Development and validation of an analytical method by HPLC-DAD for determination of caffeine in products based on guarana extracts (Paullinia cupana)

Abstract Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a native plant from the Amazon whose seeds contain a high concentration of caffeine. Aqueous extract of guarana is widely used in the world. In this study, the objective was to develop and validate a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography method for the determination of caffeine in extracts and commercial beverages based on guarana. A sensitive, simple, and viable high performance liquid chromatographic method without the need of an analyte extraction procedure was developed and validated according to Brazilian and international requirements. The method presented high performance, fulfilling Brazilian and international requirements, in addition to allowing product compliance tests. Results confirmed high selectivity and linearity (>0.999) between 5 to 135 ug/mL, with no significant matrix effect. Detection and quantification limits were 0.02 µg/mL and 2 µg/mL, respectively. Precision was less than 4 %, and accuracy varied from 99.9-120 %. Applicability of the method was demonstrated by conducting a limited evaluation in products containing caffeine. Commercial extracts showed quite different caffeine levels, while carbonated drinks follow Brazilian and American recommendations. Our results indicate that the developed method can be used to evaluate the quality of the guarana extract and of products containing caffeine

Preservation of phenolic compounds on dried leaf infusion of Bauhinia forficata Link

Abstract Bauhinia forficata Link aqueous extract is usually recommended as a phytomedicine to reduce blood glucose levels and its biological activity has been linked to the presence of phenolic compounds from B. forficata preparations. Several drying processes are used in the production of dry herbal extracts, which may influence the chemical composition and efficacy of final herbal medicines. Due to significant chemical changes, defining appropriate drying processes is essential for phytopharmaceutical drug development. In view of this, we analyzed dried B. forficata leaf infusion (BFLI) extracts by HPLC-UV-MSn, followed by molecular networking analysis to evaluate the chemical profiles from dried extracts yielded by freeze-and spray-drying processes. The main metabolites detected included 11 ferulic/isoferulic acid derivatives and 13 glycosylated flavonoids. The qualitative chemical profiles were alike for both drying processes, whereas the relative abundance of some flavonoids was higher using spray-drying. Taken together, our results showed that freeze-and spray-drying preserved the phenolic profile of BFLI and suggested that spray-drying may be the most suitable to obtain its dried products. Along with studying the chemical profiles of dried herbal extracts, evaluating the influence of drying processes on the quality and chemical profiles of final products is pivotal and may benefit future research.

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)

Sistema de avaliação de testes psicológicos: histórias contadas e não contadas / Psychological test evaluation system: stories told and untold / Sistema de evaluación de tests psicológicos: historias contadas y no contadas

O Sistema de Avaliação de Testes Psicológicos (SATEPSI) recebeu notoriedade entre brasileiros e estrangeiros por oferecer um complexo sistema de qualificação dos testes psicológicos, pouco visto em âmbito mundial. Sua elaboração dependeu de uma autarquia, que o financiou, normatizou e o mantém, mas também de pesquisadores docentes de avaliação psicológica, que trouxeram a expertise da área para que houvesse o pleno estabelecimento de seus parâmetros. Passadas duas décadas de seu lançamento, o SATEPSI foi tema de artigos, capítulos, lives e diálogos digitais, nos quais foram destaque, de modo geral, as Resoluções do Conselho Federal de Psicologia, que o normatiza, e seus impactos para a área de avaliação psicológica - como, por exemplo, o aumento do número de pesquisas e de testes brasileiros qualificados. O que se pretende neste artigo é mencionar sua construção, à luz dos autores que vivenciaram o SATEPSI em funções e tempos distintos. Atenção especial será dada aos Métodos Projetivos, cuja história ainda é pouco revelada.(AU)

