Diagnostic delays in modern medicine. A case report.

Modern medicine has evolved toward ultra-specialization and sectoralization of medical specialties. This approach may provide an advantage for the quality of care of a single disease but implies the risk of not appropriately addressing comprehensive care. It may sometimes result in overall diagnostic delays due to the prescription of additional diagnostic tests, that could be appropriate considering the single specialist approach but do not consider the overall clinical context of the patient. We describe the case of a patient with multiple comorbidities, who experienced a multiple specialistic approach, without a holistic view.

Enhancing Content Validity Assessment With Item Response Theory Modeling / Mejorando la Evaluación de la Validez del Contenido a Través del Modelado de la Teoría de Respuesta al Ítem

Background: Ensuring the validity of assessments requires a thorough examination of the test content. Subject matter experts (SMEs) are commonly employed to evaluate the relevance, representativeness, and appropriateness of the items. This article proposes incorporating item response theory (IRT) into model assessments conducted by SMEs. Using IRT allows for the estimation of discrimination and threshold parameters for each SME, providing evidence of their performance in differentiating relevant from irrelevant items, thus facilitating the detection of suboptimal SME performance while improving item relevance scores. Method: Use of IRT was compared to traditional validity indices (content validity index and Aiken’s V) in the evaluation of conscientiousness items. The aim was to assess the SMEs’ accuracy in identifying whether items were designed to measure conscientiousness or not, and predicting their factor loadings. Results: The IRT-based scores effectively identified conscientiousness items (R2 = 0.57) and accurately predicted their factor loadings (R2 = 0.45). These scores demonstrated incremental validity, explaining 11% more variance than Aiken’s V and up to 17% more than the content validity index. Conclusions: Modeling SME assessments with IRT improves item alignment and provides better predictions of factor loadings, enabling improvement of the content validity of measurement instruments.(AU)

Antecedentes: Garantizar la validez de evaluaciones requiere un examen exhaustivo del contenido de una prueba. Es común emplear expertos en la materia (EM) para evaluar la relevancia, representatividad y adecuación de los ítems. Este artículo propone integrar la teoría de respuesta al ítem (TRI) en las evaluaciones hechas por EM. La TRI ofrece parámetros de discriminación y umbral de los EM, evidenciando su desempeño al diferenciar ítems relevantes/ irrelevantes, detectando desempeños subóptimos, mejorando también la estimación de la relevancia de los ítems. Método: Se comparó el uso de la TRI frente a índices tradicionales (índice de validez de contenido y V de Aiken) en ítems de responsabilidad. Se evaluó la precisión de los EM al discriminar si los ítems medían responsabilidad o no, y si sus evaluaciones permitían predecir los pesos factoriales de los ítems. Resultados: Las puntuaciones de TRI identificaron bien los ítems de responsabilidad (R2 = 0,57) y predijeron sus cargas factoriales (R2 = 0,45). Además, mostraron validez incremental, explicando entre 11% y 17% más de varianza que los índices tradicionales. Conclusiones: La TRI en las evaluaciones de los EM mejora la alineación de ítems y predice mejor los pesos factoriales, mejorando validez del contenido de los instrumentos.(AU)

Balancing generalism and specialism: what can the vet profession learn from human medicine?

Cleodie Swire and Honoria Brown argue that the current trends of promoting generalism in human medicine to provide holistic care to patients should prompt the veterinary profession to do the same and create a rewarding career pathway for GP vets.

Integrated care and the behavioral health primary care provider.

ABSTRACT: Primary care remains the main setting for delivery of psychiatric care. An integrated approach improves the ability of primary care providers (PCPs) to care for complex patients with behavioral health needs. This article describes integrated care and how physician associates/assistants can gain additional training to become behavioral health specialists.

Embarque na residência integrada em saúde: relato de experiências com ênfase em saúde coletiva / Boarding on the integrated health residence: report of experiences with emphasis on public health / Abordaje de la residencia sanitaria integrada: relato de experiencias con énfasis en salud pública

