Development of measurable indicators to enhance public health evidence-informed policy-making.

BACKGROUND: Ensuring health policies are informed by evidence still remains a challenge despite efforts devoted to this aim. Several tools and approaches aimed at fostering evidence-informed policy-making (EIPM) have been developed, yet there is a lack of availability of indicators specifically devoted to assess and support EIPM. The present study aims to overcome this by building a set of measurable indicators for EIPM intended to infer if and to what extent health-related policies are, or are expected to be, evidence-informed for the purposes of policy planning as well as formative and summative evaluations. METHODS: The indicators for EIPM were developed and validated at international level by means of a two-round internet-based Delphi study conducted within the European project 'REsearch into POlicy to enhance Physical Activity' (REPOPA). A total of 82 researchers and policy-makers from the six European countries (Denmark, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, the United Kingdom) involved in the project and international organisations were asked to evaluate the relevance and feasibility of an initial set of 23 indicators developed by REPOPA researchers on the basis of literature and knowledge gathered from the previous phases of the project, and to propose new indicators. RESULTS: The first Delphi round led to the validation of 14 initial indicators and to the development of 8 additional indicators based on panellists' suggestions; the second round led to the validation of a further 11 indicators, including 6 proposed by panellists, and to the rejection of 6 indicators. A total of 25 indicators were validated, covering EIPM issues related to human resources, documentation, participation and monitoring, and stressing different levels of knowledge exchange and involvement of researchers and other stakeholders in policy development and evaluation. CONCLUSION: The study overcame the lack of availability of indicators to assess if and to what extent policies are realised in an evidence-informed manner thanks to the active contribution of researchers and policy-makers. These indicators are intended to become a shared resource usable by policy-makers, researchers and other stakeholders, with a crucial impact on fostering the development of policies informed by evidence.

Perioperative pain management after fibular free flap harvesting for head-and-neck reconstruction using mini-catheters to inject local anesthetic: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Fibular donor site pain management in the early postoperative period can help minimize complications, patient discomfort, and agitation. Traditional management of postoperative pain consists of systemic administration of opioids and NSAIDS. The use of local anesthetics in addition to systemic analgesics has the potential to improve pain control. Purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of mini-catheters used to inject local anesthetic into the fibular donor site after flap harvesting for reconstruction of the head-and-neck area. METHODS: Prospective study on 31 patients (mean age 52 years) treated for head and neck reconstruction with fibula free flap using minicatheter for local anesthetic injection in the early postoperative time. A bolus of chirochaine (0.125% w/v; 20 mL) was injected through the catheter before the patient regained consciousness. Postoperatively, three consecutive injections (20 mL each) were administered 8, 16, and 24 h after surgery. Pain evaluation before and after local anesthetic injection is used to assess efficacy and overall pain control. RESULTS: No major or minor complication occurred. Mean pain value was 1.69. At 8 h, the pain scores before injection ranged from 0 to 10 (mean 4.13 ± 3.06). After injection, the pain scores ranged from 0 to 5 (mean 1 ± 1.34). Similarly, at 16 h, the pain scores ranged from 0 to 8 (mean 2.77 ± 2.42) before injection and from 0 to 6 (mean 0.42 ± 1.2) thereafter. At 24 h, the initial pain score ranged from 0 to 6 (mean 1.71 ± 1.74) and from 0 to 1 (mean 0.1 ± 0.3) after drug administration. Pre and postinjection pain scores differences were statistically significant after all three injections (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Minicatheter seems to be easy, safe, and efficient when used to control pain after fibular free-flap harvesting.

Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Abdominal Wall Pain Following Surgery: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a relatively simple regional anesthesia technique which entails the injection of local anesthetics (LA) into the interfascial plane between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles, where nerves supplying the anterolateral abdominal wall course. It is widely used for acute pain management following abdominal surgical procedures. We describe a series of cases in which TAP blocks were used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic abdominal wall pain (CAWP). DESIGN: Consecutive case series of 5 patients presenting with CAWP. SETTING: Regional referral Center for Pain Medicine of the academic tertiary hospital of Parma, Italy. RESULTS: Five patients received TAP blocks with LA and steroid. Four patients reported ≥50% pain relief within hours of the procedure, and 2 of them maintained low pain intensities at 6- and 12-month follow-up calls. CONCLUSIONS: Transversus abdominis plane blocks are a valuable addition to the diagnostic armamentarium of pain physicians confronted with abdominal pain of unclear origin. Although most patients responded to the LA injection, the varying degrees of response duration may have been influenced by the different etiologies underlying each condition and the variable expressions of placebo responses. Once the abdominal wall and/or its nerves are identified as pain generators, the optimal therapeutic management remains to be determined. Available literature as well as our case series shows that long-term benefit may be obtained with 1 or more injections, but we speculate that this may only be the case for pain with predominantly neuropathic components.

Integrating research evidence and physical activity policy making-REPOPA project.

Evidence shows that regular physical activity is enhanced by supporting environment. Studies are needed to integrate research evidence into health enhancing, cross-sector physical activity (HEPA) policy making. This article presents the rationale, study design, measurement procedures and the initial results of the first phase of six European countries in a five-year research project (2011-2016), REsearch into POlicy to enhance Physical Activity (REPOPA). REPOPA is programmatic research; it consists of linked studies; the first phase studied the use of evidence in 21 policies in implementation to learn more in depth from the policy making process and carried out 86 qualitative stakeholder interviews. The second, ongoing phase builds on the central findings of the first phase in each country; it consists of two sets of interventions: game simulations to study cross-sector collaboration and organizational change processes in the use of evidence and locally tailored interventions to increase knowledge integration. The results of the first two study phases will be tested and validated among policy makers and other stakeholders in the third phase using a Delphi process. Initial results from the first project phase showed the lack of explicit evidence use in HEPA policy making. Facilitators and barriers of the evidence use were the availability of institutional resources and support but also networking between researchers and policy makers. REPOPA will increase understanding use of research evidence in different contexts; develop guidance and tools and establish sustainable structures such as networks and platforms between academics and policy makers across relevant sectors.

Intra-hospital transport of brain-injured patients: a prospective, observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Discrepant data exist regarding the incidence and severity of clinical problems related to intra-hospital transport of brain-injured patients and no consensus exists whether modern-day intra-hospital transport represents a safe or potentially problematic environment for neurointensive care unit (NICU) patients. METHODS: We examined the incidence of clinical complications and physiological derangements that occurred in 160 neurologically injured patients (90 males, 70 females, mean age 57 ± 17 years) who underwent intra-hospital transport (288 cases, 237 scheduled, 51 unscheduled) for computed tomography scans. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that (1) at least one significant complication (predominantly hemodynamic) occurred in over one-third (36%) of all transports (p = n.s scheduled vs. unscheduled) necessitating the deployment of interventions designed to treat changes in arterial pressure (2) despite the presence of trained medical personnel and availability of specialized equipment, intra-cranial pressure was not adequately monitored during transports (especially in patients with intra-cranial hypertension prior to transport) (3) intra-hospital transfer was associated with minor but statistically significant clinical changes, including a reduction in arterial partial pressure of oxygen (Pa(O(2)))/inspired oxygen fraction (Fi(O(2))) (only in the scheduled transport population), decreased arterial lactate levels (scheduled transport population), lowered body temperature (scheduled transport population), and increased arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pa(CO(2))) (scheduled transport population). CONCLUSIONS: Intra-hospital transport of brain-injured NICU patients may present some hazards even if performed by skilled personnel with specialized equipment. In Trauma Centers such as ours, an improvement in the frequency of neuromonitoring [intra-cranial pressure (ICP) and end-tidal CO2 (ET(CO(2)))] during transport is recommended.

Determinants of evidence use in public health policy making: Results from a study across six EU countries.

