization of ultrasound in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy in sub-saharan africa countries: a systematic review

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a common diagnosis; frequently misdiagnosed early in its presentation and a leading cause of first trimester mortality. Ultrasound (US) is a key component of evidence-based diagnostic algorithms. We present a systematic review on the frequency of the use of US in the diagnosis of EP in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods A librarian-assisted search of PUBMED; EMBASE; Cochrane; Web of Science; and POPLINE databases was performed. Inclusion criteria were original research studies that reported the proportion of patients receiving US as part of a workup for EP in a Sub-Saharan African country. Abstracts were reviewed and those potentially meeting criteria had a formal survey of the manuscript. Results: The initial search revealed 784 original publications. Manual review of abstracts narrowed this to 91 papers with potential relevance; and 12 studies were included in the final analysis. A total of 6055 patients diagnosed with EP were included. 8.7 received a pregnancy test. 92.3 were ruptured at the time of presentation. 42.9 were in shock and 75.8 received red blood cell transfusion. 73.7 were unaware of the pregnancy and 24.9 were seen by a healthcare worker prior to presentation; 1.1 of patients died. Overall; 12.6 received US to aid in the diagnosis.Conclusion :In this study; overall utilisation of US in the diagnosis of EP was found to be low. In this population; patients presented late and critically ill; obviating the need for US in many cases. However; studies in Sub-Saharan Africa in populations of patients with similar rates of late presentations have shown a substantial increase in the diagnosis of unruptured EP with the routine use of US

Analysis for the Patterns of Medical Care Utilization during 19 Years (1990-2008) and Its Related Factors in Hypertensive Patients Using National Patient Survey in Korea

BACKGROUND: To analyze the patterns of medical care utilization and its related factors in hypertensive patients during 19 years (1990-2008), utilizing national patient survey in Korea. METHODS: Using seven surveyed data, age-standardized medical care utilization increasing ratios for the inpatients and outpatients compared to the year of 1990 were calculated, respectively. Changes of medical facilities (%) of patients used in 1990, 1999, and 2008 were compared. For the outpatients, median length of stay and discharge mortality rate per 1,000 persons were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression methods were used to identify related factors of the resident patients and the comparison characteristics between hypertensives and the others of all subjects. Sample weights were used. RESULTS: The medical care utilization of hypertensives were increased for both inpatients and outpatients. However, the ratios were dramatically diminished after the standardization. Age-standardized ratios were 3.6 in outpatients and 5.9 in inpatients compared to 1990. For the outpatients, mainly used medical facilities were changed from general hospital to convalescent hospital. Also, median length of stay and discharge mortality rate were increased up to 5 times and 4 times compared to 1990. The odds of being resident patients were related with discharge as death and using oriental medical center convalescent hospital in 2008. Hypertensive patients were older than the others. Confined to hypertensive patients, member of National Health Insurance was more tend to be outpatients but less inpatients. CONCLUSIONS: Aging population and long-term care Act were presumed as the main reason for the increasing of medical care utilization in 1990 to 2008.

Evidence of a Broken Healthcare Delivery System in Korea: Unnecessary Hospital Outpatient Utilization among Patients with a Single Chronic Disease Without Complications

This study aims to estimate the volume of unnecessarily utilized hospital outpatient services in Korea and quantify the total cost resulting from the inappropriate utilization. The analysis included a sample of 27,320,505 outpatient claims from the 2009 National Inpatient Sample database. Using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), patients were considered to have received 'unnecessary hospital outpatient utilization' if they had a CCI score of 0 and were concurrently admitted to hospital for treatment of a single chronic disease - hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), or hyperlipidemia (HL) - without complication. Overall, 85% of patients received unnecessary hospital services. Also hospitals were taking away 18.7% of HTN patients, 18.6% of DM and 31.6% of HL from clinics. Healthcare expenditures from unnecessary hospital outpatient utilization were estimated at: HTN (94,058 thousands USD, 38.6% of total expenditure); DM (17,795 thousands USD, 40.6%) and HL (62,876 thousands USD, 49.1%). If 100% of patients who received unnecessary hospital outpatient services were redirected to clinics, the estimated savings would be 104,226 thousands USD. This research proves that approximately 85% of hospital outpatient utilizations are unnecessary and that a significant amount of money is wasted on unnecessary healthcare services; thus burdening the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) and patients.

