Sentiment analysis in medication adherence: using ruled-based and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms to understand patient medication experiences.

BACKGROUND: Studies are exploring ways to improve medication adherence, with sentiment analysis (SA) being an underutilized innovation in pharmacy. This technique uses artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing to assess text for underlying feelings and emotions. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the use of two SA models, Valence Aware Dictionary for Sentiment Reasoning (VADER) and Emotion English DistilRoBERTa-base (DistilRoBERTa), for the identification of patients' sentiments and emotions towards their pharmacotherapy. METHOD: A dataset containing 320,095 anonymized patients' reports of experiences with their medication was used. VADER assessed sentiment polarity on a scale from - 1 (negative) to + 1 (positive). DistilRoBERTa classified emotions into seven categories: anger, disgust, fear, joy, neutral, sadness, and surprise. Performance metrics for the models were obtained using the sklearn.metrics module of scikit-learn in Python. RESULTS: VADER demonstrated an overall accuracy of 0.70. For negative sentiments, it achieved a precision of 0.68, recall of 0.80, and an F1-score of 0.73, while for positive sentiments, it had a precision of 0.73, recall of 0.59, and an F1-score of 0.65. The AUC for the ROC curve was 0.90. DistilRoBERTa analysis showed that higher ratings for medication effectiveness, ease of use, and satisfaction corresponded with more positive emotional responses. These results were consistent with VADER's sentiment analysis, confirming the reliability of both models. CONCLUSION: VADER and DistilRoBERTa effectively analyzed patients' sentiments towards pharmacotherapy, providing valuable information. These findings encourage studies of SA in clinical pharmacy practice, paving the way for more personalized and effective patient care strategies.

Dysphagia Prevalence in Brazil, UK, China, and Indonesia and Dysphagic Patient Preferences.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is common, but there is limited information about its prevalence and patient preferences regarding dosage forms (oral solids, liquids, topical, etc.) in Brazil, China, the United Kingdom (UK), and Indonesia. METHODS: We conducted an online survey of 1000 adults from each country, without any required disease, to estimate the prevalence of dysphagia in these four nations and the dosage form preferences among UK patients. RESULTS: A total of 36.9%, 40.5%, 54.9%, and 64.5% from the UK, Indonesia, Brazil, and China, respectively, had an Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) score of ≥3 (indicative of dysphagia). Only 2% of UK respondents and 5% of Brazilian respondents reported a formal diagnosis of dysphagia. Indonesian (74%) and Chinese respondents (77%) were more likely than Brazilian (52%) and UK respondents (45%) to report that their swallowing problems affected their ability to adhere to medication instructions. Liquids were the oral medication formulation most preferred by those who reported difficulty swallowing. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, substantial populations have difficulty swallowing, which can translate into an access issue for medical treatment. The availability of people's preferred dosage forms may help alleviate the adherence issues associated with difficulty swallowing and the concomitant effects on health outcomes.

Treatment Preferences in Patients with Hypothyroidism: an Analysis of Eleven Randomized Controlled Trials.

INTRODUCTION: Levothyroxine (L-T4) monotherapy is the standard of care for the treatment of hypothyroidism. A minority of the L-T4-treated patients remain symptomatic and report better outcomes with combination therapy that contains liothyronine (L-T3) or with desiccated thyroid extract (DTE). GOAL: To assess patient preferences in the treatment of hypothyroidism. METHODS: A systematic review, meta-analysis, meta-regression, and network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing treatments for adults with hypothyroidism (L-T4 vs. L-T4+L-T3 or DTE). Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to April 10, 2024. Data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by four researchers. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs (eight cross-over studies) with a total of 1,135 patients were considered. Overall, 24% of patients preferred L-T4 versus 52 % who preferred L-T4+L-T3 or DTE; 24% had no preference. The meta-analysis confirmed the preference for combination therapy over L-T4 monotherapy (RR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.38 to 3.52; p = 0.0009). Excluding four studies reduced the high heterogeneity (I2 = 81%) without affecting the results (RR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.52 to 2.54; p < 0.00001; I2 = 24%). This preference profile remained when only crossover studies were considered (RR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.50 to 5.39; p < 0.00001). Network meta-analysis confirmed the preference for DTE and L-T3+L-T4 versus L-T4 alone. CONCLUSION: Patients with hypothyroidism prefer combination therapy (L-T3+L-T4 or DTE) over L-T4 monotherapy. The strength of these findings justifies considering patient preferences in the setting of shared decision-making in the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Women's preference for a vaginal birth in Brazilian private hospitals: effects of a quality improvement project.

