Calidad de atención y satisfacción en un servicio de laboratorio clínico / Quality of care and satisfaction in a laboratory service

Introducción: La administración organizacional en salud busca garantizar una atención efectiva y una gestión eficiente; evalúa la atención y satisfacción que a su vez guardan una estrecha y compleja relación. Objetivo: Estimar la asociación entre la calidad de atención y la satisfacción del usuario externo, del servicio de laboratorio clínico. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, correlacional, de diseño observacional transversal. La población estudiada fueron usuarios atendidos en el servicio de laboratorio clínico de un hospital privado, en Lima, Perú, a quienes se les aplicó un cuestionario de elaboración propia sobre calidad de atención y otro de satisfacción del usuario adaptado del modelo SERVPERF. La información obtenida fue analizada con el software IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0 y para la prueba de hipótesis se aplicó el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: De los 220 usuarios encuestados, el 69,1 por ciento calificó como alta la calidad brindada, en la cual la dimensión mejor calificada fue la calidad humana (71,8 por ciento); asimismo, el 73,6 por ciento de los usuarios afirmaron estar satisfechos y dentro de ello, las dimensiones con mayor satisfacción fueron la empatía (73,2 por ciento) y la seguridad (73,1 por ciento). Conclusiones: La calidad de atención y sus dimensiones que la conforman se asocian con la satisfacción de los usuarios(AU)

Introduction: The healthcare management seeks to guarantee effective care and efficient management, assesses care and satisfaction, which in turn have a close and complex relationship. Objective: To estimate the association between the quality of care and the satisfaction of the external user of the clinical laboratory service. Methods: Quantitative, correlational study, with a cross-sectional observational design. The population studied were users treated in the clinical laboratory service of a private hospital in Lima, Peru, to whom a self-developed questionnaire was applied on quality of care and another on user satisfaction adapted from the SERVPERF model. The information obtained was analyzed with the IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0 software and Spearman's correlation coefficient was applied for the hypothesis test. Results: Of the 220 users surveyed, 69.1 percent rated the quality provided as high, in which the best rated dimension was human quality (71.8 percent ); Likewise, 73.6 percent of the users stated that they were satisfied and within this, the dimensions with the greatest satisfaction were empathy (73.2 percent ) and security (73.1 percent). Conclusions: The quality of care and its dimensions that make it up are associated with user satisfaction(AU)

Indicators for evaluation of specialized dental centers by experts consensus method / Indicadores para la evaluación de centros dentales especializados por método de consenso de expertos / ndicadores para a avaliação de centros odontológicos especializados pelo método do consenso de especialistas

Introdução:Os Centros Dentários Especializados devem apoiar a Atenção Primária à Saúde dentro de uma complexidade média. Objetivo:Construirindicadores de desempenho com base em um modelo lógico que ilustra os recursos, atividades, produtos e resultados exigidos por um Centro Odontológico Especializado para cumprir sua missão. Metodologia:Para validá-los, professores, gerentes médios e gerentes (n = 6) atribuíram uma pontuação (0-9) a cada atributo (validade, sensibilidade, especificidade, relevância, simplicidade,custo-benefício, oportunidade) dos indicadores, antes e depois da discussão em grupo. Resultados:Dos 82 indicadores iniciais, 63 foram considerados importantes por consenso (mediana ≥7; distância interquartil ≤2) relacionados à motivação para o trabalho;absenteísmo às consultas; atmosfera organizacional; segurança do paciente; gestão participativa; recursos financeiros; produtividade; educação em saúde e interação Centro Dentário Especializado/Cuidados Primários formaram a matriz final que prevê subsidiar avaliações de desempenho, principalmente baseadas em processos de trabalho. Conclusões:A matriz final de indicadores é coerente com as discussões, onde foi essencial propor indicadores, focalizando os processos de trabalho desenvolvidos e a integração aatenção primária à saúde e os centros dentários especializados em favor da rede de saúde. Assim, procura constituir uma ferramenta de auto-avaliação que verifica como os processos de trabalho nos centros dentários especializados se alinham com os valores organizacionais da atenção primária a saúde (AU).

