Marco para la acción colaborativa sobre la tuberculosis y sus comorbilidades

Abordar las comorbilidades y los factores de riesgo de la tuberculosis (TB) es un componente clave del primer pilar de la Estrategia Fin de la TB, que se centra en la atención integrada centrada en el paciente y en la prevención, incluida la acción sobre la tuberculosis y las comorbilidades. Este marco tiene como objetivo apoyar a los países en la introducción y ampliación de servicios holísticos centrados en las personas para la TB, las comorbilidades y los factores de riesgo relacionados con la salud. El marco está organizado en las siguientes cinco secciones, en las que se indican las actividades clave para expandir la acción colaborativa sobre la TB y sus comorbilidades: a) fortalecer la gobernanza y la rendición de cuentas para la acción colaborativa, b) realizar un análisis del acceso a los servicios de calidad para la TB y sus comorbilidades, c) coordinar la planificación y la movilización de recursos para la acción colaborativa, d) implementar y ampliar los servicios centrados en las personas para la TB y sus comorbilidades, y e) fortalecer el seguimiento, la evaluación y la investigación. El marco se dirige a las personas que trabajan en los ministerios de salud, otros ministerios competentes, los equipos responsables de la formulación de políticas, las organizaciones internacionales técnicas y de financiamiento, los equipos de investigación, las organizaciones no gubernamentales y de la sociedad civil, así como el personal de atención primaria, profesionales de salud especializados y agentes de salud comunitarios que apoyan la respuesta a la TB y las comorbilidades tanto en el sector público como en el privado.

Clinical Recommendations for the Management of Biological Treatments in Severe Asthma Patients: A Consensus Statement.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The definition of severe uncontrolled asthma and the best phenotype-driven management are not fully established. Objective: We aimed to reach a consensus on the definition of severe uncontrolled asthma and give recommendations on optimal management with phenotype-targeted biological therapies. METHODS: A modified Delphi technique was used. A scientific committee provided statements addressing the definition of severe uncontrolled asthma and controversial issues about its treatment with biologics. The questionnaire was evaluated in 2 rounds by expert allergists. With the results, the scientific committee developed recommendations and a practical algorithm. RESULTS: A panel of 27 allergists reached agreement on 27 out of the 29 items provided (93.1%). A consensus definition of severe uncontrolled asthma was agreed. Prior to initiation of therapy, it is mandatory to establish the asthma phenotype and assess the presence of clinically important allergic sensitizations. Anti-IgE, anti-IL-5, anti-IL-5 receptor, and anti-IL-13/IL-4 receptor inhibitors are suitable options for patients with allergic asthma and a blood eosinophil level >300/µL (>150/µL in patients receiving oral corticosteroids). IL-5 and anti-IL-5 receptor inhibitors are recommended for patients with an eosinophilic phenotype and can also be used for patients with severe eosinophilic allergic asthma with no or a suboptimal response to omalizumab. Dupilumab is recommended for patients with moderate-severe asthma and a TH2-high phenotype. Only physicians with experience in the treatment of severe uncontrolled asthma should initiate biological treatment. CONCLUSION: We provide consensus clinical recommendations that may be useful in the management of patients with severe uncontrolled asthma.

Inventory of the Recommendations for Patients with Pollen Allergies and Evaluation of Their Scientific Relevance.

Pollens are responsible for allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. The incidence of these diseases, which have adversely impacted the social and professional lives of people who are allergic to pollen, has tripled in the past 25 years. Official institutes, health care institutions, public interest groups, and mainstream news media provide people who are allergic to pollen with advice aimed at reducing their symptoms. The aim of this work was to provide an inventory of the prevention guidelines in the world and to evaluate their scientific relevance. A PubMed search was carried out using specific keywords. The scientific relevance of the recommendations was evaluated based on the publications disproving or confirming their merit. The guidelines issued by 12 countries in Europe, North America, and Australia were inventoried. The recommendations for avoidance were most often based on scientific data regarding their impact on pollen exposures, but they have not been clinically validated. Several studies provided additional details, however, that allowed the guidelines to be further substantiated. These guidelines have been adopted in numerous industrialized countries in the world, and they generally appear to be of relevance.

