Preventing and Treating Pain and Anxiety during Needle-Based Procedures in Children with Cancer in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Introduction: Children with cancer experience significant pain and anxiety during needle-based procedures. Undertreated pain in children has long-lasting consequences and reduces the efficacy of subsequent analgesic efforts. A validated quality improvement (QI) intervention, known as the "Children's Comfort Promise", includes (1) topical anesthetics, (2) sucrose or breastfeeding for infants, (3) comfort positioning, and (4) distraction techniques, and has been shown to be highly effective in decreasing procedural pain and anxiety in children. However, there is limited data about the adoption, adaptation, and implementation of these interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: A QI pilot project utilizing the Model for Improvement of the "Global Comfort Promise" was implemented in four global pediatric cancer hospitals (Lima, Peru; Barretos, Brazil; Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; and Manila, Philippines). Between August 2021 and January 2023, the pilot sites identified a specific aim, co-designed the measurement strategy with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and adopted, adapted, and implemented the project at their individual sites. Results: A total of 2,185 different procedures were recorded in the first year of implementation. Most patients were less than 10 years old (60.5%) and solid tumors (37.9%) were the most common diagnosis. Overall, healthcare professionals (98.3%) were satisfied with the procedures. Parents and patients reported that only 33.7% of patients experienced pain during the procedure. All (100%) parents and patients felt the healthcare teams adequately addressed their child's pain. Median self-reported adherence to ≥2 interventions was 98.0%. Challenges to the implementation of the QI initiative included lack of training, turnover of the medical staff, maintaining staff enthusiasm, and access to topical anesthetics. Each site had unique change ideas to implement the initiative. Conclusions: This multi-site, multi-country QI initiative was feasible and was successfully adopted, adapted, and implemented in the LMIC context to improve procedural pain in children (Global Comfort Promise). Additionally, this intervention resulted in high satisfaction of both healthcare professionals and patients/families. Further work is needed to overcome the challenges of topical anesthetic access and education of the workforce. Additional plans include modifying the Global Comfort Promise to include high-quality communication and expanding to additional sites with further refinement of the implementation strategy.

Strengthening public health policies for childhood cancer: Peru's achievements through the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer.

Objective: To report the progress in Peru, since June 2019, in the implementation of the World Health Organization Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer using the CureAll framework, which can be replicated in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: A mixed method was used of participatory and documentary evaluation. The participatory evaluation included stakeholders from various government institutions, nonprofit organizations, and international partners. The documentary aspect consisted of a review of data on the regulatory environment, national projects, and interventions implemented. The Ministry of Health engaged more than 150 participants to form working committees, which have developed policy and regulatory documents to strengthen care services. Results: Achievements include a decrease in the national treatment abandonment rate from 18.6% to 8.5%, the approval of the Childhood Cancer Law, improvements in the management of patients with febrile neutropenia, and a reduction in rates of events of clinical deterioration and mortality of hospitalized patients. The Cure All implementation framework allows local teams to implement specific strategies and monitor early outcomes in pediatric oncology. Conclusions: The results obtained reflect the teamwork, the leadership of the authorities, the technical support of professionals, and the support of involved organizations. Further actions will be needed to guarantee sustainability, and monitoring tools are needed to assure success in the planned activities.

Health literacy on quality of life for children with cancer: modules on pediatric palliative care.

Objective: To describe the development of educational materials for parents and other caregivers of children with cancer, which utilized a culturally sensitive approach to reduce acceptance barriers to palliative care (PC). Methods: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and partners in Latin America and the Caribbean collaborated in a three-phase project, beginning with a needs assessment survey of caregivers of children with cancer in Peru. Based on this finding, an interdisciplinary team of pediatric PC experts developed educational content that was designed and validated by an international committee of PC and communication experts. Results: The collaboration resulted in the development of an eight-module series that introduces caregivers to key concepts of pediatric PC, including management of pain, quality of life, and end of life care. The series was designed to reduce caregiver stigma associated with PC through culturally sensitive education that addresses the low levels of health literacy among caregivers in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the 15 months since the launch, these modules have been distributed throughout Latin America and were downloaded 2 825 times. Conclusions: Educational materials and anticipatory guidance of PC were considered to be a priority for parents and other caregivers of children with cancer throughout Latin America. The materials developed through this project have been widely utilized and are available through the PAHO website and the Together by St. Jude™ online resource.