Introducción:Los Centros dentales especializadosdeben respaldar la Atención primaria de salud dentro de una complejidad mediana. Objetivo: Construir indicadores de rendimiento basados en un modelo lógico que ilustre los recursos, las actividades, los productos y los resultados que necesita un Centro Dental Especializado para cumplir su misión. Metodología:Para validarlos, profesores, mandos intermedios y gerentes (n = 6) asignaron un puntaje (0-9) a cada atributo (validez, sensibilidad, especificidad, relevancia, simplicidad, costo-efectividad, oportunidad) de los indicadores, antes y después discusión de grupo. Resultados: De82 indicadores iniciales, 63 se consideraron importantes por consenso (mediana ≥7, distancia intercuartílica ≤2) relacionados con la motivación para el trabajo; ausentismo a las consultas; ambiente organizacional; seguridad del paciente; administracion Participativa; recursos financieros; productividad; educación e interacción con la salud. El Centro Dental Especializado / Atención Primaria formó la matriz final que contempla subsidiar las evaluaciones de desempeño, principalmente basadas en procesos de trabajo. Conclusiones: La matriz de indicadores final es coherente con los debates, en los que era esencial proponer indicadores, centrándose en los procesos de trabajo desarrollados y en la integración de la atención primaria y los centros dentales especializados en favor de la red sanitaria. Así, pretende constituir una herramienta de autoevaluación que verifique cómo los procesos de trabajo en los centros odontológicos especializados se alinean con los valores organizativos de la atención primaria (AU).

Introduction:Specialized Dental Centers should support Primary Health Care within medium complexity. Objective:Build performance indicators based on a logic model that illustrates the resources, activities, products, and results required by a Specialized Dental Center to fulfill its mission. Methodology:To validate them, teachers, middle managers and managers (n = 6) assigned a score (0-9) to each attribute (validity, sensitivity, specificity, relevance, simplicity, cost-effectiveness, opportunity) of the indicators, before and after group discussion. Results:From 82 initial indicators, 63 were considered important by consensus (median ≥7; interquartile distance ≤2) related to motivation for work; absenteeism to the consultations; organizational atmosphere; patient safety; participative management; financial resources; productivity; health education and interaction Specialized Dental Center/Primary Care formed the final matrix that envisages to subsidize performance evaluations, mainly based on work processes. Conclusions:The final indicator matrix is consistent with the discussions, where it was essential to propose indicators, focusing on the work processes developed and the integration of primary health care and specialized dental centers in favor of the health network. Thus, it seeks to constitute a self-assessment tool that verifies how the work processes in the specialized dental centers align with the organizational values of primary health care (AU).

Prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in the real-world setting in Spain.

PURPOSE: Proper monitoring and management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) with antiemetics is crucial for cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the use of antiemetics for the treatment of highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) including carboplatin in the real-world setting in Spain. METHODS: A representative panel of cancer specialists was asked to collect information about the antiemetic treatments provided to patients receiving chemotherapy. Records formed part of the Global Oncology Monitor© database (Ipsos Healthcare, London, UK). Chemotherapy data were extrapolated using Ipsos Healthcare's projection methodology. RESULTS: A total of 73 experts were finally included. Data from 9519 patients, estimated to be representative of 202,084 patients, were collected. HEC (and carboplatin-based chemotherapy) was administered to 73,118 (36%) patients, cisplatin-based therapy being the most frequent treatment (n = 34,649, 47.38%). Neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists (NK1RAs) alone or in combination were used as prophylaxis for CINV in 14,762 (20%) patients, while the combination of NK1RA with 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonist (5-HT3RAs) and dexamethasone as recommended by the international guidelines was used in 5849 (8%) patients only. No antiemetic prophylaxis was administered to 8.46% of the patients receiving HEC (n = 6189). Physicians classified cisplatin-, anthracycline-cyclophosphamide (AC-), and carboplatin-based regimens as HEC in 63%, 22% and 4% of the cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of NK1RA-containing regimens for CINV prevention in patients treated with HEC was less than expected, suggesting poor adherence to international antiemetic guidelines.

Dental Status of Firefighters of Rio de Janeiro State and Comparison with Brazilian Oral Health Surveys

ABSTRACT Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess clinical dental status in military firefighters of Rio de Janeiro State and compare data with Brazilian National and Regional oral health surveys. Material and Methods: A sample of 926 military firefighters was examined using the visible biofilm index, the DMFT index and the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Clinical exams were performed by 15 trained dentists. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni correction were used. Results: Higher biofilm accumulation was associated with increased age. The mean DMFT index for the whole sample of this study was 12.74 (±7.03), and the 'filled' component was the most prevalent (69.9%), whereas the 'decayed' and 'missing' components were, respectively, 8.4% and 21.7%. There was a higher prevalence of periodontal diseases with increasing age, ranging from 57.1% in firefighters of 34 years or less to 70.5% in the ones between 35 and 44 years old and 75.4% in participants at age 45 years or older. Clinical dental status of the military firefighters who belonged to the age group 35-44 was better than the one observed for the Brazilian population at the same age range. However, pathological conditions that can be solved with health promotion strategies associated with dental procedures of low complexity still persist. Conclusion: These results suggest that the availability of dental health care services itself does not represent the most effective approach to the oral health problems found in the studied population.