BACKGROUND: In 2015, a quality improvement project called "Adequate Childbirth Project" (PPA) was implemented in Brazilian private hospitals in order to reduce cesarean sections without clinical indication. The PPA is structured in four components, one of which is directed at women and families. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of PPA on women's preference for vaginal birth (VB) at the end of pregnancy. METHODS: Evaluative research conducted in 12 private hospitals participating in the PPA. Interviews were carried out in the immediate postpartum period and medical record data were collected at hospital discharge. The implementation of PPA activities and women's preference for type of birth at the beginning and end of pregnancy were compared in women assisted in the PPA model of care and in the standard of care model, using a chi-square statistical test. To estimate the effect of PPA on women's preference for VB at the end of pregnancy, multiple logistic regression was performed with selection of variables using a causal diagram. RESULTS: Four thousand seven hundred ninety-eight women were interviewed. The implementation of the planned activities of PPA was less than 50%, but were significantly more frequent among women assisted in the PPA model of care. Women in this group also showed a greater preference for VB at the beginning and end of pregnancy. The PPA showed an association with greater preference for VB at the end of pregnancy in primiparous (OR 2.54 95% CI 1.99-3.24) and multiparous women (OR 1.44 95% CI 0.97-2.12), although in multiparous this association was not significant. The main factor associated with the preference for VB at the end of pregnancy was the preference for this type of birth at the beginning of pregnancy, both in primiparous (OR 18.67 95% CI 14.22-24.50) and in multiparous women (OR 53.11 95% CI 37.31-75.60). CONCLUSIONS: The PPA had a positive effect on women's preference for VB at the end of pregnancy. It is plausible that more intense effects are observed with the expansion of the implementation of the planned activities. Special attention should be given to information on the benefits of VB in early pregnancy.

Cesarean rates have been increasing worldwide and constitute the most frequent type of childbirth in Brazil since 2009. In 2015, a quality improvement project was implemented in Brazilian private hospitals, with the objective of reducing medically unnecessary cesarean sections and increasing the number of vaginal births. This project, called "Adequate Childbirth Project" (PPA), has four components, one of which is directed at women and families, aiming to increase their participation in decision-making processes related to childbirth. In this study, we assessed whether this program contributed to increased preference for vaginal birth at the end of pregnancy. In previous studies in Brazil, we saw that women who maintained preference for vaginal birth throughout pregnancy were those who had the lowest proportion of cesarean sections. We found that the PPA increased preference for vaginal birth by almost three times in primiparous women. Among women with previous births, this increase was smaller. In this group of women, having a previous cesarean section was an important factor for not wanting a vaginal birth, and this is a very common condition in Brazil. For all women, having preference for vaginal birth at the beginning of pregnancy was the main factor in wanting this type of birth at the end of pregnancy. The results demonstrate the importance of educational activities that disseminate information about the benefits of vaginal birth, increasing the preference of women for this type of childbirth, in addition to supporting them throughout pregnancy, so that they feel empowered in their choice.

Preference for long-acting injectable for ART and PrEP among people with and without HIV: a cross-sectional study in Argentina.

Background: Little is known about the preferences for antiretroviral therapy (ART) administration methods, such as oral daily pills or long-acting injectable (LAI) options, as well as preferences for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) administration methods among people without HIV in Latin America. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the preferences for ART administration methods among people with HIV and PrEP methods among those without HIV, as well as to examine the correlations and reasons for these preferences. Design: We conducted a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire between April and July 2021, using social media accounts of a HIV non-governmental organization. The questionnaire was open to all adults living in Argentina, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Methods: The questionnaire included questions on substance use, depression, chronic treatment, previous experiences with injectable medication, and HIV status. Those with HIV answered questions about ART adherence and their preferences for ART methods, while those without HIV were asked about condom use, awareness of PrEP, and their preferences for PrEP methods. Results: Out of 1676 respondents, 804 had HIV, and 872 did not. Among those with HIV, 91.5% expressed a high preference for LAI-ART, with significantly higher preferences among participants with higher educational levels, cisgender gay, bisexual, and queer men, younger individuals, and those with prior injectable medication experience. Among those without HIV, 68% preferred LAI-PrEP, and this preference was positively associated with previous positive experiences with injectable medication. Conclusion: The strong preference for LAI-ART suggests the potential for improved adherence and well-being among people with HIV. Additionally, the preference for LAI-PrEP among those without HIV emphasizes the importance of considering this option for HIV prevention strategies. This study highlights the need to offer diverse methods for ART and prevention to accommodate different preferences and improve health care outcomes in Latin America.

