A randomized controlled trial of an educational programme with telephone reinforcement to improve perceived health status of Brazilian burn victims at 6-month post discharge.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare health status, self-efficacy, symptoms of depression and anxiety and post-traumatic stress between two groups of burn victims receiving information on self-care through routine care or an educational programme with telephone reinforcement. BACKGROUND: Self-care post discharge is an important factor on quality of life of burn victims. Reinforcement of self-care programme via telephone follow-up might improve self-efficacy and general health perception in burn victims. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled clinical trial. METHOD: From 2011-2012, we randomized 108 burn victims either to an educational programme on self-care tailored for burn victims according to the cognitive social theory and reinforcement by telephone every 4-6 weeks for 6 months post discharge, or to the routine instructions given at discharge from the hospital. During hospitalization, at discharge, at 6 and 12 months post discharge, we collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, Burns Specific Health Scale Revised (BSHS-R), Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale (PSE), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS) and Impact of the Event Scale (IES). We analysed data using t-test, Chi-square test and linear regression models. RESULTS: Groups were similar regarding clinical and demographic characteristics, except for age. At 6-month follow-up, there were no differences between the groups on BSHS-R, PSE and HADS Depression, while the intervention group showed fewer symptoms of anxiety (HADS Anxiety) and lower IES scores than the control group. CONCLUSION: The educational programme, when compared with usual care, reduced anxiety symptoms and post-traumatic stress. Educational programmes with telephone follow-up might be a viable intervention to improve self-care for burn victims.

A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of planning strategies in the adherence to medication for coronary artery disease.

AIM: To examine the effect of action and coping planning strategies in the adherence to medication among outpatients with coronary artery disease. BACKGROUND: Action and coping planning strategies are based on implementation intention, which requires self-regulation by the individual, to prioritize intentionally planned responses over learned or habitual ones, from daily routines to stressful situations. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Participants (n = 115) were randomized into intervention (use of action and coping planning strategies, n = 59) or control (usual care, n = 56) groups. The study was conducted between June 2010-May 2011 in two in-person visits: baseline and 2-month follow-up. Participants in the intervention group received telephone reinforcement between baseline and 2-month follow-up. Adherence to medication for cardioprotection and symptoms relief was evaluated by proportion of adherence, global measure of adherence evaluation and Morisky Self-Reported Measure of Medication Adherence Scale at both baseline and 2-month follow-up. FINDINGS: When using the measure of global measure of adherence, participants in the intervention group reported adherence to therapy more often than controls (odds ratio = 5.3), but no statistically significant change was observed in the other two outcome measures. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that individuals who use action and coping planning report higher adherence to drug treatment, when measured by the global adherence evaluation. Further studies with longer follow-ups are needed to assess if the effect of planning strategies has long-term duration.

Reliability and validity of the body image quality of life inventory: version for Brazilian burn victims.

The aims of this study were to adapt the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI) into Brazilian Portuguese (BP) and to assess the psychometric properties of the adapted version. Construct validity was assessed by correlating the BIQLI-BP scores with the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, with Burns Specific Health Scale-Revised (BSHS-R), and with gender, total body surface area burned, and visibility of the scars. Participants were 77 adult burn patients. Cronbach's alpha for the adapted version was .90 and moderate linear correlations were found between body image and self-esteem and between BIQLI-BP scores and two domains of the BSHS-R: affect and body image and interpersonal relationships. The BIQLI-BP showed acceptable levels of reliability and validity for Brazilian burn patients.

[Perceived health status and pharmacological adherence of patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention]. / Estado de saúde percebido e adesão farmacológica em pacientes submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the perceived health status and pharmacological adherence, and to verify the correlation between these measures in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, after hospital discharge. It was a cross-sectional study carried out from May 2011 to July 2012. The instruments used were: SF-86 and Measurement of Adherence to Treatment, with 101 patients, 54 (53.5%) of which were men; average age of 59.5 +/- 10.3; and 32 (32.7%) with previous cardiac treatment. All study participants were using antihypertensive drugs; the majority 99 (98%) used antiplatelet drugs; 98 (97%) used cholesterol reducers, and 59 (58.4%) used coronary vasodilators. The average number of drugs used was 6.8 +/- 2.1. Pharmacological adherence was observed in 98 (97%) patients. The participants presented best perceived health status in Social Functioning and Physical Functioning. Positive correlations of moderate magnitude were found between measurements of pharmacological adherence and Physical Functioning, General Health and Social Functioning. There was correlation between pharmacological adherence and perceived health status.