What are the challenges of epidemiological research during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact in several areas, and in scientific research was not different. Researchers are working from their homes since research facilities and universities were closed, and face-to-face interaction where limited to stop the virus spread. This brought a lot of changes in observational studies, especially in epidemiology research. Since most studies are being conducted through internet-based assessments, researchers are facing different challenges regarding data collection and participants recruitment, for example. In this paper, we share some of the challenges faced in a population-based study conducted in Southern Brazil, as well as possible alternatives to help researchers to overcome these issues.

Use of health services by adults in Manaus, 2019: Protocol of a population-based survey.

INTRODUCTION: Health services utilization is an indirect measure of the rights and equity of a health system. A 2015 survey conducted in the Manaus metropolitan region showed that in the previous year, over 70% of adults visited the doctor and 1 in 3 had visited a dentist. Socioeconomic factors and inequality played a central role in the usage of healthcare services and health situation in this population. Since then, political and economic crisis are evolving in Brazil. This project aims to estimate the prevalence of use of health services and the health status of the adults residing in Manaus in 2019. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a population-based survey of adults (≥18 years old) residing in Manaus. This survey will be conducted in the first half of 2019 with 2300 participants who will be interviewed at home, selected from a probabilistic sampling in 3 stages (census tracts, household, and dweller), and stratified by sex and age quotas based on official estimates. The participants will be interviewed using previously validated tools and questions employed in Brazilian official surveys, which will cover use of health services and supplies, health status, and lifestyle. Primary outcome will be any healthcare usage in the last 15 days. Associations between health services usage and socioeconomic data and health outcomes will be assessed using a Poisson regression with a complex sampling design correction. Results will be reported according to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology statement. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. All participants will sign an informed consent before the interview. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed manuscripts, reports, conference presentations, and through the media.

Differences in Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Clinician and Group Survey Scores by Recency of the Last Visit: Implications for Comparability of Periodic and Continuous Sampling.

BACKGROUND: Patient experience data can be collected by sampling patients periodically (eg, patients with any visits over a 1-year period) or sampling visits continuously (eg, sampling any visit in a monthly interval). Continuous sampling likely yields a sample with more frequent and more recent visits, possibly affecting the comparability of data collected under the 2 approaches. OBJECTIVE: To explore differences in Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Clinician and Group survey (CG-CAHPS) scores using periodic and continuous sampling. RESEARCH DESIGN: We use observational data to estimate case-mix-adjusted differences in patient experience scores under 12-month periodic sampling and simulated continuous sampling. SUBJECTS: A total of 29,254 adult patients responding to the CG-CAHPS survey regarding visits in the past 12 months to any of 480 physicians, 2007-2009. MEASURES: Overall doctor rating and 4 CG-CAHPS composite measures of patient experience: doctor communication, access to care, care coordination, and office staff. RESULTS: Compared with 12-month periodic sampling, simulated continuous sampling yielded patients with more recent visits (by definition), more frequent visits (92% of patients with 2+ visits, compared with 76%), and more positive case-mix-adjusted CAHPS scores (2-3 percentage points higher). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with more frequent visits reported markedly higher CG-CAHPS scores, but this causes only small to moderate changes in adjusted physician-level scores between 12-month periodic and continuous sampling schemes. Caution should be exercised in trending or comparing scores collected through different schemes.

Physician satisfaction with a multi-platform digital scheduling system.

OBJECTIVE: Physician shift schedules are regularly created manually, using paper or a shared online spreadsheet. Mistakes are not unusual, leading to last minute scrambles to cover a shift. We developed a web-based shift scheduling system and a mobile application tool to facilitate both the monthly scheduling and shift exchanges between physicians. The primary objective was to compare physician satisfaction before and after the mobile application implementation. METHODS: Over a 9-month period, three surveys, using the 4-point Likert type scale were performed to assess the physician satisfaction. The first survey was conducted three months prior mobile application release, a second survey three months after implementation and the last survey six months after. RESULTS: 51 (77%) of the physicians answered the baseline survey. Of those, 32 (63%) were males with a mean age of 37.8 ± 5.5 years. Prior to the mobile application implementation, 36 (70%) of the responders were using more than one method to carry out shift exchanges and only 20 (40%) were using the official department report sheet to document shift exchanges. The second and third survey were answered by 48 (73%) physicians. Forty-eight (98%) of them found the mobile application easy or very easy to install and 47 (96%) did not want to go back to the previous method. Regarding physician satisfaction, at baseline 37% of the physicians were unsatisfied or very unsatisfied with shift scheduling. After the mobile application was implementation, only 4% reported being unsatisfied (OR = 0.11, p < 0.001). The satisfaction level improved from 63% to 96% between the first and the last survey. Satisfaction levels significantly increased between the three time points (OR = 13.33, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our web and mobile phone-based scheduling system resulted in better physician satisfaction.