Implementing active surveillance for low-risk thyroid carcinoma into clinical practice: collaborative recommendations for Latin America

ABSTRACT The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing globally, but mortality rates have remained steady. Many patients with thyroid cancer have low-risk, nonmetastatic intrathyroidal tumors smaller than 2 cm. Active surveillance has shown benefits in these patients, but the adoption of this approach remains below standard in Latin America. The purpose of this article is to identify ways to improve the incorporation of active surveillance into clinical practice for patients with low-risk thyroid carcinoma in Latin America, taking into consideration cultural and geographic factors. Current recommendations include three steps involving patient participation. The first step, which consists of the initial clinical examination, has eight factors requiring special attention. Anxiety must be managed while considering individual, disease-related, cognitive, and environmental aspects. Terms like "overdiagnosis", "incidentaloma," and "overtreatment" must be explained to the patient. Implementing precise terminology contributes to adequate disease perception, substantially reducing stress and anxiety. Clarifying the nonprogressive nature of thyroid cancer helps dispel myths surrounding the disease. The second step includes advice about procedures and guidelines for patients who choose active surveillance. Flexible monitoring techniques should be implemented, with regular check-ins scheduled based on patient needs. Reasons for adjusting treatment must be clearly communicated to the patient, and changes in preference regarding active surveillance should be considered in advance. The third step includes assistance during follow-up. Patients must be educated about ultrasound results and receive surgical indications from specialized physicians. The effectiveness of active surveillance can be reinforced by explaining to the patients the dynamics of changes in nodule size using clear and concise visual aids.

Consentimento e esclarecimento: dever e direito à informação em odontologia / Consent and clarification: duty and right to information in dentistry / Consentimiento y aclaración: deber y derecho a la información en odontología

Resumo Estudos acerca do consentimento informado de paciente no âmbito da odontologia são escassos e apresentam divergências, evidenciando a necessidade de aprofundar o conhecimento sobre definições, dinâmica, atos normativos, jurisprudência e limites de responsabilidade diante de fatores diversos e riscos inerentes à profissão. Por meio de revisão bibliográfica que incluiu estudos indexados nas bases de dados SciELO e LILACS, bem como livros-texto, buscou-se definir o que se entende por consentimento livre e esclarecido do paciente, distinguir diferentes tipos e destacar a denominada "escolha esclarecida", considerando que a atividade do cirurgião-dentista é classificada como serviço e é regulamentada pela Constituição Federal de 1988, Código de Defesa do Consumidor, Código Civil e leis especiais. Diante disso, busca-se verificar se é possível melhorar a obtenção do consentimento informado do paciente, transformando-a em processo de escolha esclarecida que considere tratamentos adequadamente indicados cuja finalidade principal é a saúde.

Abstract Studies on informed patient consent in the field of dentistry are scarce and present divergences, highlighting the need to deepen knowledge about definitions, dynamics, normative acts, case law and limits of responsibility in the face of diverse factors and risks inherent to the profession. From a bibliographic review that included studies indexed in the SciELO and LILACS databases, as well as textbooks, this study aimed to define what is meant by a patient's free and informed consent, distinguish different types and highlight the so-called "informed choice," considering that the activity of the dental surgeon is classified as a service and is regulated by the 1988 Federal Constitution of Brazil, the Consumer Defense Code, the Civil Code and special laws. The aim is to see if it is possible to improve the process of obtaining informed consent from patients, transforming it into a process of informed choice that takes into account appropriately indicated treatments whose main purpose is health.

Resumen Los estudios del consentimiento informado del paciente en odontología son escasos y presentan divergencias, lo que revela la necesidad de profundizar en el conocimiento en definiciones, dinámicas, actos normativos, jurisprudencia y límites de responsabilidad frente a diversos factores y riesgos relacionados a la profesión. A partir de una revisión bibliográfica en las bases de datos SciELO y LILACS, y en libros, se buscó definir qué se entiende por consentimiento informado del paciente, distinguir diferentes tipos e identificar la llamada "decisión aclarada", considerando que la actividad del cirujano dental está clasificada como un servicio y reglamentada por la Constitución Federal de 1988, el Código de Defensa del Consumidor, el Código Civil y leyes especiales. Se busca identificar si es posible mejorar el consentimiento informado al convertirlo en un proceso de obtención de decisión aclarada que considere adecuadamente los tratamientos cuya principal finalidad sea la salud.

Conflito decisional de pacientes com lesão medular que realizam cateterismo uretral intermitente / Conflicto decisional de pacientes con lesión medular que realizan cateterismo uretral intermitente / Decisional conflict in patients with spinal cord injury who perform intermittent urethral catheterization