Health literacy on quality of life for children with cancer: modules on pediatric palliative care / Alfabetización en salud sobre calidad de vida en pacientes pediátricos con cáncer: módulos sobre cuidados paliativos pediátricos / Alfabetização em saúde sobre qualidade de vida para crianças com câncer: módulos sobre cuidados paliativos pediátricos

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To describe the development of educational materials for parents and other caregivers of children with cancer, which utilized a culturally sensitive approach to reduce acceptance barriers to palliative care (PC). Methods. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and partners in Latin America and the Caribbean collaborated in a three-phase project, beginning with a needs assessment survey of caregivers of children with cancer in Peru. Based on this finding, an interdisciplinary team of pediat- ric PC experts developed educational content that was designed and validated by an international committee of PC and communication experts. Results. The collaboration resulted in the development of an eight-module series that introduces caregivers to key concepts of pediatric PC, including management of pain, quality of life, and end of life care. The series was designed to reduce caregiver stigma associated with PC through culturally sensitive education that addresses the low levels of health literacy among caregivers in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the 15 months since the launch, these modules have been distributed throughout Latin America and were downloaded 2 825 times. Conclusions. Educational materials and anticipatory guidance of PC were considered to be a priority for par- ents and other caregivers of children with cancer throughout Latin America. The materials developed through this project have been widely utilized and are available through the PAHO website and the Together by St. JudeTM online resource.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Describir la elaboración de material educativo para progenitores y otras personas que cuidan de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer mediante un enfoque sensible a las especificidades culturales, a fin de reducir los obstáculos a la aceptación de los cuidados paliativos (CP). Métodos. La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), el St. Jude Children's Research Hospital y aso- ciados de América Latina y el Caribe colaboraron en un proyecto de tres fases, que se inició con una encuesta de evaluación de las necesidades de las personas que cuidan de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer en Perú. A partir de estos resultados, un equipo interdisciplinario de expertos en CP pediátricos elaboró un material educativo diseñado y validado por un comité internacional de expertos en CP y comunicación. Resultados. Esta colaboración permitió diseñar una serie de ocho módulos en los que se presentan conceptos clave de los CP pediátricos, como el tratamiento del dolor, la calidad de vida y los cuidados terminales. Estos módulos se diseñaron para reducir la estigmatización asociada a los CP por parte de las personas encargadas de los cuidados, mediante una educación que tiene en cuenta sus especificidades culturales y aborda el bajo nivel de conocimientos básicos de salud de estas personas en América Latina y el Caribe. En los 15 meses transcurridos desde su publicación, se han distribuido por toda América Latina y su contenido se ha descargado 2 825 veces. Conclusiones. Se consideró que los materiales educativos y la orientación preparatoria sobre los CP consti- tuyen una prioridad para los progenitores y otras personas encargadas del cuidado de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer en toda América Latina. Los materiales elaborados mediante este proyecto han sido ampliamente utilizados y están disponibles en el sitio web de la OPS y en el recurso en línea Together by St. JudeTM.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Descrever o desenvolvimento de materiais educativos para pais e outros cuidadores de crianças com câncer por meio de uma abordagem sensível à cultura para reduzir as barreiras de aceitação dos cuida- dos paliativos (CP). Métodos. A Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), o St. Jude Children's Research Hospital e parceiros da América Latina e do Caribe colaboraram em um projeto de três fases, que iniciou com uma pesquisa de avaliação das necessidades dos cuidadores de crianças com câncer no Peru. Com base nos achados dessa pesquisa, uma equipe interdisciplinar de especialistas em CP pediátricos desenvolveu um conteúdo educacional que foi concebido e validado por um comitê internacional de especialistas em CP e comunicação. Resultados. A colaboração resultou no desenvolvimento de uma série de oito módulos que apresenta os prin- cipais conceitos dos CP pediátricos aos cuidadores, incluindo controle da dor, qualidade de vida e cuidados de final de vida. A série foi concebida para reduzir o estigma dos cuidadores em relação aos CP por meio de educação sensível à cultura, abordando os baixos níveis de letramento em saúde entre os cuidadores da América Latina e do Caribe. Nos 15 meses desde seu lançamento, os módulos foram distribuídos em toda a América Latina, tendo sido baixados 2 825 vezes. Conclusões. Os materiais educativos e a orientação prévia sobre CP foram considerados uma prioridade para os pais e outros cuidadores de crianças com câncer em toda a América Latina. Os materiais desenvolvidos por meio desse projeto foram amplamente utilizados e estão disponíveis no site da OPAS e no recurso on-line Together by St. JudeTM.