Este trabalho tem o objetivo de relatar a experiência de imersão na especialização com caráter de residência integrada com ênfase em Saúde Coletiva. Trata- se de um estudo descritivo, qualitativo, utilizando-se como referencial teórico para descrição a observação participante, memória afetiva, diário de bordo e da textualização. Foi desenvolvido na Residência Integrada em Saúde, da Escola de Saúde Pública do Estado do Ceará, ênfase em Saúde Coletiva, no período de dois anos, em Fortaleza, Ceará. Os cenários de prática foram setores relacionados à Atenção Primária à Saúde, Vigilância Epidemiológica, Sanitária e Ambiental, Controle de Endemias e Zoonoses, Imunização, além dos espaços de gestão, assistência e controle social. A imersão na especialização em caráter de residência viabilizou ferramentas para a vivência, por meio da interprofissionalidade e integração contínuas, e da realização das atividades, circulação de informações, compreensão das experiências, entendimento de macroprocessos, políticas e indicadores. Rodas de Campo e de Equipe viabilizaram o aprofundamento das temáticas administrativa, formativa, teórica e terapêutica. Percebeu-se resistência e desejo de remodelações, mediante inovação e diálogo intersetorial. A relação entre as categorias profissionais e ser sanitarista foi desafiadora. Oportunizou-se, também, habilidades de gestão, autonomia e governança, com pluralidade formativa e riqueza de atuação. A vivência favoreceu a percepção do programa de residência como processo formativo plural e significativo. O elemento político se destacou como base para a formação dos residentes e fortalecimento do sistema de saúde, e a residência integrada em saúde, como modalidade diferenciada de formação, com desafios e potencialidades.

The object of this study was to report the experience of immersion in the specialization as an integrated residency with emphasis on Public Health. A descriptive, qualitative study, of the experience report type, using participant observation, affective memory, logbook and textualization as theoretical references for description. It was developed in the Integrated Residency in Health, of the School of Public Health. emphasis on Public Health, during two years, in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. The practice scenarios were sectors related to Primary Health Care, Epidemiological, Sanitary and Environmental Surveillance, Endemic and Zoonosis Control, Immunization, in addition to management, assistance and social control spaces. The immersion in the specialization in a residency character has enabled tools for the experience, through continuous interprofessionalism and integration, and the realization of activities, circulation of information, understanding of experiences, understanding of macro processes, policies and indicators. Field and team meetings made it possible to deepen the administrative, formative, theoretical, and therapeutic themes. Resistance and a desire for remodeling was perceived, through innovation and intersectoral dialogue. The relationship between the professional categories and being a sanitarian was challenging. It also provided opportunities for management skills, autonomy, and governance, with formative plurality and richness of action. The experience favored the perception of the residency program as a plural and significant formative process. The political element stood out as the basis for training residents and strengthening the health system, and the integrated health residency as a differentiated training modality, with challenges and potentialities.

El objeto de este estudio fue relatar la experiencia de inmersión en la especialización como residencia integrada con énfasis en Salud Pública. Estudio descriptivo, cualitativo, del tipo relato de experiencias, utilizando la observación participante, la memoria afectiva, la bitácora y la textualización como referentes teóricos para la descripción. Se desarrolló en la Residencia Integrada en Salud, de la Escuela de Salud Pública. énfasis en Salud Pública, durante dos años, en Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Los escenarios de la práctica fueron sectores relacionados con la Atención Primaria de Salud, Vigilancia Epidemiológica, Sanitaria y Ambiental, Control de Endemias y Zoonosis, Inmunización, además de espacios de gestión, asistencia y control social. La inmersión en la especialización en carácter de residencia ha posibilitado herramientas para la experiencia, a través de la continua interprofesionalidad e integración, y la realización de actividades, circulación de información, comprensión de experiencias, entendimiento de macro procesos, políticas e indicadores. Reuniones de campo y de equipo posibilitaron la profundización de los temas administrativos, formativos, teóricos y terapéuticos. Se percibieron resistencias y deseos de remodelación, a través de la innovación y el diálogo intersectorial. La relación entre las categorías profesionales y el ser sanitario fue desafiante. También proporcionó oportunidades para la capacidad de gestión, autonomía y gobernanza, con pluralidad formativa y riqueza de acción. La experiencia favoreció la percepción del programa de residencia como un proceso formativo plural y significativo. Se destacó el elemento político como base para la formación de residentes y fortalecimiento del sistema de salud, y la residencia integrada en salud como modalidad formativa diferenciada, con desafíos y potencialidades.

Educação permanente no sistema único de saúde: concepções de profissionais da gestão e dos serviços / Continuing permanent education in the brazilian national health system: conceptions from management and care professionals / Educación continua en el sistema único de salud brasileño: concepciones de los profesionales de gestión y servicios

Este artigo pretende compreender as concepções de profissionais da gestão e dos serviços do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) sobre Educação Permanente em Saúde (EPS), bem como seus desafios e potencialidades. Utilizou-se de grupo focal para coleta, seguido de análise lexical do tipo classificação hierárquica descendente com auxílio do software Iramuteq. Os resultados delinearam quatro classes: a) EPS - entendimentos e expectativas; b) entraves à EPS; c) ETSUS e EPS por meio de cursos e capacitações; e d) dispositivos de EPS: potencialidades e desafios. Os participantes apontaram equívocos de entendimentos acerca da EPS ao equipará-la à Educação Continuada (EC) voltada à transferência de conteúdo, com repercussões negativas na prática de EPS. Discute-se o risco em centralizar o responsável pela concretização dessa proposta, que deveria ser coletiva e compartilhada entre diferentes atores. Reivindica-se, portanto, uma produção colaborativa, que possa circular entre os envolvidos, de modo que cada um experimente esse lugar e se aproprie da complexidade de interações propiciadas pela Educação Permanente em Saúde.(AU)