Satisfacción y calidad percibida de afiliados al Sistema de Protección Social en Salud de México. Fundamentos metodológicos / Satisfaction and perceived quality of people insured by the Social Health Protection in Mexico. Methodological foundations

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir el marco conceptual, metodología de implementación y análisis de la Encuesta de Satisfacción de Usuarios del Sistema de Protección Social en Salud de México. Material y métodos: Se analizan los elementos metodológicos de los estudios de 2013, 2014 y 2015, incluyendo el instrumento utilizado, el muestreo y el diseño del estudio, el modelo conceptual, las características y los indicadores del análisis. Resultados: La encuesta captura información sobre calidad percibida y satisfacción. El muestreo tiene representación nacional y estatal. Se construyen y describen indicadores simples y compuestos (índice de satisfacción y porcentaje de problemas de calidad reportados). El análisis se completa mediante diagramas de Pareto, correlación entre indicadores y asociación con la satisfacción mediante modelos multivariados. Conclusiones: La medición de satisfacción y calidad percibida es un proceso complejo pero necesario para cumplir con la normativa y para identificar estrategias de mejora. La encuesta descrita presenta diseño y análisis rigurosos enfocados en su utilidad para mejorar.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the conceptual framework and methods for implementation and analysis of the satisfaction survey of the Mexican System for Social Protection in Health. Materials and methods: We analyze the methodological elements of the 2013, 2014 and 2015 surveys, including the instrument, sampling method and study design, conceptual framework, and characteristics and indicators of the analysis. Results: The survey captures information on perceived quality and satisfaction. Sampling has national and State representation. Simple and composite indicators (index of satisfaction and rate of reported quality problems) are built and described. The analysis is completed using Pareto diagrams, correlation between indicators and association with satisfaction by means of multivariate models. Conclusions: The measurement of satisfaction and perceived quality is a complex but necessary process to comply with regulations and to identify strategies for improvement. The described survey presents a design and rigorous analysis focused on its utility for improving.

[Satisfaction and perceived quality of people insured by the Social Health Protection in Mexico. Methodological foundations]. / Satisfacción y calidad percibida de afiliados al Sistema de Protección Social en Salud de México. Fundamentos metodológicos.

OBJECTIVE:: To describe the conceptual framework and methods for implementation and analysis of the satisfaction survey of the Mexican System for Social Protection in Health. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: We analyze the methodological elements of the 2013, 2014 and 2015 surveys, including the instrument, sampling method and study design, conceptual framework, and characteristics and indicators of the analysis. RESULTS:: The survey captures information on perceived quality and satisfaction. Sampling has national and State representation. Simple and composite indicators (index of satisfaction and rate of reported quality problems) are built and described. The analysis is completed using Pareto diagrams, correlation between indicators and association with satisfaction by means of multivariate models. CONCLUSIONS:: The measurement of satisfaction and perceived quality is a complex but necessary process to comply with regulations and to identify strategies for improvement. The described survey presents a design and rigorous analysis focused on its utility for improving.

[Reflections on the conceptualization and measurement of access to health services in Argentina: The case of the National Survey of Risk Factors 2009]. / Reflexiones sobre la conceptualización y la medición del acceso a los servicios de salud en Argentina: el caso de la Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo 2009.

In this article we reflect on the complexity surrounding the conceptualization and measurement of access to health services. We present the theoretical models habitually used to approach the issue and different ways of operationalizing these models, taking into account the implications for the analysis of the data and the information obtained. As an example of this complexity, we analyze the National Survey of Risk Factors [Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo] conducted in Argentina in 2009. We show that the survey provides important information for understanding inequalities in access to health services. However, the way in which the barriers to access to the health system are measured may underreport the problem by only capturing extreme situations.

Reflexiones sobre la conceptualización y la medición del acceso a los servicios de salud en Argentina: el caso de la Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo 2009 / Reflections on the conceptualization and measurement of access to health services in Argentina: The case of the National Survey of Risk Factors 2009

En este artículo reflexionamos sobre la complejidad que presentan la conceptualización y la medición del acceso a los servicios de salud. Presentamos los modelos teóricos que habitualmente se utilizan para abordar la temática y las diferentes formas de operacionalizarlos, dando cuenta de sus implicancias para el análisis de los datos y la información obtenida. Tomamos como ejemplo la Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo realizada en Argentina en el año 2009. Mostramos que esta encuesta ofrece información importante para comprender las desigualdades en el acceso a los servicios de salud; sin embargo, observamos que la forma en que mide y analiza el acceso puede subregistrar la problemática de las barreras en la utilización de los servicios de salud, captando solamente las situaciones extremas.

In this article we reflect on the complexity surrounding the conceptualization and measurement of access to health services. We present the theoretical models habitually used to approach the issue and different ways of operationalizing these models, taking into account the implications for the analysis of the data and the information obtained. As an example of this complexity, we analyze the National Survey of Risk Factors [Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo] conducted in Argentina in 2009. We show that the survey provides important information for understanding inequalities in access to health services. However, the way in which the barriers to access to the health system are measured may underreport the problem by only capturing extreme situations.