The identification and treatment of mental health and substance misuse problems in sexual assault services: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Specialist sexual assault services, which collect forensic evidence and offer holistic healthcare to people following sexual assault, have been established internationally. In England, these services are called sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). Mental health and substance misuse problems are common among SARC attendees, but little is known about how SARCs should address these needs. This review aims to seek and synthesise evidence regarding approaches to identification and support for mental health and substance misuse problems in SARCs and corresponding services internationally; empirical evidence regarding effective service models; and stakeholders' views and policy recommendations about optimal SARC practice. METHODS: A systematic review was undertaken. PsycINFO, MEDLINE, IBSS and CINAHL were searched from 1975 to August 2018. A web-based search up to December 2018 was also conducted to identify government and expert guidelines on SARCs. Quality assessment and narrative synthesis were conducted. RESULTS: We included 107 papers. We found that identification based on clinical judgement, supportive counselling and referral to other services without active follow-up were the most common approaches. Evaluations of interventions for post-rape psychopathology in attendees of sexual assault services provided mixed evidence of moderate quality. Very little evidence was found regarding interventions or support for substance misuse. Stakeholders emphasised the importance of accessibility, flexibility, continuity of care, in-house psychological support, staff trained in mental health as well as specialist support for LGBT groups and people with learning difficulties. Guidelines suggested that SARCs should assess for mental health and substance misuse and provide in-house emotional support, but the extent and nature of support were not clarified. Both stakeholders and guidelines recommended close partnership between sexual assault services and local counselling services. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that there is big variation in the mental health and substance misuse provision both across and within different sexual assault service models. We found no robust evidence about how sexual assault services can achieve good mental health and substance misuse outcomes for service users. Clearer guidance for service planners and commissioners, informed by robust evidence about optimal service organisations and pathways, is required. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018119706.

The Crisis in Psychiatric Hospital Care: Changing the Model to Continuous, Integrative Behavioral Health Care.

Inpatient psychiatric hospital services, as they currently exist, have little to no evidence base. Deficits in the current system represent a critical missed opportunity to improve the trajectory of patients' lives and long-term outcomes. The authors posit that a fresh approach to hospitalization is needed, one that incorporates distinct, measurable goals tied to a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan tailored to address a patient's lifetime course of illness. A structured approach can ultimately improve care quality and continuity by allowing for rigorous testing of each aspect of the assessment and care provision process, improving patient outcomes and care engagement while shortening average lengths of hospital stays, and accelerating the movement of care to cost-effective, need-specific settings. In an effort to move the field toward establishing a systematic, evidence-based protocol for hospital-based psychiatric care, the authors describe a new model, called the S.E.T.U.P. approach.

Role of ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in diabetic retinopathy: a morphological and metabolically cross talk among blood retina barriers damage, autoimmunity and chronic inflammation.

Vision disorders are one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) affecting the quality of life of patients and eventually cause blindness. The ocular lesions in diabetes mellitus are located mainly in the blood vessels and retina layers. Different retina lesions could be grouped under the umbrella term of diabetic retinopathies (DMRP).We propose that one of the main causes in the etiopathogenesis of the DMRP consists of a progressive loss of the selective permeability of blood retinal barriers (BRB). The loss of selective permeability of blood retinal barriers will cause a progressive autoimmune process. Prolonged autoimmune injures in the retinal territory will triggers and maintains a low-grade chronic inflammation process, microvascular alterations, glial proliferation and subsequent fibrosis and worse, progressive apoptosis of the photoreceptor neurons.Patients with long-standing DM disturbances in retinal BRBs suffer of alterations in the enzymatic pathways of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), increase release of free radicals and pro-inflammatory molecules and subsequently incremented levels of vascular endothelial growth factor. These facts can produce retinal edema and photoreceptor apoptosis.Experimental, clinical and epidemiological evidences showing that adequate metabolic and alimentary controls and constant practices of healthy life may avoid, retard or make less severe the appearance of DMRP. Considering the high demand for PUFAs ω3 by photoreceptor complexes of the retina, it seems advisable to take fish oil supplements (2 g per day). The cellular, subcellular and molecular basis of the propositions exposed above is developed in this article.Synthesizer drawings the most relevant findings of the ultrastructural pathology, as well as the main metabolic pathways of the PUFAs involved in balance and disbalanced conditions are provided.