Effect of an educational program on physical activity in individuals undergoing their first percutaneous coronary intervention: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Educational programs designed for specific populations to improve regular physical activity need to be tested. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program, when compared to usual care, on improving physical activity 5 to 7 months after hospital discharge in adult patients undergoing their first percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial with two groups: usual care (n = 56) and educational program (n = 53) interventions. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected and the Baecke-Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire, Self-efficacy Scale for Physical Activity, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered at baseline and follow-up. Participants in the educational program received an intervention based on Social Cognitive Theory, focused on physical activity, followed by three telephone calls. The usual care group received the hospital routine information. Unadjusted and adjusted differences between the two groups in mean score changes (with 95% confidence intervals [CI]) were calculated for all outcomes. RESULTS: At follow-up, the educational program group showed higher mean ± standard deviation scores than the usual care group for practice of physical activity (7.94 ± 1.84 vs. 6.90 ± 1.89) and for self-efficacy (3.98 ± 3.75 vs. 2.52 ± 3.12). Adjusting for baseline outcome, the difference in mean change between groups was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.32, 1.46) for physical activity and 2.30 (95% CI: 1.12, 3.49) for self-efficacy. There were no statistical differences between groups in symptoms of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: The educational program may be an effective intervention in increasing habitual physical activity and self-efficacy for physical activity in individuals with coronary artery disease.

Efficacy of Cinnamon as an Adjuvant in Reducing the Glycemic Biomarkers of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Three-Month, Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

The major aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of cinnamon as an adjuvant treatment in reducing glycemic levels in people with type 2 diabetes, compared to a placebo. The study was conducted between August and December 2019, with 160 people with type 2 diabetes, in five Primary Health Units, in Parnaíba, Brazil. Inclusion criteria were: persons of both genders using oral antidiabetic agents, with glycated hemoglobin ≥ 6.0%, and between 18 and 80 years of age. The primary outcome was change in glycated hemoglobin levels after 90 days of intervention. Other biomarkers evaluated were fasting blood glucose, insulin level, and HOMA-IR index. Participants were divided equally into two groups of 80 individuals each, and were given 3 g capsules of either cinnamon or placebo to be taken in combination with their usual oral antidiabetic agents. After 90 days, participants in the cinnamon group had statistically significant reductions of 0.2% of glycated hemoglobin and 0.55 mmol/L of fasting venous glucose, when compared with the placebo group. Cinnamon reduced the glycemic measures of persons with type 2 diabetes, albeit with modest reductions. TRIAL: RBR-2KKB6D.

Oncology teaching in undergraduate nursing at public institutions courses in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: to identify the occurrence of oncology teaching in undergraduate nursing curricula. METHODS: descriptive study, which data was obtained from curriculum and from Pedagogical Course Projects available on the websites from Brazilian public institutions, between June and July 2020. RESULTS: 143 undergraduate nursing courses were identified. From them, 132 nursing courses (corresponding to 89 education institutions) had available the curriculum and/or Pedagogical Course Projects. Only 7 (5.3%) of them had oncology as a mandatory subject, 4 of them in the Midwest Region. Only 35 (26.5%) had elective subject in Oncology, most of them in the Northeast (45.7%). CONCLUSIONS: on third of nursing courses at public institutions has Oncology subject in the curriculum, which is few considering the high incidence and mortality from cancer in the country. The findings contribute for discussions, in curricular accommodation, on the relevance of oncology teaching in nursing curricula.