Location of Usual Source of Care among Children and Adolescents in the United States, 1997-2013.

OBJECTIVES: To examine national trends in the percentage of children whose usual source of care is at a clinic, health center, or hospital outpatient department (hereafter "clinics") and whether trends differ by sociodemographic subpopulations. STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of serial, cross-sectional, nationally representative in-person household surveys, the 1997-2013 National Health Interview Surveys, was conducted to identify children with a usual source of care (n = 190,571), and the percentage receiving that care in a clinic. We used joinpoint regression to identify changes in linear trends, and logistic regression with predictive margins to obtain per-year changes in percentages, both unadjusted and adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Interaction terms in logistic regressions were used to assess whether trends varied by sociodemographic subgroups. RESULTS: Of all children with a usual source of care, the percentage receiving that care in a clinic declined 0.44 percentage points per year (P < .001) from 22.97% in 1997 to 19.31% in 2002. Thereafter, it increased approximately 0.57 percentage points per year (P < .001), reaching 26.1% in 2013. Trends for some sociodemographic subgroups varied from these overall trends. No changes were observed between 2003 and 2013 for non-Hispanic black and Medicaid/State Children's Health Insurance Program insured children. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that, although the percentage of children with a usual source of care in a clinic declined between 1997 and 2002, it has steadily increased since that time.

Rinitis alérgica, prevalencia y factores de riesgo en adolescentes cubanos / Allergic rhinitis, prevalence and risk factors among Cuban adolescents

Introducción: la rinitis alérgica es una afección común que afecta el 10 por ciento-30 por ciento de la población mundial. Se desconoce la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo a escala nacional. Objetivo: estimar la prevalencia de los factores de riesgo de rinitis alérgica en adolescentes de 13 y 14 años. Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal. Diseño muestral complejo. Encuestados 5 799 escolares (áreas urbanas y rurales del país). Se aplicó el cuestionario Estudio Internacional de Asma y Alergias en la Infancia. Se añadieron variables para evaluar exposición a posibles factores de riesgo. Se calcularon razones de disparidad (IC 95 por ciento) y se trabajaron modelos de regresión logística. Se realizó revisión bibliográfica actualizada, periodo 2008-2013, para contrastar los datos obtenidos en la encuesta nacional con los referidos en la literatura internacional. Resultados: participación de estudiantes: 86 por ciento. Prevalencia de rinitis en los últimos 12 meses: 38 por ciento; rinoconjuntivitis, 29 por ciento. Se asoció significativamente a sexo femenino: 1,68 (1,66-1,70), historia familiar de asma-alergia: 2,02 (1,99-2,05), convivencia con fumadores: 1,09 (1,07-1,11), hacinamiento en vivienda: 1,14 (1,12-1,16), ventilación inadecuada: 1,15 (1,13-1,16), tenencia de mascotas: perro, 1,25 (1,23-1,27), ubicación de vivienda y escuela en avenidas principales: 1,27 (1,24-1,29) y 1,10 (1,08-1,12) respectivamente y solucionar problemas en el núcleo familiar peleando o conversando: 1,31 (1,28-1,33). Conclusiones: la rinitis alérgica es una condición frecuente y subdiagnosticada en los adolescentes cubanos. La mayoría de los factores de riesgo identificados son modificables. La vigencia de los hallazgos encontrados descansa en que la dinámica de las enfermedades crónicas no se observan variaciones a corto plazo. Se construyó una línea de base a escala nacional, que permitirá la evaluación de la efectividad de acciones preventivas y de control(AU)

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is a common condition affecting 10 percent-30 percent of the world population. The prevalence and risk factors for allergic rhinitis on a national scale are not known. Objective: Estimate the prevalence and risk factors for allergic rhinitis among 13- and 14-year-old adolescents. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Complex sampling design. 5 799 school children from urban and rural areas were surveyed using the questionnaire International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Variables were added to include exposure to potential risk factors. Odds ratios (CI 95 percent) were estimated and logistic regression models were developed. An updated bibliographic review was conducted of the 2008-2013 period to contrast the data obtained by the national survey with those in the international literature. Results: Participation of students: 86 percent. Prevalence of rhinitis in the last 12 months: 38 percent; rhinoconjunctivitis: 29 percent. The condition was significantly associated with the following variables: female sex: 1,68 (1,66-1,70); a family history of asthma-allergy: 2,02 (1,99-2,05); living with smokers: 1,09 (1,07-1,11); overcrowded household: 1,14 (1,12-1,16); inadequate ventilation: 1,15 (1,13-1,16); pet ownership: dog: 1,25 (1,23-1,27); location of the home and school on main avenues: 1,27 (1,24-1,29) and 1,10 (1,08-1,12), respectively; and dealing with family problems by talking or fighting: 1,31 (1,28-1,33). Conclusions: Allergic rhinitis is a frequent though underdiagnosed condition among Cuban adolescents. Most of the risk factors identified are modifiable. Currency of the findings rests on the fact that short-term variations are not typically found in the dynamics of chronic disease. A national baseline was developed which will permit evaluation of the effectiveness of prevention and control actions(AU)