The system to evaluate psychological tests (Satepsi) received notoriety among Brazilians and foreigners for offering a complex system of qualification of psychological tests, which is rarely seen worldwide. Its development depended on an autarchy (which financed, standardized, and maintains it) and on researchers teaching psychological assessment, who brought their expertise to the area so its parameters could be fully established. After two decades of its launch, Satepsi was the subject of articles, chapters, lives, and digital dialogues, which usually highlighted the Resolutions of the Federal Council of Psychology that normatize psychological evaluation and their impacts, such as the increase in the number of qualified Brazilian tests. This study aims to mention its construction in the light of the authors who experienced Satepsi in different functions and times, giving special attention to Projective Methods, whose history remains to be shown.(AU)

El Sistema de Evaluación de Tests Psicológicos (SATEPSI) ganó notoriedad entre los brasileños y los extranjeros por ofrecer un complejo sistema de calificación de los tests psicológicos, poco frecuente a nivel mundial. Su elaboración dependió de una autarquía, que lo financió, lo estandarizó y lo mantiene, pero también de investigadores docentes de evaluación psicológica, que trajeron la experiencia del área para que hubiera el pleno establecimiento de sus parámetros. Tras dos décadas de su lanzamiento, SATEPSI fue tema de artículos, capítulos, en directo y diálogos digitales, en los cuales destacaron, de modo general, las Resoluciones del Consejo Federal de Psicología que lo normatiza y sus impactos para el área de evaluación psicológica, como el aumento del número de investigaciones y de pruebas brasileñas calificadas. Lo que se pretende en este artículo es mencionar su construcción, a la luz de los autores que vivieron el SATEPSI en funciones y tiempos distintos. Se prestará especial atención a los métodos proyectivos cuya historia aún no se ha revelado.(AU)

Effects of Solar Drying on the Structural and Thermodynamic Characteristics of Bee Pollen / Efectos del secado solar sobre las características estructurales y termodinámicas del polen apícola

Background: Bee pollen is a natural product collected and transformed by bees, intended for human consumption, given its nutritional and bioactive richness. The fundamental operation of adequacy is drying, which allows its preservation, avoiding chemical or microbiological degradation, typically using tray dryers with hot air that use electricity or fuel for heat generation. Solar drying is an alternative that uses radiation as an energy source. However, it should be ensured that this type of process guarantees the quality of the product while not degrading its properties and, therefore, maintaining its morphological integrity. Objective: to establish the effect of solar drying on bee pollen structure compared to the conventional cabin dehydration process. Methods: Bee pollen was dehydrated using two types of dryers: a solar dryer and a forced convection oven. The solar dryer operating conditions were an average temperature of 19-35 °C with a maximum of 38 °C and average relative humidity (RH) of 55 %. Cabin dryer operating conditions were a set point temperature of 55 ± 2 °C and 10 % RH average humidity. The morphologic and thermodynamic properties of dried bee pollen, such as phase transition enthalpy through Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), porosity and surface area through surface area analysis, and microscopic surface appearance by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), were measured. Results: The results showed dry bee pollen, both in the cabin dryer and solar dryer, did not suffer morphological changes seen through SEM compared to fresh bee pollen. Moreover, surface area analysis indicated the absence of porosity in the microscopic or macroscopic structure, demonstrating that solar or cabin drying processes did not affect the specific surface area concerning fresh bee pollen. Additionally, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) showed that endothermic phase transitions for dried bee pollen by cabin or solar dryer were at 145 °C and 160 °C, respectively. This can be mostly associated with free water loss due to the morphological structure preservation of the material compared to fresh bee pollen. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that solar drying is a reliable alternative to bee pollen dehydration as there were no effects that compromised its structural integrity