Manual básico: Desarrollo de habilidades informáticas en el uso de recursos en línea para información científica en salud enfocado en la discapacidad / Basic manual: Development of computer skills in the use of online resources for scientific health information focused on disability

El manual brinda las pautas necesarias para el manejo eficiente de dichas fuentes de información en línea, las cuales son óptimas para obtener información científica en salud enfocado en la discapacidad.

Inappropriate use of emergency services: a systematic review of prevalence and associated factors: [review] / Prevalência e fatores associados ao uso inadequado do serviço de emergência: uma revisão sistemática da literatura: [revisão]

This systematic review aimed to measure the prevalence of inappropriate emergency department (ED) use by adults and associated factors. The review included 31 articles published in the last 12 years. Prevalence of inappropriate ED use varied from 20 to 40 percent and was associated with age and income. Female patients, those without co-morbidities, without a regular physician, without a regular source of care, and those not referred to the ED by a physician also showed more inappropriate ED use, with the relative risk varying from 1.12 to 2.42. Difficulties in accessing primary health care (difficulties in setting appointments, longer waiting periods, and short business hours at the primary health care service) were also associated with inappropriate ED use. Thus, primary care requires fully qualified patient reception and efficient triage to promptly attend cases that cannot wait. It is also necessary to orient the population on situations in which they should go to the ED and on the disadvantages of consulting the ED when the case is not really urgent.

Esta revisão sistemática objetivou medir a prevalência e fatores associados ao uso inadequado do serviço de emergência, em adultos. Foram incluídos 31 artigos publicados nos últimos 12 anos. A prevalência de uso inadequado variou principalmente entre 20 e 40 por cento e foi diretamente associada à idade e nível econômico. Mulheres, pessoas sem co-morbidades, menor gasto em saúde, sem médico regular ou local regular de cuidado e que consultavam por conta própria também consultavam mais inadequadamente com risco relativo variando entre 1,12 e 2,42. Dificuldades de acesso à atenção primária à saúde, como dificuldade de agendamento, maior time de espera para consultar e o local de atenção primária ficar menos time aberto por dia, também estiveram associados com uso inadequado. Esta revisão indica que problemas no acesso à atenção primária à saúde são determinantes de uso inadequado. Assim, a atenção primária à saúde necessita realizar um acolhimento qualificado, com uma triagem eficiente de forma a atender rapidamente os casos que não podem esperar. Além disso, é preciso esclarecer a população acerca das situações em que devem procurar o serviço de emergência e sobre as desvantagens de se consultar no serviço de emergência quando o caso não é realmente urgente.

Evaluation of the appropriateness of hospital stay in gynecological wards in Tabriz Teaching Hospitals

The increasing demand for health care services together with the increasing cost of providing them supports the need for a reconsideration of the existing structures. This study evaluated the appropriateness of hospital stay in gynecological wards. This is a descriptive-analytic study which was conducted in 2006-2007 by using modified appropriateness evaluation protocol. The average duration of hospital stay for 402 patients was 55.18 +/- 45.03 hours. The length of hospital stay was inappropriate in 61.2%.The main reasons for unnecessary stay before surgery included: no prior outpatient preparation of patients for operation, inadequate diagnostic procedures and the problems resulting from urgent admission [OR=2.91, CI=1. 53-5.28, OR=1.56, CI=1.10-2.99 and OR=1.01, CI=0.08-2.58 respectively].The most important factors for inappropriate stay after surgery included: patient's home-hospital distance and delayed physician's order for discharge [OR=4.18, CI=2.57-13.20 and OR=2.06, CI=1.02-4.43]. Inappropriate hospital stay was 61.2%, and it could be decreased to 28.10% by using appropriate approaches

Somatic and psychiatric disorders and health care utilization among Iraqi refugees and Yemeni immigrant

Prior studies have reported increased prevalence of mental and somatic health disorders among refugees. However, many of these studies fail to include appropriate comparison groups. Moreover, there is a lack of studies focusing on health care utilization among refugee populations. We examined the distribution of somatic and mental health disorders as well as patterns of health care utilization among 116 Iraqi refugees as compared to 232 non-refugee Arab immigrants. Refugees as compared to non-refugee immigrants exhibit different distributional patterns with regards to several somatic and psychiatric disorders. In addition, specific somatic disorders [e.g., dermatologic and cardiovascular disorders] were found to be associated with greater health care consumption in refugees as compared to regular immigrants with identical diagnoses

Bed utilization indices at a tertiary care hospital in Goa: an eight year trend analysis.