World trends for H. pylori eradication therapy and gastric cancer prevention strategy by H. pylori test-and-treat.

Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis leads to the development of gastric cancer. Kyoto global consensus report on H. pylori gastritis recommended H. pylori eradication therapy to prevent gastric cancer. To manage H. pylori infection, it is important to choose the appropriate regimen considering regional differences in resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole. Quinolones and rifabutin-containing regimens are useful as third- and fourth-line rescue therapies.

Regional healthcare delivery and demographic change in Germany - scenarios for dermatological care in 2035.

BACKGROUND: The 'demand planning guidelines' issued by the Federal Joint Committee are meant to ensure nationwide delivery of healthcare in Germany. The calculatory variable used to reflect the actual care situation in relation to a given geographical entity is referred to as 'adjusted supply rate'. Against the backdrop of demographic change and already existing problems in replacing retiring physicians, the question arises as to how future dermatological care will evolve at the regional level. METHODS: Using current 'demand planning guidelines' as well as nationwide data on the location of dermatologists and current and projected population figures at the county level, the adjusted supply rate - in terms of dermatological care - was calculated for the year 2035 based on three possible scenarios (scenario 1: 100 % replacement of retiring dermatologists; scenario 2: non-replacement of one dermatologist per planning area; and scenario 3: non-replacement of two dermatologists in rural areas). RESULTS: While scenario 1 shows an actual improvement in regional dermatological care in certain areas between 2014 and 2035 (n = 3 no longer undersupplied), the more likely scenarios 2 and 3 are potentially associated with considerable regional undersupply. CONCLUSIONS: Taking demographic change into account, it is safe to assume that the geographical heterogeneity of dermatological care will increase. This requires greater effort not only in terms of demand planning but also with regard to offering alternative methods of delivering healthcare and intercommunal cooperation. In this context, the objective will be to adapt healthcare delivery to changes both in demography as well as in the plans young physicians have for their own lives.

Application of Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) to the guideline development for clinical practice with acupuncture and moxibustion.

Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) offers a worldwide approach to guideline development for clinical practice. For the clinical practice of acupuncture therapy, 18 evidence-based guidelines have been developed in China using GRADE. In this study, we review the advantages and limitations of the GRADE approach in the guideline development for acupuncture and moxibustion and propose some solutions to these limitations. Scientific advantages of rating the quality of evidence, outcome-centric direction, overall progression to develop recommendations, and strength of recommendations providing specific clinical guidance are the advantages of GRADE. The limitations of GRADE in the development of guidelines for acupuncture and moxibustion include rating the quality of evidence for ancient literature and literature on famous traditional Chinese medicine experts' experiences and specific guidelines for formulating recommendations from evidence. In the guideline development for clinical practice with acupuncture and moxibustion, we suggest that a specific method should be explored based on the GRADE approach and the characteristics of acupuncture therapy.

Diretrizes Nacionais de Assistência ao Parto Normal / National Guidelines for Assistance to Normal Labor