This article aims to understand the conceptions of professionals from the management and services of the Unified Health System (SUS) on Permanent Education in Health (EPS), as well as its challenges and potential. A focus group was used for data collection, followed by a lexical analysis of the descending hierarchical classification type using the Iramuteq software. The results delineated four classes: a) EPS - understandings and expectations; b) obstacles to EPS; c) ETSUS and EPS by courses and training; and d) EPS devices: potentialities and challenges. Participants pointed out misunderstandings about EPS, when equating it with Continuing Education (CE) focused on content transfer, with negative repercussions on EPS practice. The risk of centralizing the person responsible for implementing this proposal, which should be collective and shared among different actors, is discussed. Therefore, a collaborative production is claimed for, which can circulate among those involved, so that each one experiences this place and appropriates the complexity of interactions provided by Permanent Education in Health.(AU)

Este artículo tiene por objetivo comprender las concepciones de los profesionales de la gestión y servicios del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) sobre Educación Continua en Salud (EPS), así como sus desafíos y potencialidades. Se utilizó un grupo focal para la recolección de datos, seguido por un análisis léxico del tipo clasificación jerárquica descendente con la ayuda del software Iramuteq. Los resultados delinearon cuatro clases: a) EPS: entendimientos y expectativas, b) Barreras para EPS, c) ETSUS y EPS a través de cursos y capacitación, y d) Dispositivos EPS: potencialidades y desafíos. Los participantes informaron que existen malentendidos sobre EPS al equipararla a Educación Continua, con repercusiones negativas en la práctica de EPS, orientada a la transferencia de contenidos. Se discute el riesgo de elegir a un solo organismo como responsable de implementar esta propuesta colectiva, que debería ser colectiva y compartida entre los diferentes actores. Se aboga por un liderazgo colaborativo, que pueda circular entre los involucrados, para que cada uno experimente este lugar y se apropie de la complejidad de interacciones que brinda la Educación Continua en Salud.(AU)

A disciplina psicologia do esporte nos cursos de psicologia e educação física / Sports psychology in psychology and physical education courses / La materia psicología del deporte en los cursos de psicología y educación física

Este discute a representatividade da disciplina Psicologia do Esporte nos cursos de Psicologia e Educação Física em instituições de ensino superior reconhecidas pelo MEC e situadas na região Sul do país. Foi realizado um estudo documental, com base nos currículos das Instituições. Os resultados revelaram que no Sul do Brasil 21,02% dos cursos de Psicologia, 41,96% dos cursos de bacharelado em Educação Física e apenas 14,83% dos cursos de licenciatura em Educação Física apresentam a disciplina Psicologia do Esporte em sua grade curricular. Observou-se que a disciplina é ofertada mais frequentemente em regime obrigatório nos cursos de bacharelado em Educação Física. Nos cursos de Psicologia, quando ofertada, costuma ser optativa. Os resultados evidenciam uma maior oferta da disciplina para os estudantes de Educação Física, em relação aos de Psicologia, o que pode estar relacionado ao próprio contexto de surgimento da disciplina e sua popularização no meio acadêmico. Para que esse panorama possa mudar e se possa oferecer uma formação adequada no curso de Psicologia para fomentar essa opção de carreira, há necessidade de se repensar o currículo e o próprio perfil do egresso, de forma a dar mais oportunidade aos estudantes para que conheçam as bases teóricas e os campos de aplicação da Psicologia do Esporte. Tal lacuna pode acarretar a fragilização da disseminação desse conhecimento aos estudantes de graduação e a consequente ocupação do mercado de trabalho.(AU)