Acute radiodermatitis in cancer patients: incidence and severity estimates.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and distribution of the degree of radiodermatitis in cancer patients submitted to radiotherapy in the regions of head and neck, breast, and pelvis. METHOD: Prospective, longitudinal, quantitative study conducted from March 15, 2016 to May 4, 2017 with patients observed for five weeks of treatment. The primary outcome was the proportion of grade 1 or higher radiodermatitis each week. The degree of radiodermatitis and mean time of occurrence for each patient were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: This study included 112 patients. The incidence of radiodermatitis was 100% among those whose head and neck region was irradiated, followed by 98% for breast and 48% for the pelvic region. The degree of radiodermatitis varied with the irradiated site; the worst degrees were found in the head and neck region, followed by the breast. In the three groups, the mean time of the first occurrence of radiodermatitis was approximately eleven days. CONCLUSION: The incidence of radiodermatitis in the studied groups was high, which reinforces the need to perform the same evaluation nationwide. This would support creating and standardizing protocols and recommendations for a proper management of radiodermatitis, specially concerning its prevention.

Comparison of the effect of nocturnal use of commercial versus custom-made wrist orthoses, in addition to gliding exercises, in the function and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome: A pilot randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Conservative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) often includes wrist orthosis. However, there is no consensus on whether commercial or custom-made wrist orthosis is better for the treatment. PURPOSE: To assess feasibility of a study comparing nocturnal use of commercial versus custom-made wrist orthosis in the treatment of mild/moderate CTS and estimate their potential effects on function and symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Twenty-four individuals with mild/moderate CTS were randomized to wear either a commercial orthosis (n = 12) or a custom-made orthosis (n = 12). Participants used the assigned orthosis at night for 45 days and performed gliding exercises at home/work. We collected data on access to eligible population and feasibility of protocol. Data on use of orthosis, performance of exercises, and symptoms were collected through a dairy filled by the participant. Outcomes were pain (using Numeric Pain Rating Scale), symptom severity and functional status (using Boston Questionnaire), pinch strength (by dynamometry), and electromyographic activity of forearm muscles (sampled during a reach-to-grasp task). Outcomes were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: There were no loses to follow-up in either intervention group. After treatment, we found increased tripod pinch strength and better symptoms and function in both orthosis groups, with better outcomes for the custom-made orthosis, although the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results showed a potential for better outcomes from the custom-made orthosis. We established that a larger study would be feasible and could be designed and conducted based on the estimates provided by this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) - registration number: RBR-74rqnz.

Analysis of the effectiveness of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) in the reduction of glycemic and lipidic levels of adults with type 2 diabetes: A study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease that is increasing the number of cases worldwide. The treatments currently used have not worked as expected. Alternative and complementary medicines were inserted in health services, especially in primary care, as an attempt to minimize risks and help control diseases such as diabetes. Among the herbal medicines used stands out cinnamon, which can serve as an adjuvant in the control of diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of 3 grams of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) per day for 90 days in reducing glycemic and lipid levels in adults with T2DM compared with placebo METHODS:: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II trial, which will be conducted at basic health units in the city of Parnaíba, state of Piauí, Brazil. In total, 130 people diagnosed with T2DM, followed at health units, with hemoglobin A1c > 6.5%, and using oral antidiabetic medicines, are expected to participate in the study. The intervention will last for 3 months, and each participant will receive a total of 3 bottles containing 120 capsules in each bottle of cinnamon or placebo. Each person should take 4 capsules daily, for 90 days. The patients will be distributed into the 2 groups by performing block randomization (n = 6) at a ratio of 1:1 according to a code generated by a software. Assessments of socioeconomic, clinical, lifestyle, anthropometric, and laboratory variables will be performed in 2 separate visits. DISCUSSION: This study will be the first to investigate cinnamon to reduce glycemic, lipid, and anthropometric levels in Brazil. In case of favorable results, this therapy may be used as an alternative or additional medicine in cases where only oral antidiabetic agents are used and can promote the use of the product to minimize future complications of patients with diabetes and people who do not have the disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: RBR-2KKB6D, registered on December 11th, 2018.