O nascimento no ambiente hospitalar se caracteriza pela adoção de várias tecnologias e procedimentos com o objetivo de torná-lo mais seguro para a mulher e seu bebê. Se por um lado, o avanço da obstetrícia contribuiu com a melhoria dos indicadores de morbidade e mortalidade materna e perinatais, por outro permitiu a concretização de um modelo que considera a gravidez, o parto e o nascimento como doenças e não como expressões de saúde, expondo as mulheres e recém-nascidos a altas taxas de intervenções, que deveriam ser utilizadas de forma parcimoniosa e apenas em situações de necessidade, e não como rotineiras. Esse excesso de intervenções deixou de considerar os aspectos emocionais, humanos e culturais envolvidos no processo, esquecendo que a assistência ao nascimento se reveste de um caráter particular que vai além do processo de parir e nascer. Quando as mulheres procuram ajuda, além da preocupação sobre a sua saúde e a do seu bebê, estão também em busca de uma compreensão mais ampla e abrangente da sua situação, pois para elas e suas famílias o momento da gravidez e do parto, em particular, é único na vida e carregado de fortes emoções. A experiência vivida por elas neste momento pode deixar marcas indeléveis, positivas ou negativas, para o resto das suas vidas. Por isso, torna-se imprescindível a qualificação da atenção à gestante, a fim de garantir que a decisão pela via de parto considere os ganhos em saúde e seus possíveis riscos, de forma claramente informada e compartilhada entre a gestante e a equipe de saúde que a atende. As Diretrizes Nacionais de Assistência ao Parto Normal nasceram de um esforço do Ministério da Saúde, por meio da Coordenação-Geral de Saúde da Mulher do Departamento de Ações Programáticas Estratégicas, da Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde do Ministério da Saúde (CGSM/DAPES/ SAS/MS), em conjunto com diversas áreas do Ministério e outras instituições, sociedades e associações de profissionais (médicos e de enfermagem) e das mulheres, no intuito de qualificar o modo de nascer no Brasil. Este documento, em conjunto com Diretrizes de Atenção à Gestante: a operação cesariana, publicada em março de 2016, visa a orientar as mulheres brasileiras, os profissionais e os gestores da saúde, nos âmbitos público e privado, sobre importantes questões relacionadas às vias de parto, suas indicações e condutas, baseadas nas melhores evidências científicas disponíveis. Estas Diretrizes foram elaboradas por um grupo multidisciplinar, o Grupo Elaborador das Diretrizes (GED), composto por médicos obstetras, médicos de família, clínicos gerais, médico neonatologista, médico anestesiologista e enfermeiras obstétricas,convidados pela Comissão Nacional de Incrporação de Tecnologias no SUS (CONITEC) e pela Coordenação-Geral da Saúde da Mulher (CGSM/DAPES/SAS/MS). O escopo das Diretrizes e as perguntas a serem respondidas foram definidas com a participação de um grupo ampliado de interessados (Grupo Consultivo), entre eles sociedades e associações médicas, de enfermagem e das mulheres, agências reguladoras, pesquisadores, profissionais e conselhos de profissionais da saúde, além de áreas técnicas do Ministério da Saúde e a CONITEC. Do total de contribuições, a maioria (84%) foi dada por mulheres. Na avaliação geral, 79% avaliaram as Diretrizes como boas ou muito boas, 7% como regulares e 14% como ruins ou muito ruins. Todas as contribuições foram analisadas pelo Grupo Elaborador e apresentadas ao Grupo Consultivo, em reunião realizada no dia 17 de março de 2016, em que estiveram presentes representantes de entidades médicas, de enfermagem, de hospitais, de associações em defesa dos direitos das mulheres, de universidades, bem como especialistas em saúde da mulher e gestores da saúde. Nesta reunião, foi discutida amplamente a pertinência da alteração ou não do conteúdo das Diretrizes a partir de cada contribuição, e da discussão surgiram os consensos em torno das alterações pertinentes que poderiam ser feitas, à luz das contribuições da Consulta Pública e das evidências encontradas nas Diretrizes e nas fontes verificadas no processo de adaptação. Aos 06 (seis) dias do mês de abril de 2016, reuniu-se a Comissão Nacional de Incorporação de Tecnologias no Sistema Único de Saúde ­ CONITEC, regulamentada pelo Decreto nº 7.646, de 21 de dezembro de 2011, e os membros presentes deliberaram por unanimidade recomendar a aprovação das diretrizes nacionais de assistência ao parto normal. A Portaria Nº 353, de 14 de Fevereiro de 2017 - Aprova as Diretrizes Nacionais de Assistência ao Parto Normal.

