Condiciones del aprendizaje en las residencias del equipo de salud durante la pandemia COVID-19, Argentina 2020 / Learning conditions in health team residences during the COVID-19 pandemic, Argentina 2020

Resumen La pandemia COVID-19 afectó las condiciones de aprendizaje en las residencias del equipo de salud. El objetivo fue explorar las percepciones de residentes de Argentina sobre las condiciones generales de su formación en este contexto. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, cuali-cuantitativo, a través de un cuestionario en línea, anónimo, con 17 ítems de opciones cerradas y 25 con escala de Likert de 1 a 5, con un muestreo no probabilístico e intencional. Respondieron 1595 residentes, 74% médicos, 47.1% pertenecía a una especialidad clínica y 21.8% a la primera línea de atención. El 77.2% se desempeñó en residencias públicas y el 89.4% en el ámbito hospitalario. El 42.1% asumió tareas no propias de su especialidad. Hubo acuerdo sobre la disponibilidad de insumos y protección personal (media 3.8 ± 1.3), la afectación de clases y conferencias (media 3.5 ± 1.6), procedimientos (media 3.8 ± 1.4) y rotaciones (media 3.7 ± 1.2). Asimismo, sobre prorrogar la formación para recuperar aprendizajes (media 3 ± 1.6). La disminución de prácticas se asoció a especialidades quirúrgicas (p = 0.0001) y no estar en la primera línea de atención (p = 0.007). Percibieron positivamente el fortalecimiento de vínculos entre residentes y con familiares, y negativos los efectos en la salud por estrés y distanciamiento social. En conclusión, las condiciones generales de la formación se vieron afectadas. Esto conduce a pensar tanto en la necesidad de alternativas curriculares de enseñanza y evaluación, como en intervenciones vinculadas al bienestar de los residentes.

Abstract COVID-19 pandemic modified learning conditions in health professions´ residences. The objective of the research was to explore Argentinian residents´ perceptions regarding training conditions during the first year of pandemic. A descriptive, quali-quantitative study was developed through an online, anonymous questionnaire, with 42 items: 17 closed options and 25 Likert scale from 1 to 5; and 2 open questions. Sampling was intentional and non-probabilistic. The questionnaire was answered by 1595 residents, 74% were physicians, 47.1% belonged to clinical specialties and 21.8% worked on the front line of care. A 77.2% worked in the public sector and 89.4% in hospital practice, 42.1% assumed tasks not typical of their specialty. They agreed on the availability of personal protection and supplies (mean 3.8 ± 1.3), reduction of lectures (mean 3.5 ± 1.6), proce dures (mean 3.8 ± 1.4) and rotations (mean 3.7 ± 1.2). They concurred on the need to extend training to recover learning (mean 3 ± 1.6). The decrease in practices was associated with surgical specialties (p = 0.0001) and not practicing in the front line of care (p = 0.007). They perceived as positive aspects the chance to strengthen bonds between residents and closeness with relatives, and negative aspects the effects on health due to stress and social distancing. In conclusion, the general conditions of training were affected. This leads to rethink the teaching and assessment curricular alternatives, as well as interventions related to the well-being of the residents.

[Learning conditions in health team residences during the COVID-19 pandemic, Argentina 2020]. / Condiciones del aprendizaje en las residencias del equipo de salud durante la pandemia COVID-19, Argentina 2020.

COVID-19 pandemic modified learning conditions in health professions' residences. The objective of the research was to explore Argentinian residents' perceptions regarding training conditions during the first year of pandemic. A descriptive, quali-quantitative study was developed through an online, anonymous questionnaire, with 42 items: 17 closed options and 25 Likert scale from 1 to 5; and 2 open questions. Sampling was intentional and non-probabilistic. The questionnaire was answered by 1595 residents, 74% were physicians, 47.1% belonged to clinical specialties and 21.8% worked on the front line of care. A 77.2% worked in the public sector and 89.4% in hospital practice, 42.1% assumed tasks not typical of their specialty. They agreed on the availability of personal protection and supplies (mean 3.8 ± 1.3), reduction of lectures (mean 3.5 ± 1.6), procedures (mean 3.8 ± 1.4) and rotations (mean 3.7 ± 1.2). They concurred on the need to extend training to recover learning (mean 3 ± 1.6). The decrease in practices was associated with surgical specialties (p = 0.0001) and not practicing in the front line of care (p = 0.007). They perceived as positive aspects the chance to strengthen bonds between residents and closeness with relatives, and negative aspects the effects on health due to stress and social distancing. In conclusion, the general conditions of training were affected. This leads to rethink the teaching and assessment curricular alternatives, as well as interventions related to the well-being of the residents.