Resumo Objetivo Identificar o conflito de decisão de pacientes com lesão medular frente ao cateterismo intermitente limpo. Métodos Estudo observacional, transversal, e quantitativo, que utilizou duas ferramentas de pesquisa, um questionário sociodemográfico e clínico e a versão brasileira da Decisional Conflict Scale. A investigação foi empreendida com uma amostra não probabilística em um hospital público especializado em reabilitação no Distrito Federal. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio de estatística inferencial e descritiva de tendência central e de dispersão utilizando-se frequências absoluta e relativa, média e desvio padrão. O protocolo de pesquisa foi avaliado e aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Secretaria de Saúde do Distrito Federal e todos os participantes aderiram ao termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido. Resultados A pesquisa envolveu 30 pacientes, sendo a maioria homens, com idade média de 32,43 anos. Destes 16 realizavam o auto cateterismo e 14 eram submetidos ao cateterismo assistido. O conflito de decisão foi identificado em metade dos pacientes, predominantemente entre os com menor tempo de lesão medular e período de realização do cateterismo. A lacuna de informações e a falta de suporte para a realização do procedimento foram os fatores preponderantes para a ocorrência do conflito de decisão. Conclusão O tempo de lesão e de realização do cateterismo parecem influenciar na aquisição de habilidades e conhecimentos na realização do cateterismo, manifestando-se com acentuado conflito decisório logo após a lesão. Suporte decisional e autocuidado apoiado podem contribuir para melhor engajamento do paciente.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar los conflictos de decisión de pacientes con lesión medular respecto al cateterismo intermitente limpio. Métodos Estudio observacional, transversal y cuantitativo, en el que se utilizaron dos herramientas de investigación, un cuestionario sociodemográfico y clínico y la versión brasileña de la Decisional Conflict Scale. La investigación se llevó a cabo con una muestra no probabilística en un hospital público especializado en rehabilitación en el Distrito Federal. Los datos recopilados se analizaron mediante estadística inferencial y descriptiva de tendencia central y de dispersión, con el uso de frecuencia absoluta y relativa, promedio y desviación típica. El protocolo de investigación fue evaluado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación de la Secretaría de Salud del Distrito Federal y todos los participantes adhirieron al consentimiento informado. Resultados Participaron 30 pacientes en el estudio, la mayoría hombres, de 32,43 años de edad promedio. Del total, 16 realizaban el autocateterismo y 14 el cateterismo asistido. Se identificaron conflictos de decisión en la mitad de los pacientes, de forma predominante en aquellos con menor tiempo de lesión medular y período de realización del cateterismo. El vacío de información y la falta de apoyo para la realización del procedimiento fueron los factores preponderantes para los casos de conflicto de decisión. Conclusión El tiempo de lesión y de realización del cateterismo parecen influir en la adquisición de habilidades y conocimientos para la realización del cateterismo, y se manifiesta con un elevado conflicto decisorio poco después de la lesión. El apoyo en la decisión y el autocuidado con apoyo pueden contribuir para que el paciente se comprometa más.

Abstract Objective To identify the decisional conflict of patients with spinal cord injury who perform clean intermittent catheterization. Methods An observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted using two research tools: a sociodemographic/clinical questionnaire and the Brazilian version of the Decisional Conflict Scale. The research was carried out with a non-probabilistic sample in a public hospital specializing in rehabilitation in the Federal District. The data collected was analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics of central tendency and dispersion using absolute and relative frequencies, mean, and standard deviation. The research protocol was evaluated and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal District Health Secretariat and all participants signed an informed consent form. Results The study involved 30 patients, most of whom were men, with a mean age of 32.43 years. Of these, 16 performed self-catheterization and 14 underwent assisted catheterization. Conflict of decision was identified in half of the patients, predominantly among those with a shorter period of spinal cord injury and period of catheterization. The information gap and the lack of support for the procedure were the main factors in decisional conflicts. Conclusion The time since the injury and the period during which the catheterization was performed seem to influence the acquisition of skills and knowledge in performing the procedure, showing a marked decisional conflict soon after the injury. Decisional support and supported self-care can contribute to better patient engagement.

Physical therapists' perspectives of patient values and their place in clinical practice: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: In physical therapy practice patients and therapists exchange their perspectives on musculoskeletal health problems and their meaning for both of them. However, literature indicates that physical therapists find it difficult to enquire about the patients' values during clinical encounters. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to gain deeper insight into the perspectives of physical therapists about patient values. DESIGN: Explorative qualitative focus group study. METHOD: Twenty-three physical therapists were interviewed in the Netherlands from March to May 2021. Two researchers analyzed the interviews and derived relevant codes. After an iterative process of comparing, analyzing, conceptualizing and discussing the codes, themes were identified through a thematic framework, illustrated with meaningful quotes. RESULTS: Three major themes were identified: Humane, Tacit, and Responsive. It appeared that patient values play unconsciously a major role in daily practice and are associated with humanity, not technical or procedural aspects of the encounter. Responsive denotes that all values require interaction in which aligning with the individual patient forms the basis of treatment. Barriers for being responsive are identified as subthemes: Choices, Trust, Diverseness, and Boundaries. CONCLUSION: The concept of patient values appeared to be implicit. The professional intuitively attunes as a fellow human being to values and expectations of the individual patient. This study contributes to finding a balance and mutual reinforcement of implicit and explicit knowledge. With all found experiences and insights the concept of patient values became more explicit in physical therapy to create a framework for education and research in the future.

Person-centered strategies for delivering TB diagnostic services in Lima, Peru.