This study discusses the representativeness of Sports Psychology in Psychology and Physical Education courses at higher education institutions from Southern Brazil. A documentary study was conducted based on the institutions' curricula. Results show that 21.02% of the Psychology major, 41.96% of the bachelor's in Physical Education, and only 14.83% of the license in Physical Education offer Sports Psychology in their curricula. Sports Psychology is most often offered as a compulsory subject in the bachelor's program in Physical Education, whereas Psychology courses offer it mainly as an elective. Physical Education students have greater contact with the discipline when compared with Psychology students, which may be explained by its context of development and popularization in the academic environment. To change this scenario and offer adequate education in the Psychology programs to foster this career option, institutions must rethink their curriculum and the graduate profile itself. This would give students better opportunity to get to know its theoretical bases and fields of application. Such a gap can hinder the dissemination of this knowledge to undergraduate students and the consequent labor market occupation.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio es discutir la representatividad de la materia Psicología del Deporte en los cursos de Psicología y Educación Física en instituciones de educación superior de la región Sur de Brasil, reconocidas por el Ministerio de Educación (MEC). Se realizó un estudio documental, basado en los planes de estudio de las instituciones. Los resultados revelaron que, en el Sur de Brasil, el 21,02% de los cursos de Psicología, el 41,96% de los cursos de licenciatura en Educación Física y sólo el 14,83% de los cursos de profesorado en Educación tienen la materia Psicología del Deporte en sus planes de estudio. Se observó que la materia Psicología del Deporte se ofrece con mayor frecuencia como asignatura obligatoria en los cursos de licenciatura en Educación Física. Cuando se ofrece en los cursos de Psicología, es una materia optativa. Los resultados muestran una mayor oferta para los estudiantes de Educación Física en comparación con Psicología, lo que puede estar relacionado con el contexto del surgimiento de la Psicología del Deporte como materia y su popularización en el ámbito académico. Para que este escenario cambie y sea posible ofrecer una formación adecuada en el curso de Psicología con el fin de fomentar esta opción de carrera, es necesario repensar el plan de estudios y el perfil del egresado, así los estudiantes tendrán más oportunidades de conocer sus bases teóricas y sus campos de actuación. Tal brecha puede debilitar la difusión de este conocimiento a los estudiantes de grado y la consecuente ocupación en el mercado laboral.(AU)

Notas para decolonizar os estudos transpessoais no brasil: contribuições do pluriperspectivismo participativo / Notes for decolonizing transpersonal studies in brazil: contributions of participatory pluriperspectivism / Apuntes para la decolonización de los estudios transpersonales en brasil: aportes del pluriperspectivismo participativo

O campo dos estudos transpessoais tem avançado em diversas áreas no Brasil. Comemorou seus 40 anos com uma inserção ativa nas Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) e uma ampliação de núcleos formativos e apoiadores de ensino, pesquisa e ações sociais, além de diálogos com o Sistema de Conselhos de Psicologia. Desafios são apresentados a partir do levantamento de uma série de questões importantes e ignoradas dentro da Psicologia Transpessoal no Brasil. Apresentamos o pluriperspectivismo participativo como possibilidade de decolonizar as matrizes eurocêntricas e estadunidenses, que dão suporte ao pensamento transpessoal brasileiro, buscando honrar nossas raízes históricas e incluir outras epistemologias e ontologias, que dão continuidade à crítica à lógica cartesiana moderna. Indicamos uma breve agenda de notas temáticas que carecem de um processo decolonizador no campo transpessoal: a) crítica às perspectivas de um pensamento hegemônico, em termos globais por meio da dominação Norte-Sul ou no campo das relações sociais; b) revisão das formas de "centrocentrismo"; c) questionamento da noção de universalismo das ciências e da ética; d) aprofundamento da análise crítica da supremacia restritiva da racionalidade formal técnico-científica em relação às formas de subjetividade, de vivências holísticas e integradoras e de valorização do corpo; e) revisão da noção de sujeito moderno desprovida da cocriação do humano com a comunidade, a história, a natureza e o cosmos.(AU)

The field of transpersonal studies has advanced in several areas in Brazil. It celebrated its 40th anniversary with an active insertion in Higher Education Institutions (HEI) and an expansion of training centers and supporters of teaching, research, and social actions, in addition to dialogues with the System of Councils of Psychology. Challenges are presented based on a survey of a series of important and ignored issues within Transpersonal Psychology in Brazil. We present participatory pluriperspectivism as a possibility to decolonize the Eurocentric and North American matrices that support Brazilian transpersonal thought, seeking to honor our historical roots and include other epistemologies and ontologies, which continue the critique of modern Cartesian logic. We indicate a brief agenda of thematic notes that lack a decolonizing process in the transpersonal field: a) criticism of the perspectives of a hegemonic thought, whether in global terms via North-South domination or in the field of social relations; b) review of the forms of "centrocentrism"; c) questioning of the notion of universalism of science and ethics; d) deepening of the critical analysis of the restrictive supremacy of the technical-scientific formal rationality in relation to the forms of subjectivity, of holistic and integrative experiences, and of valuing the body; e) review of the notion of the modern subject devoid of the co-creation of the human with the community, the history, the nature, and the cosmos.(AU)