Clinical indicators of ineffective airway clearance in children with congenital heart disease.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To analyse the sensitivity and specificity of clinical indicators of ineffective airway clearance in children with congenital heart disease and to identify the indicators that have high predictive power. BACKGROUND: The precise establishment of nursing diagnoses has been found to be one of the factors contributing to higher quality of care and cost reduction in healthcare institutions. The use of indicators to diagnose ineffective airway clearance could improve care of children with congenital heart disease. Design. Longitudinal study. METHODS: Participants consisted of 45 children,

Intervenção educativa para melhorar o manejo do dispositivo de acesso vascular totalmente implantado / Intervención educativa para mejorar el manejo del dispositivo de acceso vascular totalmente implantado / Educational intervention to improve management of totally implanted vascular access device

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção educativa para enfermeiros para aumentar o conhecimento e as habilidades práticas de manejo de dispositivos de acesso vascular totalmente implantados. Métodos Estudo quase-experimental realizado em um hospital universitário. A intervenção incluiu exposição a um manual de procedimentos seguida de treinamento teórico-prático sete dias depois. Oitenta e um enfermeiros foram avaliados no início do estudo, após autoexposição ao manual e após receberem treinamento teórico-prático. Os participantes foram avaliados quanto ao seu conhecimento e habilidades práticas no gerenciamento de dispositivos de acesso vascular totalmente implantados. Estatísticas descritivas foram realizadas para todas as variáveis. O teste t pareado foi utilizado para examinar se a pontuação média mudou desde a linha de base até a primeira e segunda avaliações de conhecimento, acesso, desacesso e manutenção do cateter. O nível de significância foi definido como 0,05. Resultados Os aumentos médios nas pontuações após a exposição dos enfermeiros ao manual foram de 18,2 pontos para conhecimento, com 16,5 pontos para técnica de acesso, 15,5 para técnica de desacesso e 24,2 para técnica de manutenção do cateter. Após o treinamento teórico-prático, observamos aumento médio de 4,2 pontos para acesso, com 3,9 para desacesso e 4,2 para manutenção do cateter. Conclusão A intervenção educativa para enfermeiros aumentou os escores médios de conhecimentos e habilidades práticas. Ao final da intervenção, 75% dos enfermeiros atingiram pelo menos 33 pontos de 38 para conhecimento e 77%, 77% e 78% obtiveram escores perfeitos para acesso, desacesso e manutenção, respectivamente. A intervenção educativa foi eficaz na melhoria do conhecimento e das habilidades práticas para manejo de dispositivos de acesso vascular totalmente implantados.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar el efecto de una intervención educativa para enfermeros para aumentar los conocimientos y las habilidades prácticas de manejo de dispositivos de acceso vascular totalmente implantados. Métodos Estudio cuasi experimental realizado en un hospital universitario. La intervención incluyó la exposición a un manual de procedimientos, seguida de una capacitación teórico-práctica siete días después. Se evaluó a 81 enfermeros al comienzo del estudio, después de la autoexposición al manual y después de recibir la capacitación teórico-práctica. Los participantes fueron evaluados respecto a sus conocimientos y habilidades prácticas en la gestión de dispositivos de acceso vascular totalmente implantados. Se realizaron estadísticas descriptivas para todas las variables. Se utilizó el test-t pareado para examinar si el puntaje promedio cambió desde la línea basal hasta la primera y segunda evaluación de conocimientos, acceso, desacceso y mantenimiento del catéter. El nivel de significación fue definido como 0,05. Resultados El aumento promedio de los puntajes después de la exposición de los enfermeros al manual fue de 18,2 puntos en el conocimiento, con 16,5 puntos en la técnica de acceso, 15,5 en la técnica de desacceso y 24,2 en la técnica de mantenimiento del catéter. Después de la capacitación teórico-práctica, observamos un aumento promedio de 4,2 en el acceso, 3,9 en el desacceso y 4,2 en el mantenimiento del catéter. Conclusión La intervención educativa para enfermeros aumentó el puntaje promedio de conocimientos y habilidades prácticas. Al final de la intervención, el 75 % de los enfermeros alcanzó por lo menos 33 puntos de 38 en el conocimiento y el 77 % obtuvo puntaje perfecto en el acceso y en el desacceso y el 78 % en el mantenimiento. La intervención educativa fue eficaz en la mejora de los conocimientos y habilidades prácticas para el manejo de dispositivos de acceso vascular totalmente implantados.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of an educational intervention for nurses to increase knowledge and practical skills of management of totally implanted vascular access devices. Methods A quasi-experimental study conducted in a teaching hospital. The intervention included exposure to a manual of procedures followed by a theoretical-practical training seven days later. Eighty-one nurses were evaluated at baseline, after self-exposure to the manual, and after receiving the theoretical-practical training. Participants were evaluated on their knowledge and practical skills of totally implanted vascular access device management. Descriptive statistics were performed for all variables. Paired t test was used to examine whether the mean score changed from the baseline to first and second assessments of knowledge, access, de-access and maintenance of catheter. Significance level was set to 0.05. Results Mean increases in scores after nurses were exposed to the manual were: 18.2 points for knowledge, 16.5 points for access technique, 15.5 for de-access technique, and 24.2 for catheter maintenance technique. After the theoretical-practical training, we observed a mean increase of 4.2 points for access, 3.9 for de-access and 4.2 for catheter maintenance. Conclusion The educational intervention for nurses increased mean scores of knowledge and practical skills. At the end of the intervention, 75% of the nurses reached at least 33 points out of 38 for knowledge, and 77%, 77%, and 78% had perfect scores for access, de-access, and maintenance, respectively. The educational intervention was effective in improving knowledge and practical skills for management of totally implanted vascular access devices.