Strengthening public health policies for childhood cancer: Peru’s achievements through the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To report the progress in Peru, since June 2019, in the implementation of the World Health Organization Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer using the CureAll framework, which can be replicated in low- and middle-income countries. Methods. A mixed method was used of participatory and documentary evaluation. The participatory evalu- ation included stakeholders from various government institutions, nonprofit organizations, and international partners. The documentary aspect consisted of a review of data on the regulatory environment, national projects, and interventions implemented. The Ministry of Health engaged more than 150 participants to form working committees, which have developed policy and regulatory documents to strengthen care services. Results. Achievements include a decrease in the national treatment abandonment rate from 18.6% to 8.5%, the approval of the Childhood Cancer Law, improvements in the management of patients with febrile neutropenia, and a reduction in rates of events of clinical deterioration and mortality of hospitalized patients. The Cure All implementation framework allows local teams to implement specific strategies and monitor early outcomes in pediatric oncology. Conclusions. The results obtained reflect the teamwork, the leadership of the authorities, the technical support of professionals, and the support of involved organizations. Further actions will be needed to guarantee sustainability, and monitoring tools are needed to assure success in the planned activities.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Informar sobre los avances de Perú en el periodo transcurrido a partir de junio del 2019, en relación con la puesta en práctica de la Iniciativa Global de la Organización Mundial de la Salud contra el Cáncer Infantil utilizando el marco CureAll, que es posible replicar en los países de ingresos bajos y medianos. Métodos. Se utilizó un método mixto de evaluación participativa y documental. En la evaluación participativa intervinieron las partes interesadas de diversas instituciones gubernamentales, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y asociados internacionales. El aspecto documental consistió en un examen de los datos sobre el entorno regulatorio, los proyectos nacionales y las intervenciones llevadas a cabo. El Ministerio de Salud involucró a más de 150 participantes que formaron los comités de trabajo que han elaborado documentos normativos y regulatorios a fin de reforzar los servicios de asistencia. Resultados. Entre los logros cabe citar la disminución del 18,6% al 8,5% de la tasa nacional de abandono del tratamiento, la aprobación de la Ley de Cáncer Infantil, las mejoras en el tratamiento de los pacientes con neutropenia febril y la reducción de las tasas de episodios de deterioro clínico y de mortalidad en los pacientes hospitalizados. El marco de aplicación de CureAll permite que los equipos locales pongan en práctica estrategias específicas y realicen un seguimiento de los resultados iniciales en el ámbito de la oncología pediátrica. Conclusiones. Los resultados obtenidos reflejan el trabajo en equipo, el liderazgo de las autoridades, el respaldo técnico de los profesionales y el apoyo de las organizaciones implicadas. En el futuro, será necesario adoptar nuevas medidas para asegurar su viabilidad, y será preciso contar con herramientas de seguimiento para garantizar el éxito de las actividades planificadas.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Relatar o progresso, desde junho de 2019, da implementação da Iniciativa Global da Organização Mundial da Saúde para o Câncer Infantil no Peru, no âmbito do marco CureAll, que pode ser replicado em países de baixa e média renda. Método. Foi utilizado um método misto de avaliação participativa e documental. A avaliação participativa incluiu interessados diretos de diferentes instituições governamentais, organizações sem fins lucrativos e parceiros internacionais. O aspecto documental consistiu em uma revisão de dados sobre o ambiente regulatório, projetos nacionais e intervenções implementadas. O Ministério da Saúde do Peru contou com mais de 150 participantes para a formação de comitês de trabalho, que elaboraram políticas e documentos normati- vos para fortalecer os serviços de atenção primária à saúde. Resultados. Entre os resultados alcançados estão a redução da taxa nacional de abandono do tratamento, de 18,6% para 8,5%, a aprovação da Lei do Câncer Infantil, melhorias no manejo de pacientes com neu- tropenia febril e redução nas taxas de deterioração clínica e mortalidade de pacientes hospitalizados. A implementação do CureAll permite que as equipes locais adotem estratégias específicas e monitorem os resultados iniciais em oncologia pediátrica. Conclusões. Os resultados obtidos refletem o trabalho em equipe, a liderança das autoridades, o suporte técnico dos profissionais e o apoio das organizações envolvidas. Serão necessárias mais ações para garantir a sustentabilidade, além de ferramentas de monitoramento para assegurar o sucesso das atividades planejadas.