Adaptación y validación de la escala de bienestar materno en situación de parto: segunda versión para escenarios de asistencia integral / Adaptation and validation of Maternal Welfare Scale (BMSP2)

Antecedentes: La literatura actual ha mostrado escasa información respecto del bienestar materno durante el proceso de parto. Objetivo: Mejorar la exigencia de la Escala Bienestar materno en Situación de Parto (BMSP1), para ser utilizada en modalidades integrales de asistencia, se adapta la versión inicial y se valida estadísticamente. Método: Se utiliza una muestra no probabilística de 223 puérperas de bajo riesgo, que participan como grupo control, previo a la implementación del Centro de Asistencia Integral del Parto en un hospital público de Santiago. A la escala BMSP1 se agregan 10 afirmaciones alineadas con las políticas de parto integral y, posteriormente, se le aplica dos pruebas psicométricas que permiten evaluar su consistencia interna y reagrupar los ítems en nuevas dimensiones-subescalas. Resultados: Se obtiene un instrumento válido y fiable, apto para recoger la percepción de bienestar en modalidades de asistencia integral del parto. Se compone de 7 dimensiones que agrupan a 47 afirmaciones de bienestar o malestar. La primera, referida al cuidado relacional de calidad, concentra la mayor cantidad de afirmaciones. El resto de las dimensiones agrupan, cada una, a lo menos 4 ítems de bienestar o malestar, y se refieren a las condiciones ambientales, a la percepción de contacto precoz con el hijo, al acompañamiento familiar, a las medidas de autocuidado y confort, al cuidado oportuno y respetuoso; asimismo, la que tiene relación con la despersonalización del cuidado. Conclusión: La escala BMSP2 es aplicable para evaluar bienestar materno en escenarios de parto con las exigencias de un proceso integral, de calidad y seguridad.

Background: Current literature has shown scant information on maternal well-being during the birth process. Objective: With the purpose of applying methods of integral childbirth assistance to improve the standards of Maternal Welfare Scale (BMSP1), the initial version of has been adapted and subjected to statistical validation. Method: We have used a non-probabilistic sample of two hundred and twenty three low risk women during their puerperium period, who took part as a base controlled group, before the implementation of the Integral Childbirth Assistance Centre in a public hospital in Santiago. Ten statements that were in line with integral childbirth policies were added to the BMSP1; and two psychometric tests, which allowed evaluation of internal consistency and construct validity. Results: The attainment of a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the perception of wellbeing in integral assistance methods in childbirth. It has seven dimensions that can be grouped into 47 measures of wellbeing or discomfort. The first, which contains a larger number of statements or measures, refers to quality relational care. The remaining dimensions are collections of at least four items of wellbeing or discomfort each, and focus on environmental conditions, early contact with the child, family support, self-care methods, adequate and respectful attention, as well as the correlation with impersonalized care. Conclusion: The BMSP2 scale can be used to evaluate maternal welfare in childbirth scenarios with the standards of an integral, secure and high quality process.

Level of agreement among Latin American glaucoma subspecialists on the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma: results of an online survey.

PURPOSE: The aim of this research was to assess the level of agreement among glaucoma experts in Latin America on key practices related to treatment and diagnosis of glaucoma. METHODS: An online questionnaire was sent to a multinational panel of glaucoma experts. The questionnaire contained 107 statements on the medical treatment (Part 1) and diagnosis (Part 2) of glaucoma, and was developed in Spanish and translated into English. Agreement was defined as >70% of respondents. RESULTS: Fifty participants from 14 countries completed the questionnaire. For the medical treatment of glaucoma, nearly all respondents (98% or greater) confirmed that medical treatment as first-line therapy is preferred to surgery, prostaglandin analogs are the medication of first choice for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), longitudinal monitoring of efficacy should include intraocular pressure, structural and functional status, as well as if patients' quality of life is impaired by the high cost of medication. For the diagnosis of glaucoma section, all respondents confirmed that, after initial examination, gonioscopy should be repeated over time, standard automated perimetry is the most important functional examination for diagnosis and monitoring of primary open-angle glaucoma, central corneal thickness is important in assessment of glaucoma, and computerized imaging tests help in clinical evaluation of optic disc. CONCLUSIONS: This survey shows a high level of agreement on most aspects of glaucoma diagnosis and treatment among Latin American glaucoma experts. Areas of disagreement highlight the need for further evidence or education. These findings will be useful for guiding future efforts to optimize glaucoma practice by clinicians in Latin America.