A retrospective data analysis of records from medical records department of Goa Medical College Hospital was done to analyse the trends of various bed utilisation indices from 1999 - 2006. Average length of stay, bed occupancy rate, turnover interval and bed turnover ratio were the indices calculated. During the eight year period from 1999 to 2006, the average length of stay for the entire hospital registered a small decline from 6.23 to 5.51 days, the overall bed occupancy rate increased from 72.13% to 83.12% and the bed turnover interval declined from 2.41 days to 1.12 days. The Orthopaedics ward had the highest increase in bed occupancy and also fastest decline in turnover interval in 2006. Bed utilization indices are an objective measure of the efficiency of the hospital management system.

Um mês em um pronto-socorro de oftalmologia em Brasília / One month in an eye emergency clinic in Brasilia

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as consultas realizadas em um serviço de emergência oftalmológica em Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil, durante o período de um mês. MÉTODOS: Revisão retrospectiva de prontuários de pacientes atendidos no período entre 1 e 30 de setembro de 2003 no Pronto Socorro Oftalmológico do Hospital de Base de Brasília. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 32,9 ± 18,0 anos (variando entre zero e 90). Setenta por cento dos pacientes pertenciam ao grupo de população economicamente ativa (20 aos 59 anos). Sessenta e dois por cento dos pacientes atendidos pertenciam ao sexo masculino (n=1.777) e 38 por cento ao sexo feminino (n=1.067). Dezessete por cento do pacientes atendidos procederam de outros estados, 83 por cento possuíam endereço domiciliar no próprio Distrito Federal. Em 3 por cento dos prontuários não constavam endereços. Dos pacientes residentes no próprio DF, 84 por cento procederam de localidades distantes pelo menos 30 km do local da emergência. Traumas oculares de qualquer natureza foram as doenças mais freqüentes (n=730/30 por cento), seguidos por conjuntivites (n=568/24 por cento). Em 457 (16 por cento) prontuários não houve qualquer preenchimento. CONCLUSÃO: O serviço público de emergência oftalmológica do DF está mal localizado. A grande maioria dos pacientes se apresenta com doenças de menor importância. Estes fatos somados ao excesso de fichas em branco demonstram que o sistema público de saúde em oftalmologia do Distrito Federal necessita de mudanças.

PURPOSE: To evaluate all the visits to the ophthalmic emergency service in Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil, through a 1-month period. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was carried out of all patients attending the ophthalmology emergency department of the "Hospital de Base de Brasília" during September 1 to 30, 2003. RESULTS: Mean age was 32.9 ± 18.0 years (ranging from zero to 90). Seventy per cent of patients were of the working age category (from 20 to 59 years-old). Sixty-two per cent of the patients were male (n=1,777) and 38 percent female (n=1,067). Seventeen per cent of the patients lived in another state, and 83 percent lived in the Distrito Federal itself. In 3 percent of the charts, no address was informed. In the group of patients residents of the Distrito Federal, 84 percent lived at least 30 km away from the "Hospital de Base". Ocular traumas of any nature were the most frequent occurrence (n=730/30 percent), followed by conjunctivitis (n=568/24 percent). Doctors have not filled out 457 charts (16 percent). CONCLUSION: The ophthalmic emergency service of the "Hospital de Base" de Brasília is not properly located. The great majority of patients presented with common pathologies, emphasizing the need for a primary care system. This aspects plus the lack of information in a great number of charts suggests that the ophthalmic public health system in the "Distrito Federal" requires changes.

Seasonal variation of skin diseases in Nepal: a hospital based annual study of out-patient visits.

The aim of this study was to determine whether there was seasonal variation in skin diseases amongst dermatology out-patients in Nepal. A retrospective study was done of all new out-patients visiting a single dermatologist, at the Om Hospital and Research Center, Kathmandu, Nepal. The study population comprised all new patients visiting the dermatology out-patient department, between January and December, 1999. Data were obtained from the hospital out-patient records and analyzed. The total number of patients with skin diseases was 1746 (Males-793; Females-953). Majority (28.6%) of the visits was in spring and the three most common diagnoses included fungal infections, acne and melasma. All skin diseases showed statistically significant seasonal variation. It is clear that occurrence of certain skin diseases in Nepal show a significant seasonal trend.