Strengthening public health policies for childhood cancer: Peru's achievements through the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer / Fortalecimiento de las políticas de salud pública contra el cáncer infantil: logros de Perú en el marco de la Iniciativa Mundial de la OMS contra el Cáncer Infantil / Fortalecimento das políticas públicas de saúde para o câncer infantil: As conquistas do Peru por meio da Iniciativa Global da OMS para o Câncer Infantil

ABSTRACT Objective. To report the progress in Peru, since June 2019, in the implementation of the World Health Organization Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer using the CureAll framework, which can be replicated in low- and middle-income countries. Methods. A mixed method was used of participatory and documentary evaluation. The participatory evaluation included stakeholders from various government institutions, nonprofit organizations, and international partners. The documentary aspect consisted of a review of data on the regulatory environment, national projects, and interventions implemented. The Ministry of Health engaged more than 150 participants to form working committees, which have developed policy and regulatory documents to strengthen care services. Results. Achievements include a decrease in the national treatment abandonment rate from 18.6% to 8.5%, the approval of the Childhood Cancer Law, improvements in the management of patients with febrile neutropenia, and a reduction in rates of events of clinical deterioration and mortality of hospitalized patients. The Cure All implementation framework allows local teams to implement specific strategies and monitor early outcomes in pediatric oncology. Conclusions. The results obtained reflect the teamwork, the leadership of the authorities, the technical support of professionals, and the support of involved organizations. Further actions will be needed to guarantee sustainability, and monitoring tools are needed to assure success in the planned activities.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Informar sobre los avances de Perú en el periodo transcurrido a partir de junio del 2019, en relación con la puesta en práctica de la Iniciativa Global de la Organización Mundial de la Salud contra el Cáncer Infantil utilizando el marco CureAll, que es posible replicar en los países de ingresos bajos y medianos. Métodos. Se utilizó un método mixto de evaluación participativa y documental. En la evaluación participativa intervinieron las partes interesadas de diversas instituciones gubernamentales, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y asociados internacionales. El aspecto documental consistió en un examen de los datos sobre el entorno regulatorio, los proyectos nacionales y las intervenciones llevadas a cabo. El Ministerio de Salud involucró a más de 150 participantes que formaron los comités de trabajo que han elaborado documentos normativos y regulatorios a fin de reforzar los servicios de asistencia. Resultados. Entre los logros cabe citar la disminución del 18,6% al 8,5% de la tasa nacional de abandono del tratamiento, la aprobación de la Ley de Cáncer Infantil, las mejoras en el tratamiento de los pacientes con neutropenia febril y la reducción de las tasas de episodios de deterioro clínico y de mortalidad en los pacientes hospitalizados. El marco de aplicación de CureAll permite que los equipos locales pongan en práctica estrategias específicas y realicen un seguimiento de los resultados iniciales en el ámbito de la oncología pediátrica. Conclusiones. Los resultados obtenidos reflejan el trabajo en equipo, el liderazgo de las autoridades, el respaldo técnico de los profesionales y el apoyo de las organizaciones implicadas. En el futuro, será necesario adoptar nuevas medidas para asegurar su viabilidad, y será preciso contar con herramientas de seguimiento para garantizar el éxito de las actividades planificadas.