The knowledge-practice gap in public health is widely known. The importance of using different types of evidence for the development of effective health promotion has also been emphasized. Nevertheless, in practice, intervention decisions are often based on perceived short-term opportunities, lacking the most effective approaches, thus limiting the impact of health promotion strategies. This article focuses on facilitators and barriers in the use of evidence in developing health enhancing physical activity policies. Data was collected in 2012 by interviewing 86 key stakeholders from six EU countries (FI, DK, UK, NL, IT, RO) using a common topic guide. Content analysis and concept mapping was used to construct a map of facilitators and barriers. Barriers and facilitators experienced by most stakeholders and policy context in each country are analysed. A lack of locally useful and concrete evidence, evidence on costs, and a lack of joint understanding were specific hindrances. Also users' characteristics and the role media play were identified as factors of influence. Attention for individual and social factors within the policy context might provide the key to enhance more sustainable evidence use. Developing and evaluating tailored approaches impacting on networking, personal relationships, collaboration and evidence coproduction is recommended.

Mechanisms of low back pain: a guide for diagnosis and therapy.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a chronic pain syndrome in the lower back region, lasting for at least 3 months. CLBP represents the second leading cause of disability worldwide being a major welfare and economic problem. The prevalence of CLBP in adults has increased more than 100% in the last decade and continues to increase dramatically in the aging population, affecting both men and women in all ethnic groups, with a significant impact on functional capacity and occupational activities. It can also be influenced by psychological factors, such as stress, depression and/or anxiety. Given this complexity, the diagnostic evaluation of patients with CLBP can be very challenging and requires complex clinical decision-making. Answering the question "what is the pain generator" among the several structures potentially involved in CLBP is a key factor in the management of these patients, since a mis-diagnosis can generate therapeutical mistakes. Traditionally, the notion that the etiology of 80% to 90% of LBP cases is unknown has been mistaken perpetuated across decades. In most cases, low back pain can be attributed to specific pain generator, with its own characteristics and with different therapeutical opportunity. Here we discuss about radicular pain, facet Joint pain, sacro-iliac pain, pain related to lumbar stenosis, discogenic pain. Our article aims to offer to the clinicians a simple guidance to identify pain generators in a safer and faster way, relying a correct diagnosis and further therapeutical approach.

Distúrbio de voz e fatores associados em professores da rede pública / Voice disorder and associated factors among public schools teachers

Resumo Objetivo : analisar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao distúrbio de voz em professores. Métodos : estudo transversal com 317 professores. Utilizou-se o questionário Condição de Produção Vocal do Professor. A variável dependente foi o distúrbio de voz autorreferido. Foram realizadas análises bivariada, estratificada e regressão múltipla de Poisson. Resultados : a prevalência do distúrbio de voz foi de 81%. Para o estrato dos professores do ensino fundamental, apenas a poeira (RP = 1,37; IC = 1,12-1,69) foi associada ao distúrbio de voz. Para o estrato dos demais professores, as variáveis ritmo de trabalho estressante (RP = 1,81; IC = 1,17-2,82), estresse no trabalho (RP = 2,47; IC = 1,20-5,07), trabalho repetitivo (RP = 1,18; IC = 1,01-1,38), levar trabalho para casa (RP = 1,80; IC = 1,01-3,79) e escola ruidosa (RP = 1,41; IC = 1,03-1,92) apresentaram associações com distúrbio de voz. Na análise múltipla, estresse no trabalho (RP = 1,50; IC = 1,05-2,15), poeira (RP = 1,21; IC = 1,06-1,39) e falar carregando peso (RP = 1,16; IC = 1,05-1,28) permaneceram associadas ao distúrbio de voz, exceto o tempo de profissão maior ou igual a 10 anos (RP = 0,88; IC = 0,79-0,98), que apresentou efeito protetor. Conclusão : a prevalência de distúrbio de voz entre os professores é alta e os fatores associados relacionam-se ao ambiente e à organização do trabalho.