La pandemia COVID-19 afectó las condiciones de aprendizaje en las residencias del equipo de salud. El objetivo fue explorar las percepciones de residentes de Argentina sobre las condiciones generales de su formación en este contexto. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, cuali-cuantitativo, a través de un cuestionario en línea, anónimo, con 17 ítems de opciones cerradas y 25 con escala de Likert de 1 a 5, con un muestreo no probabilístico e intencional. Respondieron 1595 residentes, 74% médicos, 47.1% pertenecía a una especialidad clínica y 21.8% a la primera línea de atención. El 77.2% se desempeñó en residencias públicas y el 89.4% en el ámbito hospitalario. El 42.1% asumió tareas no propias de su especialidad. Hubo acuerdo sobre la disponibilidad de insumos y protección personal (media 3.8 ± 1.3), la afectación de clases y conferencias (media 3.5 ± 1.6), procedimientos (media 3.8 ± 1.4) y rotaciones (media 3.7 ± 1.2). Asimismo, sobre prorrogar la formación para recuperar aprendizajes (media 3 ± 1.6). La disminución de prácticas se asoció a especialidades quirúrgicas (p = 0.0001) y no estar en la primera línea de atención (p = 0.007). Percibieron positivamente el fortalecimiento de vínculos entre residentes y con familiares, y negativos los efectos en la salud por estrés y distanciamiento social. En conclusión, las condiciones generales de la formación se vieron afectadas. Esto conduce a pensar tanto en la necesidad de alternativas curriculares de enseñanza y evaluación, como en intervenciones vinculadas al bienestar de los residentes.

Limitaciones de esfuerzos terapéuticos: Resultados de un registro prospectivo en una sala de clínica médica / Limitation of life-sustaining treatment: A prospective study developed in a clinical ward

El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir el proceso de limitación de los esfuerzos terapéuticos (LET) en los pacientes internados en una sala general. Para ello se realizó un estudio prospectivo descriptivo, desarrollado en la sala de internación general de un hospital universitario. Fueron evaluados pacientes que tuviesen alguna LET, asistidos por el servicio de clínica médica en un período de 60 días consecutivos. Durante el mismo se hospitalizaron 402 pacientes, 62 (15%) tuvieron algún tipo de LET. Este último grupo estaba compuesto por un 66% de mujeres, la mediana de edad fue de 86 años (78-90) y de la duración de hospitalización de 12 días (8-18). La mala calidad de vida fue la causa más frecuente de LET (69%). Se brindó información acerca de las limitaciones a 43 familias (69%) y 8 pacientes (13%). En la decisión participaron el médico de cabecera (50%), médicos de planta (50%), residentes (40%), la familia (42%) y los propios pacientes (11%). En 7 casos hubo constancia en la historia clínica (11%). Diecisiete pacientes (27%) con LET fallecieron durante la internación, mientras que 44 (71%) fueron dados de alta. En conclusión, la limitación de esfuerzos terapéuticos en nuestros pacientes constituyó un hecho frecuente. No se logró identificar un proceso uniforme o sistematizado para la toma de la decisión de LET. Resulta innegable la necesidad de normativas que guíen al equipo de salud en la toma de decisiones, tranquilicen a familiares y acompañen a los pacientes en sus reales necesidades.

The purpose of this study is to describe the limiting life-sustaining treatment process of patients admitted to a general ward. A prospective descriptive study was designed. The setting was the general ward of universitary hospital. Study participants were patients assisted by the internal medicine department during a 60- consecutive days period who had limitations of life sustaining treatments. During the study period, 402 patients were hospitalized, 62 (15%) of them had limitations of life support care. The median patient age of the last group was 86 years (78-90), 66% were women and the length of stay was 12 days (8-18). A low quality of life was the most frequent cause of limitation (69%). Information about the limitations was provided to 43 families (69%) and 8 patients (13%). The primary care physician participated in the decision in 50% of the cases, while the attending physician, the resident in charge, patient's family and patients themselves participated in 50%, 40%, 42% and 11% of the cases respectively. The decision of limiting life-sustaining treatments was recorded in seven patient's charts (11%). Seventeen (27%) patients with limitations died during the hospital stay while 44 (71%) were discharged. In conclusion, we found a frequent life sustaining treatment limitation in our patients. These decisions did not follow a uniform or systemized process. The need of guidelines to sort the medical and ethical challenges imposed to the medical team is undeniable.

[Limitation of life-sustaining treatment. A prospective study in a clinical ward]. / Limitaciones de esfuerzos terapéuticos. Resultados de un registro prospectivo en una sala de clínica médica.

The purpose of this study is to describe the limiting life-sustaining treatment process of patients admitted to a general ward. A prospective descriptive study was designed. The setting was the general ward of universitary hospital. Study participants were patients assisted by the internal medicine department during a 60-consecutive days period who had limitations of life sustaining treatments. During the study period, 402 patients were hospitalized, 62 (15%) of them had limitations of life support care. The median patient age of the last group was 86 years (78-90), 66% were women and the length of stay was 12 days (8-18). A low quality of life was the most frequent cause of limitation (69%). Information about the limitations was provided to 43 families (69%) and 8 patients (13%). The primary care physician participated in the decision in 50% of the cases, while the attending physician, the resident in charge, patient's family and patients themselves participated in 50%, 40%, 42% and 11% of the cases respectively. The decision of limiting life-sustaining treatments was recorded in seven patient's charts (11%). Seventeen (27%) patients with limitations died during the hospital stay while 44 (71%) were discharged. In conclusion, we found a frequent life sustaining treatment limitation in our patients. These decisions did not follow a uniform or systemized process. The need of guidelines to sort the medical and ethical challenges imposed to the medical team is undeniable.