RESUMO Objetivo. Relatar o progresso, desde junho de 2019, da implementação da Iniciativa Global da Organização Mundial da Saúde para o Câncer Infantil no Peru, no âmbito do marco CureAll, que pode ser replicado em países de baixa e média renda. Método. Foi utilizado um método misto de avaliação participativa e documental. A avaliação participativa incluiu interessados diretos de diferentes instituições governamentais, organizações sem fins lucrativos e parceiros internacionais. O aspecto documental consistiu em uma revisão de dados sobre o ambiente regulatório, projetos nacionais e intervenções implementadas. O Ministério da Saúde do Peru contou com mais de 150 participantes para a formação de comitês de trabalho, que elaboraram políticas e documentos normativos para fortalecer os serviços de atenção primária à saúde. Resultados. Entre os resultados alcançados estão a redução da taxa nacional de abandono do tratamento, de 18,6% para 8,5%, a aprovação da Lei do Câncer Infantil, melhorias no manejo de pacientes com neutropenia febril e redução nas taxas de deterioração clínica e mortalidade de pacientes hospitalizados. A implementação do CureAll permite que as equipes locais adotem estratégias específicas e monitorem os resultados iniciais em oncologia pediátrica. Conclusões. Os resultados obtidos refletem o trabalho em equipe, a liderança das autoridades, o suporte técnico dos profissionais e o apoio das organizações envolvidas. Serão necessárias mais ações para garantir a sustentabilidade, além de ferramentas de monitoramento para assegurar o sucesso das atividades planejadas.

Health literacy on quality of life for children with cancer: modules on pediatric palliative care / Alfabetización en salud sobre calidad de vida en pacientes pediátricos con cáncer: módulos sobre cuidados paliativos pediátricos / Alfabetização em saúde sobre qualidade de vida para crianças com câncer: módulos sobre cuidados paliativos pediátricos

ABSTRACT Objective. To describe the development of educational materials for parents and other caregivers of children with cancer, which utilized a culturally sensitive approach to reduce acceptance barriers to palliative care (PC). Methods. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and partners in Latin America and the Caribbean collaborated in a three-phase project, beginning with a needs assessment survey of caregivers of children with cancer in Peru. Based on this finding, an interdisciplinary team of pediatric PC experts developed educational content that was designed and validated by an international committee of PC and communication experts. Results. The collaboration resulted in the development of an eight-module series that introduces caregivers to key concepts of pediatric PC, including management of pain, quality of life, and end of life care. The series was designed to reduce caregiver stigma associated with PC through culturally sensitive education that addresses the low levels of health literacy among caregivers in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the 15 months since the launch, these modules have been distributed throughout Latin America and were downloaded 2 825 times. Conclusions. Educational materials and anticipatory guidance of PC were considered to be a priority for parents and other caregivers of children with cancer throughout Latin America. The materials developed through this project have been widely utilized and are available through the PAHO website and the Together by St. Jude™ online resource.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Describir la elaboración de material educativo para progenitores y otras personas que cuidan de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer mediante un enfoque sensible a las especificidades culturales, a fin de reducir los obstáculos a la aceptación de los cuidados paliativos (CP). Métodos. La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), el St. Jude Children's Research Hospital y asociados de América Latina y el Caribe colaboraron en un proyecto de tres fases, que se inició con una encuesta de evaluación de las necesidades de las personas que cuidan de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer en Perú. A partir de estos resultados, un equipo interdisciplinario de expertos en CP pediátricos elaboró un material educativo diseñado y validado por un comité internacional de expertos en CP y comunicación. Resultados. Esta colaboración permitió diseñar una serie de ocho módulos en los que se presentan conceptos clave de los CP pediátricos, como el tratamiento del dolor, la calidad de vida y los cuidados terminales. Estos módulos se diseñaron para reducir la estigmatización asociada a los CP por parte de las personas encargadas de los cuidados, mediante una educación que tiene en cuenta sus especificidades culturales y aborda el bajo nivel de conocimientos básicos de salud de estas personas en América Latina y el Caribe. En los 15 meses transcurridos desde su publicación, se han distribuido por toda América Latina y su contenido se ha descargado 2 825 veces. Conclusiones. Se consideró que los materiales educativos y la orientación preparatoria sobre los CP constituyen una prioridad para los progenitores y otras personas encargadas del cuidado de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer en toda América Latina. Los materiales elaborados mediante este proyecto han sido ampliamente utilizados y están disponibles en el sitio web de la OPS y en el recurso en línea Together by St. Jude™.