Glycerol content within the WHO ethanol-based handrub formulation: balancing tolerability with antimicrobial efficacy.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) ethanol-based handrub (EBHR) formulation contains 1.45% glycerol as an emollient to protect healthcare workers' (HCWs) skin against dryness and dermatitis. However, glycerol seems to negatively affect the antimicrobial efficacy of alcohols. In addition, the minimal concentration of glycerol required to protect hands remain unknown. We aim to evaluate the tolerance of HCWs to the WHO EBHR formulation using different concentrations of glycerol in a tropical climate healthcare setting. Methods: We conducted a cluster-randomized, double-blind, crossover study among 40 HCWs from an intensive care unit of a tertiary-care hospital in Brazil, from June 1st to September 30, 2017. We tested the WHO EBHR original formulation containing 1.45% glycerol against three other concentrations (0, 0.5, and 0.75%). HCWs used one formulation at a time for seven working days during their routine practice and then had their hands evaluated by an external observer using the WHO scale for visual inspection. Participants also used a WHO self-evaluation tool to rate their own skin condition. We used a generalized estimating equations of the logit type to compare differences between the tolerability to different formulations. Results: According to the independent observation, participants had 2.4 times (95%CI: 1.12-5.15) more chance of having a skin condition considered good when they used the 0.5% compared to the 1.45% glycerol formulation. For the self-evaluation scale, participants were likely to have a worst evaluation (OR: 0.23, 95%CI: 0.11-0.49) when they used the preparation without glycerol compared to the WHO standard formulation (1.45%), and there were no differences between the other formulations used. Conclusion: In a tropical climate setting, the WHO-modified EBHR formulation containing 0.5% glycerol led to better ratings of skin tolerance than the original formulation, and, therefore, may offer the best balance between skin tolerance and antimicrobial efficacy.

Non-pharmacological interventions for sleep and quality of life: a randomized pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: to estimate the effects of non-pharmacological interventions to improve the quality of sleep and quality of life of patients with heart failure. METHOD: pilot study of a randomized controlled trial with 32 individuals assigned to four groups. Sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory, while health-related quality of life was assessed using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, at the baseline and at the 12th and 24th weeks. The means of the outcomes according to intervention groups were compared using analysis of covariance; effect sizes were calculated per group. RESULTS: all groups experienced improved quality of sleep and health-related quality of life at the end of the intervention (week 12) and at follow-up (week 24), though differences were not statistically significant (p between 0.22 and 0.40). The effects of the interventions at the 12th week ranged between -2.1 and -3.8 for the quality of sleep and between -0.8 and -1.7 for quality of life, with similar values at the 24th week. CONCLUSION: the effects found in this study provide information for sample size calculations and statistical power for confirmatory studies. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry - RBR 7jd2mm.