Focalyx DX, BX, TX ET apps: a novel contemporary fusión paradigm for teh management of prostate cancer / Implementación de la Terapia Focal en la práctica clínica diaria: la experiencia Focalyx

Focalyx(TM) conceived as a response to emerging evidence data across numerous cancer lesions that questions current standard treatment approaches that too often lead to detrimental quality of life yet delivering limited survival benefit, especially in-lieu of advances in imaging technology applicable to cancer patients. The Focalyx paradigm aims to control cancer with improvement in quality of life. We initially devised 5 milestones: 1- Consistently optimize Prostate MRI imaging using the novel published protocols adopted as guidelines by societies such as the European Society of Urology and Radiology; 2- Evaluate fusion platform software solutions that existed; 3- Determine best fusion Arch. Esp. Urol. 2016; 69 (6): 353-363 353 platform for Focalyx on practicality, precision, and workflow premises; 4- Evaluate commercially available FDA approved ablative technologies to implement our treatment vision; 5- Design a treatment option that can be performed in the office setting under local anesthesia, which would not impact negatively QOL outcomes of Prostate Cancer patients and seamless constant nonintrusive practical patient-physician interaction by the Focalyx app that facilitates follow up and provides early warning signals shall any change in the disease dynamics emerge. Prostate cancer was identified as the pilot disease for Focalyx to deliver a «GPS» like solution for the prostate gland that destroys identifiable disease without adverse effects such as: cancer anxiety, urinary incontinence, loss of erections and ejaculation. Since September of 2013, over 300 men have been accrued in NCT02381990- clintrials.gov evaluating the feasibility of our solutions for imaging (FocalyxDx), Biopsy (FocalyxBx) and Treatment (FocalyxTx). In this review we detail the tools available to achieve the Focalyx paradigm for men with Prostate Cancer

Focalyx(TM) ha sido concebido como una respuesta a los múltiples datos del manejo de cáncer de próstata que cuestionan el tratamiento estándar. La evidencia actual cuestiona un beneficio en la supervivencia, especialmente tras los avances tecnológicos basados en la de imagen aplicable a pacientes con CaP. El paradigma Focalyx tiene como objetivo controlar el cáncer con una mejoría en la calidad de vida. Hemos ideado inicialmente 5 etapas: 1- optimizar imágenes de RM de próstata utilizando los protocolos aprobados como directrices por las sociedades internacionales, como la Asociación Europea de Urología y de Radiología; 2- Evaluar opciones de software de la plataforma de fusión existentes; 3- Determinar una plataforma de fusión para Focalyx basada en la practicidad y la precisión; 4- Evaluar dentro del mercado aprobado por la FDA las modalidades disponibles para implementar tratamientos de ablación; 5- Diseñar una opción de tratamiento que puede realizarse en régimen ambulatorio bajo anestesia local, que no impacte negativamente en los resultados de calidad de vida de los pacientes. El CaP ha sido identificado como la enfermedad piloto para Focalyx, para entregar un «GPS» como solución para el tratamiento dirigido de la glándula prostática destruyendo la enfermedad identificable sin efectos adversos, tales como: ansiedad por cáncer, incontinencia urinaria, pérdida de la erección y la eyaculación. Desde septiembre de 2013, más de 300 hombres han sido reclutados en NCT02381990- clintrials.gov para evaluar la viabilidad de nuestro protocolo por imagen (FocalyxDx), biopsia (FocalyxBx) y tratamiento (Focalyx- Tx). En esta revisión se detallan las herramientas disponibles para lograr el paradigma Focalyx para los hombres con CaP localizado

El enfoque de sostenibilidad en los planes de salud de las comunidades autónomas: el desarrollo sostenible como oportunidad / Sustainability focus in the health plans of the autonomous communities: sustainable development as an opportunity