RESUMO Objetivo. Descrever o desenvolvimento de materiais educativos para pais e outros cuidadores de crianças com câncer por meio de uma abordagem sensível à cultura para reduzir as barreiras de aceitação dos cuidados paliativos (CP). Métodos. A Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), o St. Jude Children's Research Hospital e parceiros da América Latina e do Caribe colaboraram em um projeto de três fases, que iniciou com uma pesquisa de avaliação das necessidades dos cuidadores de crianças com câncer no Peru. Com base nos achados dessa pesquisa, uma equipe interdisciplinar de especialistas em CP pediátricos desenvolveu um conteúdo educacional que foi concebido e validado por um comitê internacional de especialistas em CP e comunicação. Resultados. A colaboração resultou no desenvolvimento de uma série de oito módulos que apresenta os principais conceitos dos CP pediátricos aos cuidadores, incluindo controle da dor, qualidade de vida e cuidados de final de vida. A série foi concebida para reduzir o estigma dos cuidadores em relação aos CP por meio de educação sensível à cultura, abordando os baixos níveis de letramento em saúde entre os cuidadores da América Latina e do Caribe. Nos 15 meses desde seu lançamento, os módulos foram distribuídos em toda a América Latina, tendo sido baixados 2 825 vezes. Conclusões. Os materiais educativos e a orientação prévia sobre CP foram considerados uma prioridade para os pais e outros cuidadores de crianças com câncer em toda a América Latina. Os materiais desenvolvidos por meio desse projeto foram amplamente utilizados e estão disponíveis no site da OPAS e no recurso on-line Together by St. Jude™.

Model for regional collaboration: Successful strategy to implement a pediatric early warning system in 36 pediatric oncology centers in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric early warning systems (PEWS) aid in the early identification of deterioration in hospitalized children with cancer; however, they are under-used in resource-limited settings. The authors use the knowledge-to-action framework to describe the implementation strategy for Proyecto Escala de Valoracion de Alerta Temprana (EVAT), a multicenter quality-improvement collaborative, to scale-up PEWS in pediatric oncology centers in Latin America. METHODS: Proyecto EVAT mentored participating centers through an adaptable implementation strategy to: (1) monitor clinical deterioration in children with cancer, (2) contextually adapt PEWS, (3) assess barriers to using PEWS, (4) pilot and implement PEWS, (5) monitor the use of PEWS, (6) evaluate outcomes, and (7) sustain PEWS. The implementation outcomes assessed included the quality of PEWS use, the time required for implementation, and global program impact. RESULTS: From April 2017 to October 2021, 36 diverse Proyecto EVAT hospitals from 13 countries in Latin America collectively managing more than 4100 annual new pediatric cancer diagnoses successfully implemented PEWS. The time to complete all program phases varied among centers, averaging 7 months (range, 3-13 months) from PEWS pilot to implementation completion. All centers ultimately implemented PEWS and maintained high-quality PEWS use for up to 18 months after implementation. Across the 36 centers, more than 11,100 clinicians were trained in PEWS, and more than 41,000 pediatric hospital admissions had PEWS used in their care. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based interventions like PEWS can be successfully scaled-up regionally basis using a systematic approach that includes a collaborative network, an adaptable implementation strategy, and regional mentorship. Lessons learned can guide future programs to promote the widespread adoption of effective interventions and reduce global disparities in childhood cancer outcomes. LAY SUMMARY: Pediatric early warning systems (PEWS) are clinical tools used to identify deterioration in hospitalized children with cancer; however, implementation challenges limit their use in resource-limited settings. Proyecto EVAT is a multicenter quality-improvement collaborative to implement PEWS in 36 pediatric oncology centers in Latin America. This is the first multicenter, multinational study reporting a successful implementation strategy (Proyecto EVAT) to regionally scale-up PEWS. The lessons learned from Proyecto EVAT can inform future programs to promote the adoption of clinical interventions to globally improve childhood cancer outcomes.