Effect of Cognitive Demand on Functional Mobility in Ambulatory Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: As disease progresses, cognitive demands may affect functional mobility in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test assesses functional mobilityin populationssuch as MS. A cognitive-demanding task can be added to the TUG test to assess its effect on functional mobility. METHODS: People with MS (n = 52) and controls (n = 57) performed three versions of the TUG test: TUG alone (TUG-alone), TUG plus reciting the alphabet (TUG-alpha), and TUG plus subtracting numbers by 3s (TUG-3s). Times to complete the TUG tests were compared among controls and three groups of participants with MS created using Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores 0 to 3.5, 4.0 to 5.5, and 6. Differences among groups were analyzed using split-plot analysis of variance. RESULTS: Group and TUG type were significant (P < .001 for both), with no interaction effect of group × TUG type (P = .21). Mean times were 8.7, 9.4, and 11.1 seconds to perform the TUG-alone, TUG-alpha, and TUG-3s, respectively. Mean times for groups were 8.0, 8.2, 11.1, and 11.6 seconds for controls and individuals with MS and EDSS 0 to 3.5, 4.0 to 5.5, and 6, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: People with MS with an EDSS score greater than 3.5 had a statistically significant reduction in performance of the TUG test even with the addition of a simple cognitive task, which might have implications for a person's more complex everyday activities.

Evaluación de una vena periférica para quimioterapia intravenosa: un estudio prospectivo observacional / Evaluation of a peripheral vein for intravenous chemotherapy: a prospective observational study

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las alteraciones en el tiempo de una vena periférica utilizada para la infusión de quimioterapia en pacientes con cáncer de mama. Es un estudio observacional prospectivo que incluyó pacientes que estaban programados para recibir infusión periférica de quimioterapia. A estos pacientes se les evaluó la primera vena periférica utilizada para la infusión en cinco momentos: antes de la venopunción, después de la extracción del dispositivo al final de la primera infusión de quimioterapia y los días 21, 42 y 63 después de la primera infusión. El resultado primario fue el calibre de la vena, medido en milímetros con un transiluminador Veinlite LEDX® y una cinta métrica. Se inscribieron en el estudio 59 mujeres que recibieron doxorrubicina y docetaxel por primera vez. El tamaño del calibre varió de 2 a 4 milímetros en la línea de base y disminuyó con el tiempo. Durante el período de seguimiento, las venas periféricas de 35 mujeres (59,3%) se midieron a 0 mm el día 63. Las 24 mujeres restantes (40,7%) tuvieron cierta recuperación, pero para 15 de ellas (62,5%) la vena se convirtió en un cordón palpable. La viabilidad de utilizar una vena periférica para realizar quimioterapia disminuyó a medida que avanzaba el tratamiento.(AU)

This study aimed to assess over time alterations of a peripheral vein used for chemotherapy infusion in patients with breast cancer. It is a prospective observational study which included patients who were scheduled to receive peripheral infusion of chemotherapy. These patients had the first peripheral vein used for infusion evaluated in five moments: before the venipuncture, after device removal at the end of the first chemotherapy infusion, and on days 21, 42, and 63 after the first infusion. The primary outcome was the caliber of the vein, measured in millimeters with a Veinlite LEDX® transilluminator and a tape measure. Fifty-nine women receiving doxorubicin and docetaxel for the first time were enrolled to the study. The caliber size varied from 2 to 4 millimeters at baseline, and decreased overtime. During the follow-up period, peripheral veins of 35 women (59.3%) were measured at 0 mm at day 63. The remaining 24 women (40.7%) had some recovery, but for 15 of them (62.5%) the vein became a palpable cord. The feasibility of using a peripheral vein to perform chemotherapy decreased as the treatment progresses.(AU)

Health status and the return to work after traffic accidents. / Estado de saúde e retorno ao trabalho após os acidentes de trânsito.

OBJECTIVE: to compare the health status of traffic accident victims, at hospital discharge and after six months, and to analyze the predictive variables of their health status and return to work. METHOD: observational, longitudinal study. Data were collected through interviews and medical records of 102 patients with a mean age of 33 years; with the majority being men and victims of motorcycle accidents. The variables were analyzed by means of validated tools, student's t-test, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression. RESULTS: there was an improvement of perception in the patients' health status six months after hospital discharge and functional capacity. The individuals who returned to work showed better health-related quality of life evaluation. CONCLUSION: improvement of the perceived health status six months after hospital discharge was found. Factors that influenced the patients' return to work were not identified.