Objetivo: Determinar el grado de orientación de los planes de salud de las comunidades autónomas a las tres dimensiones habituales de sostenibilidad: económica, social y medioambiental; tanto en el nivel discursivo general como en las diferentes áreas de intervención. Método: Investigación cualitativa mediante análisis de contenido de una amplia muestra de documentos. La metodología específica es el análisis de sensibilidad simbólica y operativa realizado a una muestra de once planes de salud de España. Resultados: Los aspectos sociales, tales como los determinantes o los grupos más vulnerables, reciben cada vez más atención por parte del planificador sanitario, si bien hay espacio para fortalecer la atención a las cuestiones medioambientales y dotar de forma específica a las actuaciones en términos económicos. Conclusiones: el análisis evidencia el estado incipiente en el que se encuentran los planes de salud como documentos de planificación estratégica que integren aspectos económicos, sociales y ambientales con los cuales contribuir a la sostenibilidad de los diferentes sistemas sanitarios del país (AU)

Objective: To determine the degree to which the health plans of the autonomous communities focus on the usual three dimensions of sustainability: economic, social and environmental, both in the general level of discourse and in the different areas of intervention. Method: A qualitative study was conducted through content analysis of a large sample of documents. The specific methodology was analysis of symbolic and operational sensitivity in a sample of eleven health plans of the Spanish state. Results: Social aspects, such as social determinants or vulnerable groups, are receiving increasing attention from the health planner, although there is room to strengthen attention to environmental issues and to provide specific interventions in economic terms. Conclusions: The analysis demonstrates the incipient state of health plans as strategic planning documents that integrate economic, social and environmental aspects and contribute to the sustainability of the different health systems of the country (AU)

To what degree is palliative care integrated in guidelines and pathways for adult cancer patients in Europe: a systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: Palliative Care (PC) aims to improve the quality of life for patients with cancer and their families and its benefits have been demonstrated by several studies. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the integration of PC in the content of guidelines/pathways of adult cancer patients in Europe. METHODS: We included studies of adult patients with cancer published from 01/01/1995 and 31/12/2013 in Europe in six languages. We searched nine electronic databases, hand-searched six journals and also performed citation tracking. Studies were ranked using Emanuel's Integrated Palliative Care (IPC) criteria, a tool containing 11 domains to assess PC content in guidelines. Two reviewers screened the results and narrative synthesis has been employed. RESULTS: We identified a total of 28,277 potentially relevant articles from which 637 were eligible for full-text screening. The final review included 60 guidelines and 14 pathways. Eighty percent (80%) of the guidelines/pathways emphasize a holistic approach and 66% focus on PC interventions aimed at reducing suffering. Fifty seven percent (57%) did not discuss referral criteria for PC. Of all studies, five fulfilled at least 10/11 IPC criteria. Differences existed with regard to the referral criteria for bereavement care and the continuous adjustment of goals of care. CONCLUSION: Overall, most of the identified guidelines/pathways highlighted the importance of the holistic approach of IPC. The studies that were found to fulfil at least 10/11 Emanuel's IPC criteria could serve as benchmarks of IPC.

Consensus-based recommendations for case report in Chinese medicine (CARC).

Case reports are valuable clinical evidence in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the general reporting quality is suboptimal. A working group comprising 20 members was set up to develop systematic recommendations on case report in Chinese medicine (CARC). The working group (CARC group) developed a primary checklist based on reviewing the general reporting quality of case reports in TCM and thorough internal discussion. Two-round consensus process had been carried out among clinical experts, evidence-based medicine methodologists, medical journal editors and clinical practitioners with designated questionnaire embedded with the primary checklist. In total, 118 participants from 17 provinces of China and Korea completed the questionnaires. Their feedback was analyzed and discussed by the CARC group. The checklist was amended accordingly, and the final version, comprising 16-item, is presented here. Under the framework of CARC recommendations, the reporting quality of case reports in TCM can be improved.

Consensus-based recommendations for case report in Chinese medicine (CARC) / 中国结合医学杂志

Case reports are valuable clinical evidence in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the general reporting quality is suboptimal. A working group comprising 20 members was set up to develop systematic recommendations on case report in Chinese medicine (CARC). The working group (CARC group) developed a primary checklist based on reviewing the general reporting quality of case reports in TCM and thorough internal discussion. Two-round consensus process had been carried out among clinical experts, evidence-based medicine methodologists, medical journal editors and clinical practitioners with designated questionnaire embedded with the primary checklist. In total, 118 participants from 17 provinces of China and Korea completed the questionnaires. Their feedback was analyzed and discussed by the CARC group. The checklist was amended accordingly, and the final version, comprising 16-item, is presented here. Under the framework of CARC recommendations, the reporting quality of case reports in TCM can be improved.