Level of agreement among Latin American glaucoma subspecialists on the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma: results of an online survey / Nível de concordância entre subespecialistas de glaucoma latino-americanos sobre o diagnóstico e tratamento do glaucoma: resultados de uma pesquisa digital

PURPOSE: The aim of this research was to assess the level of agreement among glaucoma experts in Latin America on key practices related to treatment and diagnosis of glaucoma. METHODS: An online questionnaire was sent to a multinational panel of glaucoma experts. The questionnaire contained 107 statements on the medical treatment (Part 1) and diagnosis (Part 2) of glaucoma, and was developed in Spanish and translated into English. Agreement was defined as >70% of respondents. RESULTS: Fifty participants from 14 countries completed the questionnaire. For the medical treatment of glaucoma, nearly all respondents (98% or greater) confirmed that medical treatment as first-line therapy is preferred to surgery, prostaglandin analogs are the medication of first choice for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), longitudinal monitoring of efficacy should include intraocular pressure, structural and functional status, as well as if patients' quality of life is impaired by the high cost of medication. For the diagnosis of glaucoma section, all respondents confirmed that, after initial examination, gonioscopy should be repeated over time, standard automated perimetry is the most important functional examination for diagnosis and monitoring of primary open-angle glaucoma, central corneal thickness is important in assessment of glaucoma, and computerized imaging tests help in clinical evaluation of optic disc. CONCLUSIONS: This survey shows a high level of agreement on most aspects of glaucoma diagnosis and treatment among Latin American glaucoma experts. Areas of disagreement highlight the need for further evidence or education. These findings will be useful for guiding future efforts to optimize glaucoma practice by clinicians in Latin America.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o nível de concordância entre os especialistas de glaucoma na América Latina sobre as práticas mais importantes relacionadas ao tratamento e diagnóstico de glaucoma. MÉTODOS: Um questionário digital foi enviado a um painel multinacional de especialistas em glaucoma. O questionário continha 107 declarações sobre o tratamento médico (Parte 1) e diagnóstico (Parte 2) de glaucoma, e foi desenvolvido em espanhol e traduzido para o Inglês. Concordância foi definida como > 70% dos entrevistados. RESULTADOS: Cinquenta participantes de 14 países responderam ao questionário. Para o tratamento médico de glaucoma, quase todas as respostas (98% ou mais), confirmaram que o tratamento médico como terapia de primeira linha é preferido para a cirurgia, os análogos das prostaglandinas são os medicamentos de primeira escolha para o glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto (GPAA), a monitoração longitudinal eficácia deve incluir a pressão intraocular o estado estrutural e funcional além da qualidade de vida do paciente ser prejudicada pelo alto custo da medicação. Para a seção sobre o diagnóstico de glaucoma, todos os entrevistados confirmaram que, após análise inicial, a gonioscopia deve ser repetida ao longo do tempo, a perimetria automatizada padrão é o exame funcional mais importante para o diagnóstico e monitoramento do glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto, a espessura corneana central é importante na avaliação do glaucoma e exames de imagem computadorizados ajudam na avaliação clínica do disco óptico. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo mostra um alto nível de concordância na maioria dos aspectos do diagnóstico e tratamento de glaucoma entre os especialistas em glaucoma latino-americanos. Áreas de desacordo destacam a necessidade de novas evidências ou educação. Estes resultados serão úteis para orientar futuros esforços na otimização de práticas em relação ao glaucoma por médicos da América Latina.

Utilización de los servicios médicos en un área de salud / Use of medical services in a health area

Introducción: en la utilización de los servicios de salud convergen no solo la necesidad de atención de la población en términos de enfermedad, sino sus creencias y aspectos culturales; pero, sobre todo, el complejo contexto en que se da la prestación de servicios. Objetivo: exponer las características sociodemográficas y las enfermedades o sintomatologías más frecuentes en la población del área de salud Marcio Manduley, del municipio Centro Habana, y los que hicieron uso de los servicios de salud durante el período abril - junio de 2010. Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal. Se seleccionó una muestra poblacional representativa del área; se tomó en consideración el total de viviendas. Como se desconoce la prevalencia del factor bajo estudio, se maximizó la muestra tomando como prevalencia el 50 porciento, la precisión en 10 porciento y una posible caída muestral del 10 pociento. El tamaño muestral fue de 408 familias. Se aplicaron cuestionarios a todos los integrantes de las familias seleccionadas y en particular a aquellos individuos que durante los últimos 30 días enfermaron e hicieron uso de algún servicio de salud. Resultados: se obtuvieron datos de 1 244 personas; de ellas enfermaron 25,1 pociento en los últimos 30 días y el 17,7 porciento hizo uso de servicios formales de salud. Las enfermedades más frecuentes fueron respiratorias, cardiovasculares y osteomioarticular. La puerta de entrada al sistema de salud más utilizada fue el consultorio médico (54,1 porciento). Conclusiones: en nuestro estudio los factores del individuo que influyen en la utilización de los servicios de salud son el nivel de enfermedad percibida o necesidad de salud y el sexo