Antecedentes: El polen apícola es un producto natural recolectado y transformado por las abejas. La operación fundamental de adecuación del polen es el secado, lo que permite su conservación, evitando su degradación química o microbiológica, típicamente se utilizan secadores de bandejas con aire caliente que emplean electricidad o combustibles para la generación de calor. El secado solar es una alternativa que utiliza la radiación solar como fuente de energía. Sin embargo, se debe garantizar que este tipo de proceso asegure la calidad del producto a la vez que no degrade sus propiedades, manteniendo su integridad morfológica. Objetivo: Establecer el efecto del secado solar sobre la estructura del polen apícola en comparación al proceso convencional de deshidratación en cabina. Métodos: El polen de abeja se deshidrató utilizando dos tipos de secadores: secador solar y horno de convención forzada. Las condiciones de operación del secador solar fueron una temperatura promedio de 19-45 °C con un máximo de 38 °C y una humedad relativa (HR) promedio de 55 %. Las condiciones de operación del secador de cabina fueron una temperatura de referencia de 55 ± 2 °C y una humedad promedio de 10 % HR. Se midieron las propiedades morfológicas y termodinámicas del polen de abeja desecado, como la entalpía de transición de fase mediante calorimetría diferencial de barrido (DSC), la porosidad y el área superficial mediante análisis de área superficial y el aspecto microscópico de la superficie mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM). Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que el polen seco tanto en el secador de cabina como en el secador solar muestra que no sufrió cambios morfológicos vistos a través de Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido y en comparación con el polen fresco de abeja, además un análisis de sortometría indicó la ausencia de porosidad en la estructura microscópica y macroscópica, lo que indica que los procesos de secado solar o en cabina no tuvieron efectos sobre el área superficial específica con respecto al polen fresco de las abejas. En adición, los resultados de calorimetría diferencial de barrido (DSC) y análisis termogravimétrico (TGA) muestran que las transiciones de fase endotérmicas para el polen seco tanto en secado de cabina como solar fueron a 145 °C y 160 °C, que puede asociarse mayormente a la pérdida de agua libre, debido a la conservación de la estructura morfológica del material y en comparación al polen fresco. Conclusión: Estos resultados demuestran que el secado solar es una alternativa viable para la deshidratación del polen al no existir efectos que comprometan su integridad estructural

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 structured approach to effective mentoring of women health researchers in Africa

Objectives: To formatively evaluate the HIGHER Women consortium's Mentor Protégée Program (MPP) and derive lessons for successful African women scientist mentorship. Design: Desk review of program documents and cross-sectional surveys of mentors and protégées. Setting: All 10 regions of Cameroon Participants: Women working in health research participating in the MPP. Interventions: Building health research skills and providing support for women to cope within the African psychosocial environment using a holistic approach. Main outcome measures: Formed mentor-protégés duos applying the MPP with measurable accomplishments. Results: The consortium counted 121 members with 103 protégées and 18 mentors. Of 103 protégées, 35 responded to the 2018 survey, while 77 responded to the 2022 survey. Mentioned benefits of the program included an increase in scientific peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at national and international conferences. In the 2022 survey, a Pearson correlation showed an r of 0.41, which, although not statistically significant (p = .592), suggests a positive correlation between the increased number of peer-reviewed articles and increased number of years as HIGHER Women protégées. Conclusions: Mentorship programs can help over time to bridge the gender gaps within Africa as well as the gaps between African-led research and the rest of the world while making a meaningful contribution to enhancing the quality, diversity, and productivity of researchers. A mentoring program such as the HIGHER Women MPP can be improved by leveraging local and international partners to foster the mentoring program's sustainability, scalability, and expanded reach.

Development and Evaluation of Vaginal Suppository Containing Althaea officinalis L. Polysaccharide Extract

Abstract Intrauterine adhesions cause several gynecological problems. Althaea officinalis L. roots known as marshmallows contain polysaccharides (M.P.) which possess anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic activities also can form a bio-adhesive layer on damaged epithelial membranes prompting healing processes. Vaginal formulations of herbal origin are commonly applied to relieve cervico-uterine inflammation. Herein, we aim to develop and evaluate vaginal suppositories containing polysaccharides isolated from the A. officinalis root. Six formulations (four P.E.G.-based and two lipid-based suppositories containing 25% and 50% M.P.) met standard requirements, which were then subjected to qualitative and quantitative evaluation. All suppositories exhibited acceptable weights, hardness, content uniformity, melting point, and disintegration time, which fall within the acceptable recommended limits. Higher concentrations of M.P. in PEG-bases moderately increased the hardness (p<0.05). PEG-formulations showed content uniformity>90% of the average content while it was 75-83% for suppocire formulations. All formulations disintegrated in<30minutes. In-vitro release test revealed that M.P. release from 25%-MP formulations was higher than that of 50%-M.P. suppositories. Overall, results revealed the feasibility of preparing P.E.G.-or lipid-based suppositories containing M.P., which met the B.P. quality requirement

