[Perspectives of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A focal group to improve healthcare quality]. / Perspectivas de pacientes con distrofia muscular de Duchenne: grupo focal para mejorar la calidad asistencial.

INTRODUCTION: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a complex disease that requires a multidisciplinary and coordinated approach. Given that therapeutic efforts are centred on improving the quality of life of the patient, the aim of this study is to find out the views of young people and adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, their families, and health professionals as regards the healthcare provided by the hospital in order to improve their quality of life. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using 3 focal groups consisting of patients, families, and healthcare professionals. A thematic guide was prepared, and the information from the interviews was gathered using a sound recorder. In order to analyse the information, the transcriptions were coded and the significant data of each interview were extracted and grouped into various topics. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: The main worries of the 3 groups were along the same line. On the one hand, the importance of a coordinated multidisciplinary team in the same unit that provides the integral care. On the other hand, sport as a common interest in these adolescents, and the consideration of a positive relationship between leisure and quality of life, finding that their participation in physiotherapy groups of great use. To achieve this objective, it is necessary to improve the coordination between the hospital and the different groups. The parents also demanded better cover in the social and psychological care offered by the hospital. Lastly, the importance of humanising the care was mentioned (privacy, adapting of structures, transmission of information, sexuality…).

[Assessment model for evaluating the preparedness plan for COVID-19 in a tertiary care hospital]. / Modelo de evaluación del plan de respuesta frente a la pandemia de COVID-19 en un hospital de tercer nivel.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: During the first wave of the epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, hospitals have come under significant pressure. This scenario of uncertainty, low scientific evidence, and insufficient resources, has generated significant variability in practice between different health organisations. In this context, it is proposed to develop a standards-based model for the evaluation of the preparedness and response system against COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study, carried out at the University Hospital of Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona (Spain), was designed in two phases: 1) development of the standards-based model, by means of a narrative review of the literature, analysis of plans and protocols implemented in the hospital, a review process by expert professionals from the centre, and plan of action, and 2) validation of usability and usefulness of the model through self-assessment and hospital audit. RESULTS: The model contains 208 standards distributed into nine criteria: leadership and strategy; prevention and infection control; management of professionals and skills; public areas; healthcare areas; areas of support for diagnosis and treatment; logistics, technology and works; communication and patient care; and information and research systems. The evaluation achieved 85.2% compliance, with 42 areas for improvement and 96 good practices identified. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a standards-based model is a useful tool to identify areas for improvement and good practices in COVID-19 preparedness and response plans in a hospital. In the current context, it is recommended to repeat this methodology in other non-hospital and public health settings.

[Perceived quality of care by frequent paediatric healthcare users: A qualitative approach]. / Calidad percibida en población hiperfrecuentadora infantil: una aproximación cualitativa.

INTRODUCTION: Assessing the perceived quality of a healthcare department by its users is essential in a quality management system. In Paediatric Emergency Departments (PED), the demand for urgent care has increased in recent years, as well as an increase in frequent attendance. Paying attention to the opinions of these habitual users by means of qualitative methodology is particularly suitable for assessing the quality of care and identifying opportunities to improve the PED. METHODS: Two focus groups were held with parents of patients (with and without a chronic disease) who visited the PED on 10or more occasions per year in a third level hospital. RESULTS: The participants were satisfied overall with the PED. The treatment received was very positively valued, and they never felt that they had received poorer care due to being frequent users. As main strengths, they also highlighted the professional expertise, the friendliness of staff, the quality of information given, the medication received on discharge from hospital, and the follow-up carried out by the PED. The major improvement opportunities identified included: the contagion risks, the lack of coordination between different levels of care, and the need to improve the inclusion of families in the health care process. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the contributions made by these parents, several improvement strategies have been introduced, such as the implementation of sharing information protocols in shift changes, professional training courses, the establishment of a liaison person between the PED and Primary Care, and a proposal to the Hospital Management Department to assess the identified needs.

Modelo de evaluación del plan de respuesta frente a la pandemia de COVID-19 en un hospital de tercer nivel / Assessment model for evaluating the preparedness plan for COVID-19 in a tertiary care hospital