Abstract Objective : to analyze prevalence and factors associated to voice disorders in teachers. Methods : cross-sectional study with 317 school teachers. A Teachers Voice Production Condition questionnaire was used. The dependent variable was the self-reported voice disorder. We performed bivariate, stratified and Poisson multiple regression analyses. Results : the prevalence of voice disorders was 81%. For the stratum of elementary school teachers only dust (PR = 1.37; CI = 1.12-1.69) was associated with voice disorders. For the stratum of other teachers the variables stressful pace of work (PR = 1.81; CI = 1.17-2.82), work stress (PR = 2.47; CI = 1.20-5.07), repetitive work (PP = 1.18; CI = 1.01-1.38), taking work home (PR = 1.80; CI = 1.01-3.79) and noisy school (PR = 1.41; CI = 1.03-1.92) were associated with voice disorders. In multiple analysis, work stress (PR = 1.50; CI = 1.05-2.15), dust (PR = 1.21; CI = 1.06-1.39) and carrying weight while speaking (PR = 1.16; CI = 1.05-1.28) remained associated with voice disorders, except profession time ≥ 10 years (PR = 0.88; CI = 0.79-0.98) that showed a protective effect. Conclusion : the prevalence of voice disorders among teachers is high and associated factors are related to work environment and organization.

Caracteristicas dos pacientes submetidos a cirurgias corretivas primarias de fissuras labiopalatinas / Characteristics of patients who underwent primary correction of the cleft-lip and palate

Introdução: As fissuras são malformações da face estabelecidas na vida intrauterina que podem comprometer o lábio, o palato ou ambos. A cronologia cirúrgica preconiza a realização da queiloplastia primária entre 3 e 6 meses de idade e da palatoplastia primária entre 12 e 18 meses.Objetivo: Caracterizar os pacientes submetidos a cirurgias corretivas primárias defissuras labiopalatinas em hospital universitário de Cuiabá, na época de realização das cirurgias corretivas primárias, analisando se as queiloplastias foram realizadas em média até os 6 meses de idade, e as palatoplastias até os 18 meses.Método: Estudo transversal retrospectivo, por meio da análise de prontuário de 43 pacientes submetidos às cirurgias corretivas primárias de lábio e palato, no período de agosto de 2007 a outubro de 2011, no Hospital Universitário Júlio Müller,em Cuiabá-MT.Resultados: Quanto ao tipo, a mais frequente foi a fissura combinada de lábio e palato unilateral, seguida da fissura isolada de palato. Do total de 57 cirurgias primárias, 29 foram corretivas de lábio e 28 corretivas de palato. Sobre a época de realização das cirurgias, observa-se que a idade média em meses, retirando-sevalores extremos da análise, foi de 7,3 para as queiloplastias e de 39,6 para as palatoplastias.Conclusão: De acordo com os dados, pode-se concluir que, em média,as queiloplastias foram realizadas até os 6 meses de idade. Entretanto, as palatoplastias foram realizadas, em média, acima dos 18 meses de idade, com resultado estatisticamente significante.

Background: The cleft palate are facial malformations established in utero that may compromise the lip, palate or both. The surgical chronology recommends primary cheiloplasty between 3 and 6 months of age and primary palatoplasty between 12 and 18 months.Aim: To assess the characteristics of patients who underwent primary cleft lip and palate repair at a university hospital in Cuiabá. We aimed to analyze whether lip repair were performed on average until 6 months of age and whether palatoplasty were performed until 18 months.Method: retrospective cross-sectional study. We analyzed the medical records of 43 patients who underwent primary correction of the lip and palate, from August 2007 to October 2011, at the Hospital Universitário Júlio Müller, Cuiabá, Brazil.Results: The most frequent type of cleft was the unilateral complete lip and palate, followed by isolated cleft palate. Of the total amount of 57 primary surgeries, 29 were lip repairs and 28 were palate repairs. The average age among patients,with extreme values excluded from the analysis, was 7.3 months for lip repair and 39.6 months for palatoplasty.Conclusion: According to the data, lip repair were performed on average until 6months of age, while palatoplasties were performed on average after 18 months ofage, with statistically significant results.