Application of HACCP for development of quality risk management in a water purification system

Abstract The present work reports the implementation of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) methodology to analyze the water purification system of a pharmaceutical site, in order to assure the system quality and prevent failures. As a matter of fact, the use of HACCP for development and implementation of Quality Risk Management (QRM) is not usual in pharmaceutical plants and it is applied here to improve the performance of the water purification system of a polymerization pilot plant used to manufacture pharmaceutical grade polymer microparticles. Critical Control Points (CCP) were determined with the aid of a decision tree and questions were made to characterize whether identified hazards constitute actual CCPs and should be monitored. When deviations were detected, corrective actions were performed and action plans were used for following-up and implementation of corrective actions. Finally, microbiological and physicochemical parameters were analyzed and the obtained results were regarded as appropriate. Therefore, it is shown that HACCP constitutes an effective tool for identification of hazards, establishment of corrective actions and monitoring of the critical control points that impact the process and the quality of the final pharmaceutical product most significantly.

Lean Six Sigma methodology application in health care settings: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the scientific production on the results of Lean Six Sigma methodology in health care institutions. METHODS: an integrative literature review, with the following question: what are the results in health institutions using Lean Six Sigma and Six Sigma methodology? The search was carried out at MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus, with no time frame. RESULTS: thirty-four articles were included, published between 2005 and 2019, of which 52.9% came from the United States of America. The most commonly found improvements were in hospital institutions and from the perspective of customers and internal processes. CONCLUSION: using Lean Six Sigma methodology proved to be effective in the different health care settings, evidencing a gap in its application regarding people engagement and training.

Healthcare Engineering: A Lean Management Approach.

This work tries to answer the following question: can healthcare be engineered using lean management tools? Lean is known to achieve successful results when implemented in the manufacturing sector. Typical results are operational cost reduction, cycle time reduction, and higher customer satisfaction. The service sector, however, has seen mixed results. For the last two decades, educators and healthcare professionals are trying to implement lean tools in healthcare. Some reported success and many did not, for variety of reasons. In this paper, we search the literature and reveal the special nature of healthcare services, success factors, and barriers facing implementation of lean in healthcare. We then conduct a survey of 18 elite Jordanian hospitals to study the case holistically. Statistical analysis of the survey results confirmed some of what the literature revealed; organizational leadership seems to be the most dominant factor, followed by knowledge of employees about lean, training, and patient satisfaction (customer focus). Another important finding, not captured by the literature, is that lean implementation success depends on educating physicians about continuous improvement and lean and ensuring they are part of the improvement team. Based on the revealed enablers and obstacles, we created a full lean implementation framework. This framework was then used along with selected engineering tools to implement lean in a major hospital successfully. Implementation results showed 60% of reduction in cycle time, 80% reduction in operational cost, and many other benefits.

Alternativas terapéuticas para el manejo de la COVID-19 / Therapeutic alternatives for the management of COVID-19