[Structural quality in inpatient and daycare child and adolescent psychiatry- indicators for planning future staff ratios for the era following the Psychiatry Personnel Act]. / Strukturqualität in der stationären und teilstationären Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie.

The German Psychiatry Personnel Act, which went into effect in 1990, has led to a decrease in the number of child and adolescent psychiatry inpatient beds, to a decrease in the length of stay, and to an increase in inpatient psychotherapy. Today, this act is outdated~ for a number of reasons, such as changes in the morbidity of the population, the rising number of emergencies, and new professional standards such as documentation. In addition, new legal provisions and conventions (like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child) necessitate a complete reevaluation. Child and adolescent psychiatry needs a normative act to enable the necessary implementation. Many different rationales are available to support the debate.

Use of a formal consensus development technique to produce recommendations for improving the effectiveness of adult mental health multidisciplinary team meetings.

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings are the core mechanism for delivering mental health care but it is unclear which models improve care quality. The aim of the study was to agree recommendations for improving the effectiveness of adult mental health MDT meetings, based on national guidance, research evidence and experiential insights from mental health and other medical specialties. METHODS: We established an expert panel of 16 health care professionals, policy-makers and patient representatives. Five panellists had experience in a range of adult mental health services, five in heart failure services and six in cancer services. Panellists privately rated 68 potential recommendations on a scale of one to nine, and re-rated them after panel discussion using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method to determine consensus. RESULTS: We obtained agreement (median ≥ 7) and low variation in extent of agreement (Mean Absolute Deviation from Median of ≤1.11) for 21 recommendations. These included the explicit agreement and auditing of MDT meeting objectives, and the documentation and monitoring of treatment plan implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Formal consensus development methods that involved learning across specialities led to feasible recommendations for improved MDT meeting effectiveness in a wide range of settings. Our findings may be used by adult mental health teams to reflect on their practice and facilitate improvement. In some other contexts, the recommendations will require modification. For example, in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, context-specific issues such as the role of carers should be taken into account. A limitation of the comparative approach adopted was that only five members of the panel of 16 experts were mental health specialists.

National physical activity recommendations: systematic overview and analysis of the situation in European countries.

BACKGROUND: Developing national physical activity (PA) recommendations is an essential element of an effective national approach to promote PA. METHODS: Systematic overview and analysis of national PA recommendations across the European Region of the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO European national information focal points provided information which was complemented through online searches and input from other experts. RESULTS: Information received until summer 2012 from 37 countries was analyzed. Sixteen countries did not have national recommendations while 21 countries did. For 17 countries, the source document was accessible. Seventeen recommendations referred to adults, 14 to young people and 6 to older adults. Most national recommendations for children and young people are quite similar: 12 countries recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA each day, in line with the WHO global recommendation. Three countries recommend longer durations and one a lower one. In some countries, slight variations were found regarding the recommended intensity and minimum bouts. Only one country was fully in line with the WHO recommendations. Two countries have issued separate recommendations for pre-school children. For adults, most countries still follow the 1995 United States recommendations of "at least 30 minutes on 5 days a week". Three countries were fully in line with the WHO recommendations. Four countries give specific recommendations on reducing weight, avoiding weight gain or continuing weight maintenance. The six identified national PA recommendations for older adults are mainly similar to those for adults but underline that particularly for this age group also less activity has important health benefits; four countries also recommend balance training. CONCLUSIONS: About half of the countries for which information was available and likely less than 40% of all 53 countries in the WHO European Region have developed national PA recommendations. Further investment is needed to address this important step towards a comprehensive PA promotion approach. Much remains to be done for the 2010 WHO recommendations to be fully reflected in national documents across all parts of the Region and all age groups. In addition, avoiding extended periods of inactivity and overweight are only addressed by a minority of countries yet.