SETTING: Lima, Peru. OBJECTIVE: To close the gap in TB diagnosis, TB diagnostic services must match care-seeking preferences. We sought to identify preferred strategies for delivering TB diagnostic services and to determine whether preferences differ among demographic groups. DESIGN: During May 2022-January 2023, we recruited adults who recently initiated treatment for pulmonary TB. We used an object-case best-worst scaling instrument to assess the desirability of nine hypothetical strategies for delivering TB diagnostic services. A t-test was used to assess differences in preference scores between groups. RESULTS: Among 150 participants, the strategies with the highest preference scores were an integrated mobile unit offering screening for multiple conditions, expedited attention at the health center, and home-based screening. These were strongly preferred by 42%, 25%, and 27% of participants, respectively, and 80% of participants strongly preferred at least one of the three. Expedited attention at the health center scored more highly among people who experienced >2 months delay in TB diagnosis compared to those who experienced a more rapid diagnosis (0.37 ± 0.06 vs. 0.17 ± 0.06; P = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Providing person-centered TB diagnostic services at diverse access points could help reach different populations, which could promote early diagnosis and help close the diagnosis gap.

CONTEXTE: Lima, Pérou. OBJECTIF: Pour combler les lacunes dans le diagnostic de la TB, les services de diagnostic de la TB doivent correspondre aux préférences en matière de recherche de soins. Nous avons cherché à identifier les stratégies préférées pour la prestation de services de diagnostic de la TB et à déterminer si les préférences diffèrent entre les groupes démographiques. MÉTHODE: De mai 2022 à janvier 2023, nous avons recruté des adultes ayant récemment commencé un traitement contre la TB pulmonaire. Nous avons utilisé un instrument d'évaluation du meilleur et du pire pour évaluer la désirabilité de neuf stratégies hypothétiques de prestation de services de diagnostic de la TB. Un test-t a été utilisé pour évaluer les différences dans les scores de préférence entre les groupes. RÉSULTATS: Parmi les 150 participants, les stratégies ayant les scores de préférence les plus élevés étaient une unité mobile intégrée offrant un dépistage pour des conditions multiples, une attention accélérée au centre de santé et un dépistage à domicile. Ces stratégies ont été fortement préférées par 42%, 25% et 27% des participants, respectivement, et 80% des participants ont fortement préféré au moins l'une des trois. L'attention accélérée au centre de santé a obtenu un score plus élevé chez les personnes ayant subi un retard de diagnostic de la TB de plus de 2 mois que chez celles ayant subi un diagnostic plus rapide (0,37 ± 0,06 contre 0,17 ± 0,06 ; P = 0,031). CONCLUSION: La fourniture de services de diagnostic de la TB centrés sur la personne à divers points d'accès pourrait permettre d'atteindre différentes populations, ce qui pourrait favoriser un diagnostic précoce et contribuer à combler le fossé en matière de diagnostic.

Expert Consensus for the Use of Outpatient Rehabilitation Visits After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Delphi Study.

OBJECTIVE: There is no consensus for how to use rehabilitation visits after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We sought to develop expert recommendations for outpatient rehabilitation visit usage after TKA. DESIGN: Delphi study. METHODS: First, we developed a broad list of preliminary visit usage recommendations, which were specific to patients' recovery status (ie, slow, typical, or fast recovery) and time since surgery. We then invited 49 TKA experts to participate on a Delphi panel. During round 1, we surveyed panelists regarding their level of agreement with each preliminary recommendation. We conducted additional Delphi rounds as needed to build consensus, which we defined using the RAND/UCLA method. We updated the survey each round based on panelist feedback and responses from the previous round. RESULTS: Thirty panelists agreed to participate, and 29 panelists completed 2 Delphi rounds. The panel reached consensus on recommendations related to visit frequency, visit timing, and the use of telerehabilitation. The panel recommended that outpatient rehabilitation should begin within 1 week after surgery at a frequency of 2 times per week for the first postoperative month regardless of recovery status. The panel recommended different visit frequencies depending on the patient's recovery status for postoperative months 2 to 3. The panel agreed that telerehabilitation can be recommended for most patients after TKA, but not for patients recovering slowly. CONCLUSION: We used the Delphi process to develop expert recommendations for the use of outpatient rehabilitation visits after TKA. We envision these recommendations could help patients decide how to use visits based on their own preferences. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(9):1-9. Epub: 10 July 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11840.