Religious affiliation and the intention to choose psychiatry as a specialty among physicians in training from 11 Latin American countries.

The worldwide scarcity of psychiatrists makes the identification of the factors associated with the intention to choose this specialty an important issue. This study aims to evaluate the association between religious affiliation and the intention to choose psychiatry as a specialty among medical students from 11 Latin American countries. We conducted a cross-sectional, multi-country study that included first- and fifth-year students of 63 medical schools in 11 Latin-American countries between 2011 and 2012. The main outcome and measures were the intention to pursue psychiatry as a specialty over other specialties (yes/no) and religious affiliation (without: atheist/agnostic; with: any religion). A total of 8308 participants were included; 53.6% were women, and the average age was 20.4 (SD = 2.9) years. About 36% were fifth-year students, and 11.8% were not affiliated with any religion. Only 2.6% had the intention to choose psychiatry; the highest proportion of students with the intention to choose psychiatry was among students in Chile (8.1%) and the lowest among students in Mexico (1.1%). After adjusting for demographic, family, academic as well as personal and professional projection variable, we found that those who had no religious affiliation were more likely to report the intention to become a psychiatrist [OR: 2.92 (95%CI: 2.14-4.00)]. There is a strong positive association between not having a religious affiliation and the intention to become a psychiatrist. The possible factors that influence this phenomenon must be evaluated in greater depth, ideally through longitudinal research.

Consumo de Benzodiazepinas en Ciego de Ávila / Consumption of Benzodiazepines in Ciego de Ávila Province

ntroducción: Estudios internacionales y en Cuba han señalado un aumento en el consumo de ansiolíticos e hipnóticos, así como un uso inadecuado en varios países, mayormente con las benzodiazepinas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el patrón de consumo de tres benzodiazepinas orales: Nitrazepam, Diazepam y Clordiazepóxido en la provincia de Ciego de Ávila entre los años 2006, 2007 y el primer trimestre del 2008. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal descriptivo con los datos sobre la distribución y el consumo de los tres medicamentos, utilizando el sistema MISTRAL implantado en la Droguería de Ciego de Avila, a las 92 farmacias comunitarias, se corroboraron con las ventas efectuadas en las diferentes farmacias ubicadas en el territorio. Las cantidades de cada medicamento se expresaron en dosis diarias definidas por 1.000 habitantes y día. Resultados: La utilización de benzodiazepinas fue alta en el periodo estudiado siendo el medicamento más utilizado el Nitrazepam, seguido del Diazepam. Conclusiones: Existe incremento del uso de Diazepam y Nitrazepam a expensa de algunos municipios, mientras que el consumo de Clordiazepóxido se mantuvo según la dosis diaria definida en nuestro país.

Introduction: National and International studies have indicated an increase in the consumption of hypnotic-ansiolitic drugs as well as an inadequate use of them in several countries, mainly the benzodiazepines. The objective of this work is to analyze the consumption pattern of three oral benzodiazepines: Nitrazepam, Diazepam and Clordiazepoxide in Ciego de Ávila province from 2006 to 2007 and the first trimester of 2008. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional observational study was carried out with the data on the distribution and the consumption of the already mentioned three medicines, using the MISTRAL system implanted in the Drug store of Ciego de Ávila, to the 92 communitarian pharmacies; it was corroborated with the sales done in the different pharmacies located in the territory. The amounts of each medicine were expressed in daily doses defined by 1,000 inhabitants and day. Results: The use of benzodiazepines was high in the studied period being the Nitrazepam the most used medicine, followed by Diazepam. Conclusions: There was an Increase of the use of Diazepam and Nitrazepam in some municipalities, whereas the clordiazepoxide consumption stayed according to the daily dose defined in our country.