Introducción: La COVID-19 es una pandemia causada por el Coronavirus 2 del Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo (SARS-CoV-2); no existe hasta el momento tratamiento específico completamente eficaz para esta enfermedad, pero el mundo está trabajando incesantemente para buscar una cura. Objetivo: Describir las alternativas terapéuticas de la COVID-19, según los mecanismos fisiopatológicos descritos hasta el momento. Material y Método: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica a partir de un total de 31 referencias bibliográficas. Se revisaron artículos, en idioma inglés y español, en revistas nacionales e internacionales en bases de datos como Pubmed/Medline, y Elsevier. Se analizó la calidad, fiabilidad y validez de los artículos seleccionados para realizar una adecuada revisión. Desarrollo: La aparición de la COVID-19 ha causado revuelo internacional por la necesidad de encontrar tratamientos efectivos. Debido a que es una enfermedad frecuentemente autolimitada, se vuelve difícil probar si una estrategia terapéutica es eficaz o la enfermedad ha seguido su curso. Las fases del ciclo de vida viral del SARS-COV proporcionan los objetivos potenciales para la terapia con medicamentos, como son: los inhibidores de la fusión de membrana de la envoltura viral, inhibidores de la proteasa similar a la 3-quimotripsina, inhibidores de la ARN polimerasa dependiente de ARN viral, inhibidores de la entrada y endocitosis y otros medicamentos con alguna función inmunomuduladora. Conclusiones: La pandemia actual representa un desafío para la comunidad médica internacional. Aunque no hay tratamiento específico recomendado, se utilizan diversos medicamentos con cierta efectividad como la hidroxicloroquina, azitromicina, kaletra y el remdesivir con sus respectivas combinaciones(AU)

Introduction: COVID-19 is a pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), so far there is no fully effective specific treatment for this disease, but worldwide effort is incessant in the search for a cure. Objective: To describe the therapeutic alternatives for COVID-19 according to the pathophysiological mechanisms described up until now. Material and Method: A bibliographic review was made from a total of 31 bibliographic references. Articles, in English and Spanish, from national and international journals were searched over on-line databases such as Pubmed/Medline and Elsevier. The quality, reliability and validity of the selected articles were analyzed to carry out an adequate review. Development: The appearance of COVID-19 has caused an international stir due to the need to find effective treatments. Because it is a frequently self-limited disease, it becomes difficult to prove whether a therapeutic strategy is effective or the disease has run its course. The SARS-CoV viral life cycle phases provide potential targets for drug therapy, such as: viral envelope membrane fusion inhibitors, 3-chymotrypsin-like protease inhibitors, virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, endocytosis and entry inhibitors, and other medications with some immunomodulatory function. Conclusions: The current pandemic represents a challenge for the international medical community. Although there is no specific recommended treatment, various drugs are used with some effectiveness such as hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, kaletra and remdesivir with their respective combinations(AU)

Streamlining an existing hip fracture patient pathway in an acute tertiary adult Irish hospital to improve patient experience and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To improve access for hip fracture patients to surgery within 48 h of presentation to the Emergency Department, and to increase the number of patients receiving pre-operative orthogeriatric review, through streamlining an existing hip fracture patient pathway. DESIGN: A pre-post design involving a multi-disciplinary team use of the Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control framework integral to Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology, to assess and adapt the existing hip fracture pathway from presentation to Emergency Department to the initiation of surgery. SETTING: A 600-bed teaching hospital in Ireland. PARTICIPANTS: Nursing, medical, administrative and physiotherapy staff working across Emergency Medicine, Orthogeriatrics and Orthopaedic Specialities and Project management. INTERVENTIONS: LSS methodology was used to redesign an existing pathway, improving patient access to ortho-geriatrician assessment, pain relief and surgery in line with the Irish Hip Fracture Data Base Key performance indicators. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Access to pain relief, access to surgery and volume of patients receiving ortho-geriatric assessment. RESULTS: The percentage of patients undergoing surgery within 48 h of presentation to Emergency Department increased from 55% to 79% at 3 months, and to 85% at 6 months. Improvements were also achieved in the secondary performance metrics relevant to quality of patient care. All care pathway changes were cost neutral. CONCLUSIONS: Hip fracture surgery within 48 h of presentation to hospital is a recognized standard of hip fracture care associated with decreased length of stay and decreased mortality. With respect to this performance metric, this intervention has contributed to improved patient outcomes.