El campo de los estudios transpersonales ha avanzado en varias áreas de Brasil. Se celebró su 40.º aniversario con una inserción activa en Instituciones de Educación Superior (IES) y una ampliación de los centros de formación y promotores de la docencia, la investigación y la acción social, además de diálogos con el Sistema de Consejos de Psicología. Los desafíos se presentan a partir de una encuesta de una serie de temas importantes e ignorados dentro de la Psicología Transpersonal en Brasil. Presentamos el pluriperspectivismo participativo como una posibilidad para decolonizar las matrices eurocéntrica y americana, que sustentan el pensamiento transpersonal brasileño, buscando honrar nuestras raíces históricas e incluir otras epistemologías y ontologías que continúan la crítica de la lógica cartesiana moderna. Indicamos una breve agenda de apuntes temáticos que carecen de un proceso decolonizador en el campo transpersonal: a) crítica de las perspectivas de un pensamiento hegemónico, ya sea en términos globales a través del dominio Norte-Sur o en el campo de las relaciones sociales; b) revisión de las formas de "centrocentrismo"; c) cuestionamiento de la noción de universalismo de la ciencia y la ética; d) profundización del análisis crítico de la supremacía restrictiva de la racionalidad formal técnico-científica en relación a las formas de subjetividad, de experiencias holísticas e integradoras y de valoración del cuerpo; e) revisión de la noción de sujeto moderno desprovisto de la cocreación de lo humano con la comunidad, la historia, la naturaleza y el cosmos.(AU)

Measuring inequality in the distribution of health human resources using the Hirschman-Herfindahl index: a case study of Qazvin Province.

BACKGROUND: Achieving equity in the distribution of health services is one major goal in the health system. This study aimed to determine equality in distributing health human resources (physicians) in the Qazvin University of Medical Sciences before and after the Health Transformation Plan (HTP) based on the Hirschman-Herfindahl index (HHI). METHODS: In this descriptive-analytical study, the statistical population was general practitioners (GPs), specialists and subspecialists in the Qazvin University of Medical Sciences from 2011-to 2017. We extracted demographic statistics of the cities from the Statistical Center of Iran. Physicians' statistics were obtained from the Curative Affairs Deputy at the Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. We assessed inequality using the HHI. RESULTS: The highest number of GPs was in 2014, and specialists and subspecialists were in 2017. The lowest number of GPs, specialists, and subspecialists were in 2016, 2011 and 2015. The HHI for GPs in 2011-2017 was between 4300 and 5200. The lowest concentration for specialists before the HTP plan was the cardiologist with 3300, and after the HTP, the internal specialist with 3900. Also, the numerical value of this index for all subspecialty physicians after the HTP was 10,000, the highest level of concentration. CONCLUSION: The values obtained from the HHI index indicate the high concentration and disproportionate and inequitable distribution of human resources in the health sector in this province. The number of specialists in some cities is still much less than acceptable, and some cities even have shortcomings in the critical specialists.

Posicionamiento conceptual metodológico para el examen estatal en anatomía humana / A conceptual-methodological stance for the state examination of human anatomy

Introducción: El examen estatal en las especialidades médicas cubanas es un garante de calidad en las competencias y el desempeño profesional. Su calidad técnica y metodológica debe ser objeto de perfeccionamiento permanente como acción responsable hacia la excelencia académica. Objetivo: Promover un posicionamiento conceptual metodológico para el perfeccionamiento del examen teórico práctico de la especialidad anatomía humana. Métodos: Se emplearon el analítico sintético, la observación participativa y la revisión documental. Resultados: Se obtuvo una propuesta valorativa en el contexto de la especialización en anatomía humana, con acciones específicas para el perfeccionamiento del examen práctico y teórico de esta especialidad. Conclusiones: Los fundamentos teóricos y prácticos presentados son pertinentes para superar debilidades en los exámenes estatales anteriores, y favorecer en el residente de anatomía humana el desarrollo de un pensamiento holístico durante su proceso de formación, con beneficio de mayores competencias y mejor desempeño docente e investigativo(AU)

Introduction: The state examination in Cuban medical specialties ensure quality in competences and professional performance. Its technical and methodological quality should be subjected to permanent improvement as a responsible action towards academic excellence. Objective: To promote a conceptual-methodological stance for the improvement of the practical-theoretical examination of the Human Anatomy specialty. Methods: The methods of analysis-synthesis, participative observation and documental review were used. Results: An assessment proposal was obtained in the context of the specialization in Human Anatomy, with specific actions for the improvement of the practical and theoretical examination of this specialty. Conclusions: The theoretical and practical foundations presented are pertinent to overcome weaknesses of previous state examinations, as well as to favor, in the Human Anatomy resident, the development of a holistic thinking during her or his training process, with the benefit of greater competences and better teaching and research performance(AU)

A qualitative analysis of the needs and wishes of people with type 2 diabetes and healthcare professionals for optimal diabetes care.