Consumo de Benzodiazepinas en Ciego de Ávila / Consumption of Benzodiazepines in Ciego de Ávila Province

ntroducción: Estudios internacionales y en Cuba han señalado un aumento en el consumo de ansiolíticos e hipnóticos, así como un uso inadecuado en varios países, mayormente con las benzodiazepinas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el patrón de consumo de tres benzodiazepinas orales: Nitrazepam, Diazepam y Clordiazepóxido en la provincia de Ciego de Ávila entre los años 2006, 2007 y el primer trimestre del 2008. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal descriptivo con los datos sobre la distribución y el consumo de los tres medicamentos, utilizando el sistema MISTRAL implantado en la Droguería de Ciego de Avila, a las 92 farmacias comunitarias, se corroboraron con las ventas efectuadas en las diferentes farmacias ubicadas en el territorio. Las cantidades de cada medicamento se expresaron en dosis diarias definidas por 1.000 habitantes y día. Resultados: La utilización de benzodiazepinas fue alta en el periodo estudiado siendo el medicamento más utilizado el Nitrazepam, seguido del Diazepam. Conclusiones: Existe incremento del uso de Diazepam y Nitrazepam a expensa de algunos municipios, mientras que el consumo de Clordiazepóxido se mantuvo según la dosis diaria definida en nuestro país (AU)

Introduction: National and International studies have indicated an increase in the consumption of hypnotic-ansiolitic drugs as well as an inadequate use of them in several countries, mainly the benzodiazepines. The objective of this work is to analyze the consumption pattern of three oral benzodiazepines: Nitrazepam, Diazepam and Clordiazepoxide in Ciego de Ávila province from 2006 to 2007 and the first trimester of 2008. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional observational study was carried out with the data on the distribution and the consumption of the already mentioned three medicines, using the MISTRAL system implanted in the Drug store of Ciego de Ávila, to the 92 communitarian pharmacies; it was corroborated with the sales done in the different pharmacies located in the territory. The amounts of each medicine were expressed in daily doses defined by 1,000 inhabitants and day. Results: The use of benzodiazepines was high in the studied period being the Nitrazepam the most used medicine, followed by Diazepam. Conclusions: There was an Increase of the use of Diazepam and Nitrazepam in some municipalities, whereas the clordiazepoxide consumption stayed according to the daily dose defined in our country (AU)

Toxicidad aguda y a dosis repetidas de Bromelina obtenida de tallos de piña (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.)

La Bromelina (EC3.4.22.32) es una enzima proteolítica aislada y purificada a partir de diferentes órganos dela piña (Ananas Comosus) (L) Merr; tiene múltiples usos en la industria biotecnológoca alimentaria y en el campo de la medicina se destaca por su uso como antinflamatorio, anticuagulante y antitumoral. Con el fin de evaluar las potencialidades terapéuticas de la enzima, obtenida mediante una tecnología cubana (patente C12N 9\50) se concibió el presente trabajo, donde se presenta la evaluación toxicológica. La administración a dosis única no reveló alteracioneshistopatológicas en los órganos de ningún animal, siendo la DL50 de 216.35 mg\Kg, mientras que a dosis repetidas, provocó degeneraciones hidrópicas, turbias y microhemorragias, principalmente en un pulmón, corazó, riñón, bazo e higado y no mostró citotoxicidad para leococitos, sino que produjo un incremento de los mismos, fundamentalemnte de linfocitos; la DL 50 fue 105.91 mg\Kg (AU)

Evaluación antivacteriana de extractos de cítricos de la provincia Ciego de Avila / Evaluation bacterial control of extracts of citric of the province Blind Person of Avila

Se compara ala actividad antibacteriana de extractos acuosos, fluidos y decocciones de la corteza del fruto de 4 especies de cítricos cultivados en la provincia Ciego de Avila, mediante el método de difusión en doble capa de agar con cortes cilíndricos, frente a 11 cepas de interés clínico humano. Los mejores resultados correspondieron a las inhibiciones encontradas en los extractos de Citrus sinensis

Evaluación antibacteriana de extractos de cítricos de la provincia Ciego de Avila

Se compara a la actividad antibacteriana de extractos acuosos, fluidos y decocciones de la corteza del fruto de 4 especies de cítricos cultivados en la provincia Ciego de Avila, mediante el método de difusión en doble capa de agar con cortes cilíndricos, frente a 11 cepas de interés clínico humano. Los mejores resultados correspondieron a las inhibiciones encontradas en los extractos de Citrus sinensis (AU)