Reducing risk of development or exacerbation of nutritional deficits by optimizing patient access to mealtime assistance.

OBJECTIVE: Optimize patient access to mealtime assistance, decrease missed meal incidence, risk of malnutrition, reduce food waste and staff rework. DESIGN: Lean Six Sigma methodology informed a pre/post intervention design. SETTING: 31 bed ward including Specialist Geriatric services and Acute Stroke Unit within an Irish University teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Clinical and non-clinical staff including catering, nursing, speech and language therapy, dietetics and nutrition; patients, relatives. INTERVENTIONS: An interdisciplinary team used the structured Define/Measure/Analyse/Improve/Control (DMAIC) framework to introduce visual aids and materials to improve the access of patients to assistance at mealtimes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre and post outcomes measures were taken for the number and cost of uneaten meals, rework for staff, staff and patient satisfaction, patient outcomes. RESULTS: Following a 1-month pilot of a co-designed process for ensuring access to assistance at mealtimes, average wasted meals due to staff not being available to assist patients requiring mealtime assistance went from 3 per day to 0 corresponding to an average reduction of 0.43 kg per participating patient in food waste per day. Patients receiving assistance did not require additional oral therapeutic nutritional supplements, evidenced no new incidences of aspiration pneumonia or swallowing difficulties and were discharged without requirement for ongoing Dietetics and Nutrition support. Following a 6 month Control period comprising repeated PDCA cycles, the initiative was incrementally introduced to a further 10 wards/units, with positive feedback from patients and staff alike. CONCLUSION: The co-designed new process highlights the importance of staff and patient collaboration, inclusion and participation in designing quality improvement projects.

Six sigma approach for neonatal jaundice patients in an Indian rural hospital - a case study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to implement Six Sigma approach to decrease the length of stay (LOS) of neonatal jaundice patients in an Indian government rural hospital situated in northern hill region. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Six Sigma's Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control procedure is applied in order to decrease the LOS of neonatal jaundice patients. The mean and standard deviation have been computed as 34.53 and 20.01 h, respectively. The cause and effect diagram is used in the "Analyse" phase of the Six Sigma. The regression analysis and GEMBA observation techniques are used to validate the causes identified through cause and effect diagram. FINDINGS: The waiting time for registration, waiting time for tests, waiting time for phototherapy and time for discharge implementation are the main factors that are responsible for longer LOS. Based on the identified root causes, some recommendations are suggested to the hospital administration and staff members in order to reduce the LOS. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The present research is limited to provide recommendations to the hospital administration to reduce LOS and it entirely depends upon the implementation of the administration. However, target of administration is to reduce the LOS up to 24 h. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Six Sigma model will reduce bottlenecks in LOS and enhance service quality of hospital. The developed regression model will help the doctors and staff members to assess and control the LOS by controlling and minimising the independent variables. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The project will directly provide benefits to society, as LOS will decrease and patients' satisfaction will automatically increase. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Six Sigma is a developed methodology, but its application in paediatric department is very limited. This is the first ever study of applying Six Sigma for neonatal jaundice patients in India.

Calidad del cuidado de enfermería en la especialidad de Oftalmología / Nursing care quality in the specialty of Ophthalmology

El desarrollo acelerado de la revolución científico-técnica y su repercusión en el campo de la salud pública, unido a la necesidad de un constante perfeccionamiento del grado de competencia profesional, ha marcado el desarrollo de la especialidad de Oftalmología. Fusionado a ella ha fomentado su avance indiscutible la enfermera, quien ha ocupado un rol protagónico en las diferentes áreas asistenciales de la especialidad, con una visión actual y contemporánea del cuidado como proceso de gestión, adjudicado a las nuevas tendencias de calidad hospitalaria, para cumplimentar los objetivos de trabajo del Ministerio de Salud Pública cubano en función de garantizar la satisfacción de los pacientes y familiares que demandan atención especializada. En Cuba, el Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer", centro rector metodológico de la especialidad, ha mantenido por más de diez años consecutivos el sello de excelencia del Departamento de Enfermería, el cual ha ofertado una atención holística al paciente con afectación visual, razón por la cual se realiza el presente trabajo, cuya finalidad es resaltar la importancia de la calidad del cuidado del enfermero en la especialidad de Oftalmología(AU)