Expectations and Experiences of a Group of Patients Enrolled in an Educational Program for Rheumatoid Arthritis at a Specialized Care Center in Colombia.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease diagnosed in a productive stage of life. Patients with RA experience changes in their musculoskeletal system, overall health and quality of life. It has been identified that patients with RA do not have appropriate knowledge about their condition. Educational programs can provide new knowledge, accompaniment, and closer follow-up to improve empowerment and quality of life in patients with RA. Purpose: To describe rheumatoid arthritis patients' experiences, perceptions, and expectations when enrolling on a multicomponent educational program in a specialized RA setting. Patients and Methods: A qualitative study was done. Patients with RA who attended a specialized center and enrolled in an educational program participated in two focus groups. The focus group discussions and the interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, analyzed, and emerging themes were constructed. Results: Thirty-one participants were included in the focus groups. The median age was 60 years IQR (54-67), 92% were female. Two relevant categories emerged: first, the experience of being diagnosed with RA. Second, the program's ability to empower participants with knowledge and the possibility of transferring knowledge to other patients with the same condition. In addition, patients gave a high score to the expectations regarding the educational program. Conclusion: Understanding patients' expectations when enrolling in an educational program allows educators and clinicians to understand their motivations to create tailored programs that can contribute to acquiring empowerment in the educational process and managing their disease. Stakeholders should consider patients' expectations when implementing these interventions for patients with RA to adapt the intervention according to the patient's context and needs, which will directly affect the patient's adherence and lead to better use and allocation of resources for educational activities.

La empatía, la comunicación efectiva y la asertividad en la práctica médica actual / Empathy, effective communication and assertiveness in current medical practice

Resumen La empatía, la comunicación efectiva y la asertividad en la práctica médica actual representan habilidades y herramientas necesarias y vigentes en un mundo de grandes avances y realidades tecnológicas que no superan, en nuestra perspectiva, lo indispensable para mantener y fortalecer la relación del profesional de la salud con el paciente, específicamente la relación médico-paciente. Es conveniente identificar y reconocer el hecho de que estas relaciones interpersonales deben ser modificadas mediante el reconocimiento de su bidireccionalidad y deben centrarse en un carácter educativo, de retroalimentación y atención mutua, con una mejora continua de la regla de las "15 C": comunicación, cercanía, comprensión, compasión, confianza, capacidad, consistencia, certificación, creatividad, cooperación/coordinación, compromiso bidireccional y conexión, con las resultantes calidad y calidez.

Abstract Empathy, effective communication and assertiveness in current medical practice represent skills and tools necessary and current, in a world of great advances and technological realities that do not surpass, in our perspective, the indispensable use of such tools to maintain and strengthen the relationship of the health professional with the patient and specifically of the doctor-patient relationship. It is convenient to identify and recognize the fact that these interpersonal relationships must be modified by recognizing their bidirectionality and that they should focus on an educational, feedback and mutual attention, with a continuous improvement of the "15 C" rule: communication, closeness, understanding, compassion, confidence, capacity, consistency, certification, creativity, cooperation/coordination and bidirectional commitment and connection, with the resulting quality and warmth.

Analysis of Barriers to Public and Private Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Patients with Low and High Adherence.

INTRODUCTION: Participants in cardiac rehabilitation programs have low adherence to their sessions, which makes extremely important to recognize the barriers that cause non-adherence, identifying whether the type of service and level of adherence influence these barriers. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational study, in which 220 individuals (66.80±11.59 years) of both genders who are members of public and private exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programs participated. The volunteers were divided according to the level of adherence, considering patients with low adherence (PLA) those with < 70% of attendance and high adherence (PHA) those with > 70%. Then, initial evaluation, Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale, analysis of socioeconomic level, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Mini-Mental State Examination were applied. RESULTS: Higher total barriers were found in PLA in the public service compared to PHA in the private service (P=0.023). In the subscale "perceived need", PHA in the public service showed higher values than PLA and PHA in the private service (P≤0.001). The "access" barrier was higher for PHA in the public service when compared to PHA in the private service (P=0.024). PHA in the public service exhibited a higher barrier regarding questions about distance, transportation problems, cost, and time constraints. CONCLUSION: The public program presents higher barriers in the questions and categories compared to the private program, mainly the PHA. Furthermore, there are differences in the profile of the participants regarding socioeconomic and anxiety levels, treatment time, ethnicity, and city where they live.

Atendimento na atenção primária à saúde: olhares de pessoas trans / Service in primary health care: perspectives of trans people / Atención primaria de salud: perspectivas de personas transgénero

Objetivo: conhecer as vivências e demandas de pessoas transexuais ao buscar serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método: pesquisa descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, realizada com pessoas autodeclaradas transexuais que utilizam os serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde. A coleta de dados se deu por meio de questionário on-line, esses foram submetidos à análise através de software livre para dados qualitativos e o corpus textual de pesquisa passou pela análise do tipo temático-categorial. Resultados: com a análise dos dados, foi criada a categoria: vivências e demandas no atendimento na Atenção Primária à Saúde, que representou 51,6% das Unidades de Registro. Conclusão: no cenário atual, a população trans ainda padece com dificuldades de acesso aos serviços de saúde e, portanto de terem seus direitos garantidos

Objectives: to know the experiences and demands of transgender people when seeking primary health care services. Method: descriptive research with a qualitative approach, conducted with self-declared transsexual scare people who use primary health care services. Data collection was performed through an online questionnaire, which were submitted to analysis through free software for qualitative data and the textual corpus of research was analyzed by thematic-category analysis. Results: with data analysis, two categories were created: experiences in primary health care, which represented 51.6% of the Registry Units. Conclusion: in the current scenario, the trans population still suffers from difficulties in accessing health services and therefore having their rights guaranteed