Acute radiodermatitis in cancer patients: incidence and severity estimates / Radiodermatitis aguda en pacientes con cáncer: estimación de la incidencia y la severidad / Radiodermatite aguda em pacientes com câncer: estimativa de incidência e severidade

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the incidence and distribution of the degree of radiodermatitis in cancer patients submitted to radiotherapy in the regions of head and neck, breast, and pelvis. Method: Prospective, longitudinal, quantitative study conducted from March 15, 2016 to May 4, 2017 with patients observed for five weeks of treatment. The primary outcome was the proportion of grade 1 or higher radiodermatitis each week. The degree of radiodermatitis and mean time of occurrence for each patient were secondary outcomes. Results: This study included 112 patients. The incidence of radiodermatitis was 100% among those whose head and neck region was irradiated, followed by 98% for breast and 48% for the pelvic region. The degree of radiodermatitis varied with the irradiated site; the worst degrees were found in the head and neck region, followed by the breast. In the three groups, the mean time of the first occurrence of radiodermatitis was approximately eleven days. Conclusion: The incidence of radiodermatitis in the studied groups was high, which reinforces the need to perform the same evaluation nationwide. This would support creating and standardizing protocols and recommendations for a proper management of radiodermatitis, specially concerning its prevention.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Estimar la incidencia y la distribución del grado de radiodermatitis en pacientes con cáncer sometidos a radioterapia en las regiones de la cabeza y el cuello, la mama y la pelvis. Método: Estudio prospectivo, longitudinal y cuantitativo realizado entre el 15 de marzo de 2016 y el 4 de mayo de 2017 con pacientes observados durante cinco semanas de tratamiento. El resultado primario fue la proporción de radiodermatitis grado 1 o superior cada semana. El grado de radiodermatitis y el tiempo medio de la primera aparición en cada paciente fueron resultados secundarios. Resultados: Participaron 112 pacientes. La incidencia de radiodermatitis fue del 100% entre los que se irradiaron en la región de la cabeza y el cuello, seguida del 98% en la mama y el 48% en la pelvis. El grado de radiodermatitis variaba según el sitio de irradiación, con peores grados en la región de la cabeza y el cuello, seguida de la mama. En los tres grupos, el tiempo medio para la primera aparición de radiodermatitis fue de aproximadamente 11 días. Conclusión: La incidencia de la radiodermatitis fue elevada en los grupos estudiados, lo que reitera la necesidad de hacer la misma evaluación en todo el país. Esta evaluación fomentaría la creación y la uniformización de los protocolos y recomendaciones para el manejo adecuado de la radiodermatitis, especialmente en lo que respecta a su prevención.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar a incidência e a distribuição de graduação de radiodermatite em pacientes com câncer submetidos à radioterapia nas regiões de cabeça e pescoço, mama e pelve. Método: Estudo prospectivo, longitudinal, quantitativo, realizado durante o período de 15 de março de 2016 a 4 de maio de 2017 com pacientes observados ao longo de cinco semanas de tratamento. O desfecho primário foi proporção de radiodermatite grau 1 ou superior em cada semana. Graduação de radiodermatite e tempo médio para a primeira ocorrência em cada paciente foram desfechos secundários. Resultados: Participaram 112 pacientes. A incidência de radiodermatite foi de 100% entre os que irradiaram a região de cabeça e pescoço, seguida por 98% em mama e 48% na pelve. A graduação de radiodermatite variou de acordo com o local da irradiação, com piores graduações na região de cabeça e pescoço, seguida por mama. Nos três grupos, o tempo médio para a primeira ocorrência de radiodermatite foi de aproximadamente 11 dias. Conclusão: A incidência de radiodermatite foi alta nos grupos estudados, o que reitera a necessidade de se fazer a mesma avaliação em âmbito nacional. Essa avaliação incentivaria a criação e a uniformização de protocolos e recomendações para o manejo adequado da radiodermatite, principalmente no que concerne à sua prevenção.