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVO: Durante la primera onda epidémica del SARS-CoV-2, los hospitales han soportado una importante presión asistencial. Este escenario de incertidumbre, baja evidencia científica y medios insuficientes ha generado una importante variabilidad de la práctica entre diferentes centros sanitarios. En este contexto, planteamos desarrollar un modelo basado en estándares para la evaluación del sistema de preparación y respuesta frente a la COVID-19 en un hospital terciario. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: El estudio se llevó a cabo en el Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron de Barcelona en dos fases: 1) desarrollo de modelo de estándares mediante revisión narrativa de la literatura, análisis de planes y protocolos del hospital, método Delphi por profesionales expertos y plan de actualización y 2) validación de aplicabilidad y utilidad del modelo mediante autoevaluación y auditoría. RESULTADOS: El modelo consta de 208 estándares distribuidos en nueve criterios: liderazgo y estrategia; prevención y control de la infección; gestión de profesionales y competencias; áreas públicas comunes; áreas asistenciales; áreas de apoyo asistencial; logística, tecnología y obras; comunicación y atención al paciente; sistemas de información e investigación. La evaluación alcanza un 85,2% de cumplimiento, y se identifican 42 áreas de mejora y 96 buenas prácticas. CONCLUSIONES: La implementación de un modelo basado en estándares es útil para identificar áreas de mejora y buenas prácticas en los planes de preparación y respuesta frente a la COVID-19 en un hospital. En el actual contexto, proponemos la conveniencia de adaptar esta metodología a otros ámbitos de atención sanitaria no hospitalaria o de salud pública

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: During the first wave of the epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, hospitals have come under significant pressure. This scenario of uncertainty, low scientific evidence, and insufficient resources, has generated significant variability in practice between different health organisations. In this context, it is proposed to develop a standards-based model for the evaluation of the preparedness and response system against COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study, carried out at the University Hospital of Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona (Spain), was designed in two phases: 1) development of the standards-based model, by means of a narrative review of the literature, analysis of plans and protocols implemented in the hospital, a review process by expert professionals from the centre, and plan of action, and 2) validation of usability and usefulness of the model through self-assessment and hospital audit. RESULTS: The model contains 208 standards distributed into nine criteria: leadership and strategy; prevention and infection control; management of professionals and skills; public areas; healthcare areas; areas of support for diagnosis and treatment; logistics, technology and works; communication and patient care; and information and research systems. The evaluation achieved 85.2% compliance, with 42 areas for improvement and 96 good practices identified. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a standards-based model is a useful tool to identify areas for improvement and good practices in COVID-19 preparedness and response plans in a hospital. In the current context, it is recommended to repeat this methodology in other non-hospital and public health settings

Recomendaciones en la petición de pruebas preoperatorias en cirugía dermatológica ambulatoria / Recommendations on Testing Before Outpatient Dermatologic Surgery

Introducción: La cirugía dermatológica ambulatoria es una práctica clínica cada vez más habitual, basada en la extirpación de tumores cutáneos mediante anestesia local y con un tiempo quirúrgico reducido. Tradicionalmente, la valoración preoperatoria se ha realizado con el fin de detectar alguna alteración o proceso patológico desconocido que pudiera modificar el plan anestésico y/o quirúrgico. Existe una gran variabilidad entre centros y especialistas sobre las pruebas a solicitar en aquellos pacientes que van a ser sometidos a una intervención quirúrgica dermatológica ambulatoria, teniendo en cuenta que, por el perfil de esta cirugía, prácticamente ningún hallazgo podría modificar o contraindicar la intervención. El objetivo es ofrecer una referencia de actuación para la petición de pruebas preoperatorias en cirugía dermatológica ambulatoria. Métodos: En 2017 se desarrolló en nuestro centro un protocolo para intentar unificar la petición de pruebas preoperatorias en cirugía dermatológica ambulatoria. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo analizando las pruebas solicitadas a pacientes sometidos a este tipo de cirugía, comparando antes y después de la aplicación del protocolo. Resultados: Tras la instauración del protocolo se solicitó menor número de pruebas complementarias, sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el tipo de cirugía ni complicaciones postoperatorias. Conclusiones: Los pacientes que vayan a ser sometidos, bajo anestesia local, a cirugía dermatológica ambulatoria, y que se encuentren en su estado de salud habitual, podrían no tener indicación de realización de pruebas complementarias preoperatorias

Introduction: Short-duration ambulatory surgery for the removal of skin tumors under local anesthesia is increasingly common in dermatology. Preoperative assessment has traditionally targeted the identification of any unknown diseases or other health conditions that might lead to changes in plans for anesthesia or surgery. Hospitals and specialists differ greatly in the tests they order in patients about to undergo outpatient dermatologic surgery given that hardly any finding would be likely to contraindicate or lead to changes in the procedure. This study aimed to provide guidance for those ordering tests before outpatient dermatologic surgery. Methods: In 2017 our hospital developed a protocol to standardize preoperative testing for outpatient dermatologic surgery. We designed an observational, descriptive, retrospective analysis of tests ordered for patients scheduled for such surgery before and after the protocol was applied. Results: Fewer tests were ordered after the protocol was introduced. We detected no statistically significant differences in relation to type of surgery planned or postoperative complications. Conclusions: Patients about to undergo outpatient dermatologic surgery under local anesthesia who have no unusual health risks may not require preoperative testing

Recommendations on Testing Before Outpatient Dermatologic Surgery. / Recomendaciones en la petición de pruebas preoperatorias en cirugía dermatológica ambulatoria.