Objetivos: conocer las experiencias y demandas de las personas transgénero a la hora de buscar servicios de atención primaria de salud. Método: investigación descriptiva con enfoque cualitativo, realizada con personas autodeclaradas transexuales que utilizan los servicios de atención primaria de salud. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de un cuestionario en línea, que se sometió a análisis a través de software libre para obtener datos cualitativos y el corpus textual de investigación se analizó mediante análisis de categoría temática. Resultados: con el análisis de datos se crearon dos categorías: experiencias en atención primaria de salud, que representaron el 51,6% de las Unidades de Registro. Conclusión: en el escenario actual, la población trans aún sufre dificultades para acceder a los servicios de salud y, por lo tanto, tener garantizados sus derechos

Analysis of Barriers to Public and Private Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Patients with Low and High Adherence

ABSTRACT Introduction: Participants in cardiac rehabilitation programs have low adherence to their sessions, which makes extremely important to recognize the barriers that cause non-adherence, identifying whether the type of service and level of adherence influence these barriers. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study, in which 220 individuals (66.80±11.59 years) of both genders who are members of public and private exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programs participated. The volunteers were divided according to the level of adherence, considering patients with low adherence (PLA) those with < 70% of attendance and high adherence (PHA) those with > 70%. Then, initial evaluation, Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale, analysis of socioeconomic level, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Mini-Mental State Examination were applied. Results: Higher total barriers were found in PLA in the public service compared to PHA in the private service (P=0.023). In the subscale "perceived need", PHA in the public service showed higher values than PLA and PHA in the private service (P≤0.001). The "access" barrier was higher for PHA in the public service when compared to PHA in the private service (P=0.024). PHA in the public service exhibited a higher barrier regarding questions about distance, transportation problems, cost, and time constraints. Conclusion: The public program presents higher barriers in the questions and categories compared to the private program, mainly the PHA. Furthermore, there are differences in the profile of the participants regarding socioeconomic and anxiety levels, treatment time, ethnicity, and city where they live.

Percepciones del paciente en realimentación tras cirugía colorrectal. Un estudio cualitativo

Introducción: El conocimiento obtenido a partir de las experiencias de los pacientes favorece una atención de calidad. El objetivo de este estudio cualitativo es conocer la percepción de los pacientes sobre su realimentación tras una cirugía colorrectal, y los factores condicionantes en relación con dicho proceso. Material y Método: En base a la directriz de Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research, se realiza un estudio cualitativo a partir de una entrevista de 8 preguntas de término abierto realizada a 20 pacientes seleccionados por un método de variación máxima de muestreo. Se realizó análisis temático. Resultados: Se identificaron cuatro dimensiones principales (con subtemas respectivos) que condicionan la alimentación en el postoperatorio: 1. propósitos del paciente tras la alimentación (búsqueda de alta, hidratación, búsqueda de salud, finalizar ayuno, deambulación); 2. propiedades y características de los alimentos (sazón, presentación, temperatura, porciones, consistencia, favoritos); 3. factores del paciente (físicos, psicológicos); y 4. relación equipo de salud-paciente (confianza, complacencia, información, agradecimiento). Conclusión: El proceso de ingesta de alimentos en este contexto está condicionado por las cuatro dimensiones mencionadas. Sería importante considerarlas al momento de crear y ejecutar pautas y guías de alimentación adaptadas a los pacientes.

Introduction: Knowledge obtained from the experiences of patients favors quality care. The aim of this study is to know the perception of patients regarding refeeding after colorectal surgery, and particular factors that condition postoperative intake from their perspective. Materials and Method: Based on the guideline of Standards for reporting qualitative Research, a qualitative study was constructed from an interview with 8 open-ended questions to 20 patients selected by a maximum sampling variation method. Thematic analysis was carried out. Results: Four main dimensions were identified that determine feeding in the postoperative period: 1. patient's goals after feeding (search for discharge, hydration, search for health, end fasting, ambulation); 2. properties and characteristics of food (seasoning, presentation, temperature, portions, consistency, favorites); 3 patient factors (physical, psychological); and 4. health team-patient relationship (trust, complacency, information, gratitude). Conclusion: The process of food intake in this context is conditioned by the four dimensions mentioned. It would be important to consider them when creating and executing feeding guidelines adapted to patients.