Introduction: use of health services is determined not only by the need of health care in case of illness, but also by beliefs and cultural views, and above all by the complex environment in which services are rendered. Objective: present the sociodemographic characteristics and the most common conditions and symptoms in Marcio Manduley health area, municipality of Centro Habana, and describe the use of health services in the period from April to June 2010. Methods: descriptive cross-sectional study of a representative sample of the population in the area, taking into consideration the total number of households. Since the prevalence of the factor under study is unknown, the sample was maximized to a prevalence of 50 percent, an accuracy of 10 percent and a potential sample dropout rate of 10 percent. The sample size was 408 households. Questionnaires were given to all members of the households selected, particularly to those who had been ill in the previous 30 days and had made use of any health service. Results: data were obtained about 1 244 persons, of whom 25.1 percent had been ill in the previous 30 days and 17.7 percent had made use of formal health services. The most frequent conditions were respiratory, cardiovascular and osteoarticular. Family doctors' offices were the most common entrance door to the health care system (54.1 percent). Conclusions: according to our study, the factors exerting the greatest influence on the use of health services by the population are the level of perceived severity of the illness or need of medical care, and gender

Using ArcMap, Google Earth, and Global Positioning Systems to select and locate random households in rural Haiti.

BACKGROUND: A remote sensing technique was developed which combines a Geographic Information System (GIS); Google Earth, and Microsoft Excel to identify home locations for a random sample of households in rural Haiti. The method was used to select homes for ethnographic and water quality research in a region of rural Haiti located within 9 km of a local hospital and source of health education in Deschapelles, Haiti. The technique does not require access to governmental records or ground based surveys to collect household location data and can be performed in a rapid, cost-effective manner. METHODS: The random selection of households and the location of these households during field surveys were accomplished using GIS, Google Earth, Microsoft Excel, and handheld Garmin GPSmap 76CSx GPS units. Homes were identified and mapped in Google Earth, exported to ArcMap 10.0, and a random list of homes was generated using Microsoft Excel which was then loaded onto handheld GPS units for field location. The development and use of a remote sensing method was essential to the selection and location of random households. RESULTS: A total of 537 homes initially were mapped and a randomized subset of 96 was identified as potential survey locations. Over 96% of the homes mapped using Google Earth imagery were correctly identified as occupied dwellings. Only 3.6% of the occupants of mapped homes visited declined to be interviewed. 16.4% of the homes visited were not occupied at the time of the visit due to work away from the home or market days. A total of 55 households were located using this method during the 10 days of fieldwork in May and June of 2012. CONCLUSIONS: The method used to generate and field locate random homes for surveys and water sampling was an effective means of selecting random households in a rural environment lacking geolocation infrastructure. The success rate for locating households using a handheld GPS was excellent and only rarely was local knowledge required to identify and locate households. This method provides an important technique that can be applied to other developing countries where a randomized study design is needed but infrastructure is lacking to implement more traditional participant selection methods.

Clinical preventive services in Guatemala: a cross-sectional survey of internal medicine physicians.

BACKGROUND: Guatemala is currently undergoing an epidemiologic transition. Preventive services are key to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases, and smoking counseling and cessation are among the most cost-effective and wide-reaching strategies. Internal medicine physicians are fundamental to providing such services, and their knowledge is a cornerstone of non-communicable disease control. METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2011 to evaluate knowledge of clinical preventive services for non-communicable diseases. Interns, residents, and attending physicians of the internal medicine departments of all teaching hospitals in Guatemala completed a self-administered questionnaire. Participants' responses were contrasted with the Guatemalan Ministry of Health (MoH) prevention guidelines and the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations. Analysis compared knowledge of recommendations within and between hospitals. RESULTS: In response to simulated patient scenarios, all services were recommended by more than half of physicians regardless of MoH or USPSTF recommendations. Prioritization was adequate according to the MoH guidelines but not including other potentially effective services (e.g. colorectal cancer and lipid disorder screenings). With the exception of colorectal and prostate cancer screening, less frequently recommended by interns, there was no difference in recommendation rates by level. CONCLUSION: Guatemalan internal medicine physicians' knowledge on preventive services recommendations for non-communicable diseases is limited, and prioritization did not reflect cost-effectiveness. Based on these data we recommend that preventive medicine training be strengthened and development of evidence-based guidelines for low-middle income countries be a priority.