INTRODUCTION: Short-duration ambulatory surgery for the removal of skin tumors under local anesthesia is increasingly common in dermatology. Preoperative assessment has traditionally targeted the identification of any unknown diseases or other health conditions that might lead to changes in plans for anesthesia or surgery. Hospitals and specialists differ greatly in the tests they order in patients about to undergo outpatient dermatologic surgery given that hardly any finding would be likely to contraindicate or lead to changes in the procedure. This study aimed to provide guidance for those ordering tests before outpatient dermatologic surgery. METHODS: In 2017 our hospital developed a protocol to standardize preoperative testing for outpatient dermatologic surgery. We designed an observational, descriptive, retrospective analysis of tests ordered for patients scheduled for such surgery before and after the protocol was applied. RESULTS: Fewer tests were ordered after the protocol was introduced. We detected no statistically significant differences in relation to type of surgery planned or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients about to undergo outpatient dermatologic surgery under local anesthesia who have no unusual health risks may not require preoperative testing.

Prescripción inadecuada en mayores de 75 años en atención primaria: el caso de doxazosina en un área de salud / No disponible

Objetivos: Evaluar la adecuación de la prescripción de doxazosina en mayores de 75 años. Secundarios:Describir la comorbilidad y el tratamiento antihipertensivo asociados, así como el control de la tensión arterial,y analizar los efectos adversos. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Ámbito: Área desalud con 31 equipos de atención primaria. Población: Mil doscientos ochenta y dos pacientes mayoresde 75 años en tratamiento con doxazosina durante septiembre y noviembre de 2006. Fuente de información:Historia clínica. Variables: Edad, sexo, tratamiento, pauta, comorbilidad, tensión arterial y efectosadversos aparecidos. En 80 historias, mediante muestreo aleatorio estratificado por sexo y equipo. Se consideróprescripción adecuada en caso de hipertrofia benigna de próstata o como antihipertensivo de cuartalínea. Resultados: La prescripción en mujeres fue adecuada en el 26,5% de los casos (índice de confianza[IC] 95%: 10,2-42,8), y en hombres, en el 47,8% (IC 95%: 32,3-63,3). La comorbilidad más frecuente fue ladislipemia, y la más relevante la cardiaca (6,2%, insuficiencia cardiaca; 20%, trastornos del ritmo cardiaco;16,3%, otras enfermedades cardiacas). En el 91,3% de los pacientes, doxazosina estaba asociada a otros antihipertensivos.El 45,5% de los participantes tenían controlada la tensión arterial sistólica. En el 51,3% de lospacientes apareció algún efecto adverso, con un 63,4% de ellos referidos a mareos o caídas. Conclusiones:La indicación fue adecuada en la mitad de los hombres y en una cuarta parte de las mujeres. A pesar de suslimitaciones de uso, algunos pacientes presentaban insuficiencia cardiaca al inicio del tratamiento. Menosde la mitad de los participantes tenían controlada la tensión sistólica. La mitad de los pacientes sufrieronmareos o caídas durante el tratamiento

Objectives: to assess the appropriateness of the prescription of doxazosin in people over the age of 75. Secondaryobjectives: to describe the comorbidity and the associated antihypertensive treatment, as well as theblood pressure control, and to analyse the adverse effects. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional descriptivestudy. Scope: a health care district with 31 primary care teams. Population: one thousand two hundredand eighty-two patients over the age of 75 undergoing a treatment with doxazosin during September andNovember 2006. Information source: medical history. Variables: age, gender, treatment, schedule, comorbidity,blood pressure and adverse effects suffered, in 80 medical histories, by means of a random samplingstratified by gender and team. The prescription was deemed to be appropriate in the cases of benign prostatichyperplasia or as a fourth-line antihypertensive. Results: The prescription in women was appropriate in26.5% of the cases (confidence index [CI] 95%: 10.2-42.8), and in men, in 47.8% (CI 95%: 32.3-63.3). Themost common comorbidity was dyslipidemia, and the most relevant one was cardiac comorbidity (6.2%,cardiac insufficiency; 20%, heart rhythm disorders; 16.3%, other cardiac diseases). In 91.3% of the patients,doxazosin was associated with other antihypertensives. The systolic blood pressure was controlled in 45.5%of the participants. Some kind of adverse effect was experienced by 51.3% of the patients, with 63.4% ofthem of concerning dizziness or falls. Conclusions: The prescription was appropriate in half of the men andin one fourth of the women. In spite of the limitations of its use, some of the patients were suffering fromcardiac insufficiency at the start of the treatment. The systolic pressure was controlled in less than half of theparticipants. Half of the patients suffered from dizziness and falls during the treatment (AU)