Experimentos de elección discreta. Diseño, análisis e implementación en salud / Discrete choice experiments. Design, analysis and implementation in health

Resumen: Los experimentos de elección discreta (DCE, su sigla en inglés), son una metodología usada para evaluar preferencias de desenlaces o intervenciones relacionadas con salud. A diferencia de otras técnicas de medición que utilizan métodos simples de elección o herramientas estadísticas básicas que fallan al evaluar los beneficios específicos de una intervención, proceso de entrega, beneficio, satisfacción y preferencia de los usuarios en términos de tiempo, calidad o atributo específico, los DCE combinan, en la generación de atributos y modelamiento matemático, complejas tareas de diseño y ejecución, que mejoran la calidad y optimizan la cantidad necesaria de información mediante el uso eficiente de recursos y resultados de excelente calidad. Este documento presenta la historia, el desarrollo y la fundamentación teórica de los DCE y muestra las críticas, las potenciales limitaciones y las precauciones.

Abstract: Discrete choice experiments (DCE) are a methodology for evaluate patient preferences for health-related outcomes or interventions. Other preference measurement techniques that use simple methods of choice or basic statistical tools that fail to evaluate the specific benefits of an intervention, delivery process, benefit, satisfaction and patients' preferences in terms of time, quality or specific attribute. The DCE combine in the generation of attributes and mathematical modeling, complex task of designing and execution, to improve the quality and optimize the necessary amount of information, achieving an efficient use of resources with excellent quality results. This document presents globally a brief of the history, development and theoretical foundation of the DCE and then presents in a critical way the potential limitations, precautions in their use and implementation that allow to establish the possible scenarios of use and development.

Qualidade do cuidado e segurança do paciente: o papel dos pacientes e familiares / Quality of care and patient safety: the role of patients and families

RESUMO Este ensaio procurou discutir o papel dos pacientes e das famílias na qualidade dos cuidados e na segurança do paciente. Tradicionalmente, o papel dos profissionais de saúde - especialmente, dos médicos - tem sido predominante na discussão e na definição do que constitui um cuidado de saúde de alta qualidade. Entretanto, outros atores foram reconhecidos no debate contemporâneo sobre a qualidade do atendimento e, em particular, sobre a segurança do paciente e a centralidade do atendimento. O papel dos pacientes na qualidade do atendimento e até mesmo o seu protagonismo na identificação dos principais problemas presentes na prestação de cuidados e em como contribuir para um atendimento mais seguro são destacados. Inicialmente, discute-se o papel dos pacientes e seus familiares na qualidade do atendimento e na segurança do paciente. Em seguida, são discutidos os fatores que influenciam e dificultam a sua participação. Finalmente, são propostas estratégias para aumentar a participação dos pacientes. Pacientes e familiares podem desempenhar um papel essencial na melhoria da qualidade dos cuidados de saúde e da segurança do paciente. Entretanto, eles devem estar ativamente envolvidos para que isso ocorra, com suas contribuições consideradas em um ambiente favorável a uma cultura de segurança justa.

ABSTRACT This essay sought to discuss the role of patients and families in quality of care and patient safety. Traditionally, the role of health professionals - especially physicians - has been predominant in discussing and defining what constitutes high-quality health care. However, other actors have been recognized in the contemporary debate on the quality of care and, in particular, patient safety and centrality of care. The patient's role in the quality of care and even their protagonism in identifying the main problems in the provision of care and how to contribute to safer care are highlighted. Initially, discusses the role of patients and relatives in the quality of care and patient safety. Then, the factors that influence and hinder their participation are discussed. Finally, strategies for increasing patient participation are proposed. Patients and families can play an essential role in improving the quality of health care and patient safety. However, they must be actively involved in making this happen, with their contributions considered in an environment favorable to a just safety culture.

Conventional and digital impressions for complete-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses: time, implant quantity effect and patient satisfaction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the effect of impression type (conventional vs digital) and the number of implants on the time from the impressions to the generation of working casts of mandibular implant-supported fixed complete-arch frameworks, as well as on patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 17 participants, 3 or 4 implants, received 2 types of digital impression methods (DI) and conventional (CI). In DI, two techniques were performed: scanning with the scan bodies (SC) and scanning with a device attached to the scan bodies (SD) (BR 10 2019 026265 6). In CI, the making of a solid index (SI) and open-tray impression (OT) were used. The outcomes were used to evaluate the time and the participant satisfaction with conventional and digital impressions. The time was evaluated through the timing of the time obtained in the workflow in the conventional and digital impression. The effect of the number of implants on time was also assessed. Satisfaction was assessed through a questionnaire based on seven. The Wilcoxon test used to identify the statistical difference between the groups in terms of time. The Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the relationship between the time and the number of implants. Fisher's test was used to assess the patient satisfaction (P < .05). RESULTS: The time with DI was shorter than with CI (DI, x̃=02:58; CI, x̃=31:48) (P < .0001). The arches rehabilitated with 3 implants required shorter digital impression time (3: x̃=05:36; 4: x̃=09:16) (P < .0001). Regarding satisfaction, the DI was more comfortable and pain-free than the CI (P < .005). CONCLUSION: Digital impressions required shorter chair time and had higher patient acceptance than conventional impressions.