Oncology teaching in undergraduate nursing at public institutions courses in Brazil / Enseñanza de oncología en los cursos de grado en Enfermería de instituciones públicas brasileñas / Ensino de oncologia nos cursos de graduação em Enfermagem de instituições públicas brasileiras

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify the occurrence of oncology teaching in undergraduate nursing curricula. Methods: descriptive study, which data was obtained from curriculum and from Pedagogical Course Projects available on the websites from Brazilian public institutions, between June and July 2020. Results: 143 undergraduate nursing courses were identified. From them, 132 nursing courses (corresponding to 89 education institutions) had available the curriculum and/or Pedagogical Course Projects. Only 7 (5.3%) of them had oncology as a mandatory subject, 4 of them in the Midwest Region. Only 35 (26.5%) had elective subject in Oncology, most of them in the Northeast (45.7%). Conclusions: on third of nursing courses at public institutions has Oncology subject in the curriculum, which is few considering the high incidence and mortality from cancer in the country. The findings contribute for discussions, in curricular accommodation, on the relevance of oncology teaching in nursing curricula.

RESUMEN Objetivos: identificar ocurrencia de enseñanza de oncología en currículos de grado en Enfermería. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, datos obtenidos de la matriz curricular y del Proyecto Pedagógico de Cursos disponibles en el sitio de instituciones públicas brasileñas, entre junio y julio de 2020. Resultados: identificados 143 cursos de grado en Enfermería. De estos, 132 cursos de Enfermería (correspondientes a 89 instituciones de enseñanza) proveían la matriz curricular y/o Proyecto Pedagógico de Cursos. Solo 7 (5,3%) de ellos poseían disciplina obligatoria de oncología, siendo 4 en el Centro-Oeste. Solamente 35 (26,5%) proveían disciplina optativa en oncología, la mayoría en el Nordeste (45,7%). Conclusiones: un tercio de los cursos de Enfermería de instituciones públicas brasileñas tienen enseñanza de oncología en el currículo, lo que es poco considerando la alta incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer en el país. Esto contribuye para discusiones, en reformas curriculares, sobre la relevancia de enseñanza de oncología en currículos de Enfermería.

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar a ocorrência de ensino de oncologia nos currículos de graduação em Enfermagem. Métodos: estudo descritivo, cujos dados foram obtidos da matriz curricular e do Projeto Pedagógico de Cursos disponíveis nos sites de instituições públicas brasileiras, entre junho e julho de 2020. Resultados: foram identificados 143 cursos de graduação em Enfermagem. Destes, 132 cursos de Enfermagem (correspondentes a 89 instituições de ensino) disponibilizavam a matriz curricular e/ou Projeto Pedagógico de Cursos. Apenas 7 (5,3%) deles possuíam disciplina obrigatória de oncologia, sendo 4 na região Centro-Oeste. Somente 35 (26,5%) disponibilizavam disciplina optativa em oncologia, a maioria no Nordeste (45,7%). Conclusões: um terço dos cursos de Enfermagem de instituições públicas brasileiras tem o ensino de oncologia no currículo, o que é pouco considerando a alta incidência e mortalidade por câncer no país. Os achados contribuem para discussões, em reformas curriculares, sobre a relevância do ensino de oncologia nos currículos de Enfermagem.

Readmissions due to traffic accidents at a general hospital.

OBJECTIVE: to verify the occurrence and the causes of hospital readmissions within a year after discharge from hospitalizations due to traffic accidents. METHODS: victims of multiple traumas due to traffic accidents were included, who were admitted to an Intensive Care Unit. Sociodemographic data, accident circumstances, body regions affected and cause of readmission were collected from the patient histories. RESULTS: among the 109 victims of traffic accidents, the majority were young and adult men. Most hospitalizations due to accidents involved motorcycle drivers (56.9%). The causes of the return to the hospital were: need to continue the surgical treatment (63.2%), surgical site infection (26.3%) and fall related to the physical sequelae of the trauma (10.5%). The rehospitalization rate corresponded to 174/1,000 people/year. CONCLUSION: the hospital readmission rate in the study population is similar to the rates found in other studies. Victims of severe limb traumas need multiple surgical procedures, lengthier hospitalizations and extended rehabilitation.