AIM: Globally, type 2 diabetes care is often fragmented and still organised in a provider-centred way, resulting in suboptimal care for many individuals. As healthcare systems seek to implement digital care innovations, it is timely to reassess stakeholders' priorities to guide the redesign of diabetes care. This study aimed to identify the needs and wishes of people with type 2 diabetes, and specialist and primary care teams regarding optimal diabetes care to explore how to better support people with diabetes in a metropolitan healthcare service in Australia. METHODS: Our project was guided by a Participatory Design approach and this paper reports part of the first step, identification of needs. We conducted four focus groups and 16 interviews (November 2019-January 2020) with 17 adults with type 2 diabetes and seven specialist clinicians from a diabetes outpatient clinic in Brisbane, Australia, and seven primary care professionals from different clinics in Brisbane. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, building on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour model. RESULTS: People with diabetes expressed the wish to be equipped, supported and recognised for their efforts in a holistic way, receive personalised care at the right time and improved access to connected services. Healthcare professionals agreed and expressed their own burden regarding their challenging work. Overall, both groups desired holistic, personalised, supportive, proactive and coordinated care pathways. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that there is an alignment of the perceived needs and wishes for improved diabetes care among key stakeholders, however, important gaps remain in the healthcare system.

The Contest between Life-Oriented and Specialization : A Study on the Self-treatment Phenomenon in Ming and Qing Dynasties in China.

It is natural for people to think that the increasing popularity of seeking medical treatment and the continuous development of medicine are the important embodiment of the progress of human civilization. Generally speaking, the progress of medical technology and the abundance of medical resources mean that the phenomenon of self-treatment is reduced. However, this study of Chinese medical history found that it had always been a common choice to seek self-treatment for people in all social classes, from literati and bureaucrats to ordinary people in remote mountainous areas, especially during the Ming and Qing Dynasties in China. Such records can be seen especially when looking through historical materials such as medical books, local chronicles, genealogies, notes, and anthologies. Although medical skills in Ming-Qing era were more developed than previous eras and the local medical resources were more abundant, from ordinary people in remote areas to elite groups such as literati and officials, people often regarded self-treatment as a basic choice when they or their family members fell ill, no matter whether they had the ability or the opportunity to delay medical treatment. This article aims to explore the logic and root behind this seemingly contradictory phenomenon. Therefore, this research first raises the question: what accounted for this seemingly contradictory phenomenon? In response to this question, this study confirms the following: Firstly, low barriers to entry and high rewards drove people of varying qualifications into the medical profession, and good doctors were hard to find; thus, self-treatment was no worse than the alternatives. Secondly, in the Ming-Qing dynasties, Confucian physicians tended to write more practical prescriptions, which gave many people the opportunity to improve their own medical knowledge and provided great convenience for self-treatment. Thirdly, since the mid-Ming Dynasty, the high medical cost had caused serious difficulties for ordinary people to seek professional medical care, so they tried their best to save themselves when they fell ill. On this basis, this study further found that the deeper reason for this phenomenon lies in the incoordination between the high degree of daily life style of traditional medical treatment and the corresponding low degree of medical specialization and professionalism. Then, this leads to another question: is this incongruity a historical norm or a product of a certain historical stage? This article argues that during the Ming-Qing era, in the macro trend, the two showed a competitive relationship. However, in the context of a broader and more microscopic time and space, is this competitive relationship valid? Especially at present, chronic non-communicable diseases are becoming the biggest threat to human health. With the professional development of medical technology, the trend of medical life-style has also become a reasonable way to fill the gap from highly authoritative medical treatment and take on the responsibilities of their own health. This kind of medical specialization and life-style seems to be developing in parallel. Therefore, it can be concluded that the dissonance between the two is only the product of a certain historical period. Finally, this study raises another relevant question: what are the social and cultural implications behind the parallel development of medical life and specialization? This is a question to be answered in future research on the topic.

Metodología para la formación del residente de cirugía general en la atención integral al paciente con cáncer de colon / Methodology for training the resident of general surgery in the comprehensive care to the patient with colon cancer i:en