The accelerated development of the scientific and technological revolution and its impact on the field of public health, together with the need for constant improvement in the degree of professional competence, has marked the development of the specialty of ophthalmology. Associated with it, nurses have promoted their unquestionable progress, and have thus occupied a leading role in the different care areas of the specialty, with a current and contemporary vision of care as a management process, contributing with the new hospital quality trends to complete the working objectives of the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, in view of guaranteeing the satisfaction of patients and family members who demand specialized care. In Cuba, Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology, the methodological governing center of the specialty, has maintained, for more than ten consecutive years, the seal of excellence of the Nursing Department, which has offered holistic care to the patient with visual impairment, the reason why this work is carried out, whose purpose is to highlight the importance of the quality of nursing care in the specialty of ophthalmology(AU)

Percepciones y expectativas del usuario respecto a la calidad del servicio en un Hospital de Chile / Perceptions and expectations of the user regarding the quality of service in a Hospital

Resumen Introducción: Actualmente, la calidad de servicio es un pilar fundamental en los sistemas sanitarios, ya que permite garantizar a los usuarios externos un conjunto de condiciones mínimas en las prestaciones de salud. Objetivo: Evaluar las percepciones y expectativas del usuario externo respecto a la calidad del servicio del Hospital Comunitario de Salud Familiar de Quirihue. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo comparativo, transversal, basado en modelo SERVQUAL. Las variables sociodemográficas fueron analizadas mediante estadística descriptiva, las brechas se calcularon mediante la diferencia existente entre las percepciones y expectativas, las que se analizaron con las pruebas T pareada y Wilcoxon. Resultados: La variable con mayor insatisfacción en Atención Abierta (AA) fue "difícil acceso a horas médicas o de otro profesional"; en Atención Cerrada (AC) "personal no orienta ni explica de manera clara y adecuada la atención durante la hospitalización"; y en Atención de Urgencia "demora en la atención en el box de admisión". Conclusión: El tipo de atención con menor calidad de servicio fue la AA, le sigue AU y finalmente la AC. En la AA los mayores problemas se presentaron en la obtención de horas para atenderse con médico y también en el NO cumplimiento de los horarios programados. En la AU los usuarios refieren mayor insatisfacción en la atención inmediata a su llegada al servicio. En la AC los pacientes señalan que los funcionarios NO brindan el tiempo necesario para contestar las dudas o preguntas sobre el problema de salud por el cual se encuentran hospitalizados.

Abstract Introduction: Currently, quality of service is fundamental in healthcare systems, since it allows external users to be guaranteed a set of minimum conditions in health services. Objective: To evaluate the perceptions and expectations of the external user regarding the quality of the service of the Community Health Family Hospital of Quirihue. Material and Method: Cross-sectional descriptive study, based on the SERVQUAL model. The sociodemographic variables were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, the gaps were calculated by means of the difference between perceptions and expectations, and those were tested with paired T and Wilcoxon. Results: The variable with the greatest dissatisfaction in Open Care (OC) it was "difficult access to medical or other profesional appointment "; in Closed Care (CC) "personnel without orientation or explanation in a clear and adequate manner during hospitalization"; and in Emergency Care (EC) "delay in attention in the admission box". Conclusion: The type of care with the lowest quality of service was OC, followed by EC and finally CC. In the OC, the greatest problems arise in obtaining an appointment to be seen by the doctor and also in the NO fulfillment with the scheduled appointments. In the EC, users refer to great discontent with the immediate attention to their arrival at the service. In the CC, the patients pointed out that the staff DO NOT provide the necessary time to answer the questions or clarify doubts about the health problem for which they are hospitalized.