Introducción: El programa de especialización en cirugía general comprende el tema cáncer de colon en la especialidad de coloproctología, en el segundo año, cuya duración se reduce a un mes; tiempo totalmente insuficiente para abarcar todos los contenidos teóricos y prácticos pertinentes. Por ello, se propone una metodología para la formación del residente de cirugía general en la atención integral al paciente con cáncer de colon, para lo cual se aplicaron los métodos teóricos de análisis y síntesis, de sistematización y generalización de experiencias, así como el sistémico estructural funcional y el holístico dialéctico. Desarrollo: La intencionalidad formativa declarada en el currículo no se corresponde con la orientación sistematizadora y la generalización formativa, como contradicción dialéctica y principio de la didáctica de la educación superior; tampoco existe una adecuada sistematización epistemológica y metodológica, lo que se evidencia por la fragmentación, falta de coherencia y flexibilidad para su aplicación en el variado contexto donde ocurre la formación del cirujano. La fragmentación formativa asistémica muy abarcadora del currículo no dinamiza el proceso pedagógico de esta especialización para cumplimentar los objetivos indicados. Conclusiones: Esta propuesta estratifica los contenidos teóricos y prácticos para el tema cáncer de colon en específico, con un nivel de complejidad ascendente durante toda la especialización en cirugía general, y de conjunto con la realización efectiva de las actividades concernientes a la educación en el trabajo, lo que puede contribuir a la formación de este profesional en la atención integral al paciente con cáncer de colon.

Introduction: The specialization program in effective general surgery covers the topic colon cancer in Coloproctology, in the second year, which duration decreases to one month; completely insufficient time to embrace all the pertinent theoretical and practical contents. That is why, a methodology for training the resident of general surgery in the comprehensive care to the patient with colon cancer is proposed, for which the theoretical methods of analysis and synthesis, systematizing and generalization of experiences were applied, as well as the systemic structural functional and the holistic dialectical method. Development: The training purpose declared in the curriculum doesn't fit with the systematizing orientation and the training generalization, as dialectical contradiction and didactics principle of higher education; there is no appropriate epistemologic and methodologic systematization, what is evidenced by the fragmentation, lack of coherence and flexibility for its application in the varied context where the surgeon training happens. The asystemic training fragmentation very comprehensive of the curriculum doesn't energize the pedagogic process of this training to fulfill the suitable objectives. Conclusions: This proposal stratifies the theoretical and practical contents for the topic colon cancer in specific, with a level of upward complexity during the whole specialization in general surgery, and together with the effective realization of the activities concerning the education at work, what can contribute to this professional training in the comprehensive care to the patient with colon cancer.

Medical student and trainee doctor views on the 'good' doctor: Deriving implications for training from a Q-methods study.

PURPOSE: In context of changing patient demographics, this study explores what doctors and medical students believe being a 'good' doctor means and identifies implications for training. METHOD: Using Q-methodology, a purposive sample of 58 UK medical students and trainees sorted 40 responses to the prompt 'Being a "good" doctor means….' Participants explained their array choices in a post-sort questionnaire. Factor-groups, consensus and distinguishing statements were identified using Principal Components Analysis in R. RESULTS: Three factor-groups best described shared and divergent perspectives, accounting for 61.64% of variance. The largest, 'patient-centred generalist' group valued patient wellbeing and empowerment, compassion and complex needs. They prioritised knowledge breadth and understanding other specialties. The 'efficient working doctors' group valued good work-life balance, pay and did not seek challenge. Some believed these made a stressful career sustainable. The 'specialist' group valued skills mastery, expertise, depth of knowledge and leadership. Participant-groups were distributed across these factor-groups, all agreeing early specialisation should be avoided. CONCLUSIONS: The largest factor-group's perceptions of holistic, patient-centred care align with Royal Colleges' curricula adaptions to equip doctors with generalist skills to manage multi-morbid patients. However, curriculum designers should acknowledge implications of generalist approaches for doctors' formulation of professional identities.

[Dramatic changes in the age structure for medical specialists in the field of mental health]. / Dramatische Veränderungen der Altersstruktur bei Fachärzten im Bereich psychischer Gesundheit.

BACKGROUND: Over the past 20 years the importance of treatment of people with mental and neurological disorders has greatly increased. Parallel to this development it has become more difficult to attract young physicians to this field. The aim of this study was to examine the development of the number of physicians specialized in the care of patients suffering from neurological, mental and psychosomatic disorders with special consideration of the age structure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analyses were based on the number of professionally active physicians and specialized physicians published by the German Medical Association for the years 2000-2020. Separate age groups were looked at for psychiatry and psychotherapy (PPT), psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy (PMPT), Nervenheilkunde (formerly psychiatry and neurology together, NHK) and neurology. RESULTS: In comparison to the year 2000 the number of specialized physicians working in PPT (4736 vs. 12,053), neurology (2226 vs. 8355) and PMPT (3543 vs. 4130) increased in 2020, while the number of specialists actively working in NHK decreased (5184 vs. 2301). Parallel to this the proportion of women increased. Dramatic changes occurred concerning the age structure. Currently, 77.7% of specialists working in NHK and 59.7% working in PMPT are over 60 years old. In 2020 there were 2988 specialists aged over 60 years in the discipline of PPT compared to only 1070 under 40 years, which is dramatically different from 20 years earlier when only 181 were over 60 years but 1491 were under 40 years old. CONCLUSION: The overaging of professional specialists and the shortage of junior physicians jeopardize modern and adequate provision of care for mentally ill patients. Possible solutions include a marked increase in medical school capacities as well as strategies to convince young physicians to work in the disciplines of PPT and PMPT.

Essential components of care in a multidisciplinary headache center: Perspectives from headache neurology specialists.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Comprehensive headache care involves numerous specialties and components that have not been well documented or standardized. This study aimed to elicit best practices and characterize important elements of care to be provided in multidisciplinary headache centers. METHODS: Qualitative, semi-structured telephone interviews with a purposive sample of headache neurology specialists from across the US, using open-ended questions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded. Coded data were further analyzed using immersion/crystallization techniques for final interpretation. RESULTS: Mean years providing headache care was 17.7 (SD = 10.6). Twelve of the 13 participants held United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties headache certification. Six described their practice site as providing multidisciplinary headache care. Participants explained most of their patients had seen multiple doctors over many years, and had tried numerous unsuccessful treatments. They noted patients with chronic headache frequently present with comorbidities and become stigmatized. All participants asserted successful care depends on taking time to talk with and listen to patients, gain understanding, and earn trust. All participants believed multidisciplinary care is essential within a comprehensive headache center, along with staffing enough headache specialists, implementing detailed headache intake and follow-up protocols, and providing the newest medications, neuromodulation devices, botulinum toxin injections, monoclonal antibodies, nerve blocks and infusions, and treatment from a health psychologist. Other essential services for a headache center are other behavioral health practitioners providing cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, biofeedback and pain management; and autonomic neurology, neuropsychology, vestibular audiology, sleep medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, speech therapy, nutrition, complementary integrative health modalities, and highly trained support staff. CONCLUSION: While headache neurology specialists form the backbone of headache care, experts interviewed for this study maintained their specialty is just one of many types of care needed to adequately treat patients with chronic headache, and this is best provided in a comprehensive, multidisciplinary center.

[Systemic and pathogenetic approach: a new look at traditional Chinese medicine]. / Sistemno-patogeneticheskii podkhod: novyi vzglyad na traditsionnuyu kitaiskuyu meditsinu.

A mere focused medical specialization and standardization, the lack of a holistic, systemic view of the human body, leads to a deadlock in the further development of modern medicine. P.K. Anokhin's functional systems theory (1935) made a breakthrough in medical science, setting it in a new direction. So far, however, the fundamental aspects of this theory have not been fully applied in practice. Till the present day, there is an endless accumulation of scientific facts that are not united by a holistic ideology. Nevertheless, the truly systemic approach proclaimed in the twentieth century by P.K. Anokhin has been used by mankind since ancient times, particularly in Chinese traditional medicine (CTM). Its basic postulates, the concept of Yin-Yang, Wuxing (system of five primary elements), the idea of acupuncture points and body channels, do not contradict up-to-date scientific data, and every year they draw new confirmations of their relevance. At the same time, they provide a clear vision of the general patterns of the whole body function and the interaction of its parts. The authors propose a transition to a whole new level of knowledge of the human body, called the «systemic and pathogenetic approach.¼ It allows considering an illness according to CTM as a result of dysfunction of an integral system of a body. Properly set medical thinking based on this approach will lead to adequate diagnosis and the choice of the proper treatment for many diseases.

Role distribution and collaboration between specialists and rural general practitioners in long-term chronic care: a qualitative study in Switzerland.

INTRODUCTION: This study explores general practitioners' (GPs') and medical specialists' perceptions of role distribution and collaboration in the care of patients with chronic conditions, exemplified by spinal cord injury. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with GPs and medical specialists caring for individuals with spinal cord injury in Switzerland. The physicians we interviewed were recruited as part of an intervention study. We used a hybrid framework of inductive and deductive coding to analyse the qualitative data. RESULTS: Six GPs and six medical specialists agreed to be interviewed. GPs and specialists perceived the role of specialists similarly, namely as an expert and support role for GPs in the case of specialised questions. Specialists' expectations of GP services and what GPs provide differed. Specialists saw the GPs' role as complementary to their own responsibilities, namely as the first contact for patients and gatekeepers to specialised services. GPs saw themselves as care managers and guides with a holistic view of patients, connecting several healthcare professionals. GPs were looking for relations and recognition by getting to know specialists better. Specialists viewed collaboration as somewhat distant and focused on processes and patient pathways. Challenges in collaboration were related to unclear roles and responsibilities in patient care. CONCLUSION: The expectations for role distribution and responsibilities differ among physicians. Different goals of GPs and specialists for collaboration may jeopardise shared care models. The role distribution should be aligned according to patients' holistic needs to improve collaboration and provide appropriate patient care.