Bromatological characteristics of Macrotyloma axillare as a function of combined supply of phosphorus and calcium / Características bromatológicas de Macrotyloma axillare em função do suprimento combinado de fósforo e cálcio

The supply of nutrients to forage legumes is significant for their nutritional quality. The study aimed to evaluate the bromatological characteristics of the legume Macrotyloma axillare in response to the combined application of phosphorus and calcium. The study was conducted in a greenhouse on a Red Yellow Ultisol. A fractionated 52 factorial was used, with 13 different combinations of phosphorus and calcium application rates (P-Ca): 0-0; 0-20; 0-40; 100-10; 100-30; 200-0; 200-20; 200-40; 300-10; 300-30; 400-0; 400-20; and 400-40 mg dm-3. Experimental units were set in a randomized block design, with four replications. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, and crude protein (CP) in the leaves and branches were determined in two harvests. In both harvests of the legume we observed that the ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin contents in the leaves did not show isolated or combined responses to phosphorus and calcium rates. It was concluded that the combined supply of phosphorus and calcium did not interfere in the nutritional quality of the legume. Calcium supplied alone interfered only the NDF content and phosphorus supplied of the CP of the leaves. Phosphorus rates of 31.5 mg dm-3 and 28.2 mg dm-3 were responsible for the lower NDF content in the leaves and the higher hemicellulose content in the branches, respectively.(AU)

O fornecimento de nutrientes para as leguminosas forrageiras é importante para sua qualidade nutricional. O estudo objetivou avaliar as características bromatológicas da Macrotyloma axillare em resposta a aplicação combinada de doses de fósforo e cálcio. O estudo foi desenvolvido em uma casa de vegetação sob um Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo. Utilizou-se um esquema fatorial 52 fracionado, com 13 combinações diferentes das doses de fósforo e cálcio (P-Ca): 0-0, 0‒40, 0‒80, 15‒20, 15‒60, 30‒0, 30‒40, 30‒80, 45‒20, 45‒60, 60‒0, 60‒40, e 60‒80 mg dm-3. As unidades experimentais foram distribuídas em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Determinou-se fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), hemicelulose, celulose, lignina e proteína bruta (PB) das folhas e ramos em dois cortes. Nos dois cortes da leguminosa observou-se que os teores de FDA, hemicelulose, celulose e lignina das folhas não apresentaram respostas isoladas ou combinadas às doses de fósforo e cálcio. Concluiu-se que o fornecimento combinado de fósforo e cálcio não influenciou na qualidade nutricional da leguminosa. O fornecimento isolado de cálcio interferiu somente no teor de FDN e fornecimento de fósforo na PB das folhas. As doses de fósforo de 31,5 mg dm-3 e 28,2 mg dm-3 foram responsáveis pelo menor teor de FDN nas folhas e pelo maior teor de hemicelulose nos ramos, respectivamente.(AU)

Food and Nutrition Care in Long-Term Care Facilities: Examining the Perspectives of Frontline Workers.

Malnutrition in older adults residing in long-term care facilities continues to be a problem in the United States. Existing research has identified a list of possible contributing factors, including staffing problems. Few studies on food and nutrition care have attempted to gain the perspectives of nursing or dietary aides (henceforth, aides), the frontline staff who work most closely with the residents of long-term care facilities. The current study takes a qualitative approach grounded in a theoretical perspective based on Total Quality Management (TQM) to increase understanding of the interpersonal and management practices that affect resident wellbeing, health, and nutrition. Four focus groups (n = 24) were conducted with aides working in long-term care facilities. Aides expressed emotional closeness with residents and provided detailed knowledge about food and nutrition care. They reported both compassion fatigue and satisfaction. An element of dissatisfaction related to aide relationships with management and other employees who did not actively solicit their perspectives and knowledge on resident feeding. The knowledge and experience of aides could be better utilized by shifting management strategies to focus on employee empowerment and training. Principles of TQM could be applied to improve food and nutrition care in long-term care facilities.