Identification and assessment of a comprehensive set of structural factors associated with hospital costs in Switzerland.

Structural factors can influence hospital costs beyond case-mix differences. However, accepted measures on how to distinguish hospitals with regard to cost-related organizational and regional differences are lacking in Switzerland. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify and assess a comprehensive set of hospital attributes in relation to average case-mix adjusted costs of hospitals. Using detailed hospital and patient-level data enriched with regional information, we derived a list of 23 cost predictors, examined how they are associated with costs, each other, and with different hospital types, and identified principal components within them. Our results showed that attributes describing size, complexity, and teaching-intensity of hospitals (number of beds, discharges, departments, and rate of residents) were positively related to costs and showed the largest values in university (i.e., academic teaching) and central general hospitals. Attributes related to rarity and financial risk of patient mix (ratio of rare DRGs, ratio of children, and expected loss potential based on DRG mix) were positively associated with costs and showed the largest values in children's and university hospitals. Attributes characterizing the provision of essential healthcare functions in the service area (ratio of emergency/ ambulance admissions, admissions during weekends/ nights, and admissions from nursing homes) were positively related to costs and showed the largest values in central and regional general hospitals. Regional attributes describing the location of hospitals in large agglomerations (in contrast to smaller agglomerations and rural areas) were positively associated with costs and showed the largest values in university hospitals. Furthermore, the four principal components identified within the hospital attributes fully explained the observed cost variations across different hospital types. These uncovered relationships may serve as a foundation for objectifying discussions about cost-related heterogeneity in Swiss hospitals and support policymakers to include structural characteristics into cost benchmarking and hospital reimbursement.

Effects of a DRG-based hospital reimbursement on the health care utilization and costs in Swiss primary care: A retrospective "quasi-experimental" analysis.

INTRODUCTION: In Switzerland, a nationwide Swiss Diagnosis related Groups (Swiss DRG) system for hospital reimbursement was introduced in 2012. However, the impact of DRG systems on primary care is still unclear with respect to number of consultations and costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the implementation of DRG on costs and volumes in the primary care sector, on a nationwide basis in Switzerland. METHODS: The study retrospectively analysed yearly data, from 2008 to 2014, of almost 60 Swiss health insurers that covered almost all Swiss general practitioners, with a total number of patients which represented approximately 76% of the Swiss population. GP consultations, total numbers and rates, and the relative costs reimbursed (TARMED tariff values) in the Swiss federal states, cantons, which already introduced a DRG-like system before 2012 (AP-DRG), were compared to the GP consultations and costs reimbursed in the other cantons (DRG-naive). Regression discontinuity design analysis and mixed regression models, at cantonal level, were performed to evaluate the effect of the nationwide implementation of the Swiss DRG on health care demand and costs in the primary care setting. Change in outcome level and yearly trend pattern difference between groups (AP-DRG vs. DRG-naive) were examined. RESULTS: Overall, the total number of GP consultations and the relative TARMED values increased from 2008 to 2014. In the DRG naive, 15 cantons: in 2008, the number of GP consultations were 13,114,126, with a TARMED value of 1,194,957,157 CHF, and in 2014, the GP consultation were 13,752,511, with a TARMED value of 1,513,861,260 CHF. In the AP-DRG group, 11 cantons, the total number of GP consultations increased from 8,787,646, in 2008, to 9,347,168 in 2014 and the TARMED value increased from 896,673,657 CHF in 2008, to 1,100,203,508 CHF in 2014. The yearly trend pattern of GP consultations and TARMED values, in the AP-DRG group, were not significantly different from the respective trends in the DRG- naive and, overall, no significant change was detected in consultations and costs trends before and after 2012. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This study found no evidence of any effect of the introduction of the SwissDRG on the yearly trend of primary care consultations and costs. Nevertheless, potential negative impacts on vulnerable patients, as chronically ill patients, could not be excluded and further investigation is required.

Managerial workarounds in three European DRG systems.

PURPOSE: Attempts to transform health systems have in many countries involved starting to pay healthcare providers through a DRG system, but that has involved managerial workarounds. Managerial workarounds have seldom been analysed. This paper does so by extending and modifying existing knowledge of the causes and character of clinical and IT workarounds, to produce a conceptualisation of the managerial workaround. It further develops and revises this conceptualisation by comparing the practical management, at both provider and purchaser levels, of hospital DRG payment systems in England, Germany and Italy. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: We make a qualitative test of our initial assumptions about the antecedents, character and consequences of managerial workarounds by comparing them with a systematic comparison of case studies of the DRG hospital payment systems in England, Germany and Italy. The data collection through key informant interviews (N = 154), analysis of policy documents (N = 111) and an action learning set, began in 2010-12, with additional data collection from key informants and administrative documents continuing in 2018-19 to supplement and update our findings. FINDINGS: Managers in all three countries developed very similar workarounds to contain healthcare costs to payers. To weaken DRG incentives to increase hospital activity, managers agreed to lower DRG payments for episodes of care above an agreed case-load 'ceiling' and reduced payments by less than the full DRG amounts when activity fell below an agreed 'floor' volume. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Empirically this study is limited to three OECD health systems, but since our findings come from both Bismarckian (social-insurance) and Beveridge (tax-financed) systems, they are likely to be more widely applicable. In many countries, DRGs coexist with non-DRG or pre-DRG systems, so these findings may also reflect a specific, perhaps transient, stage in DRG-system development. Probably there are also other kinds of managerial workaround, yet to be researched. Doing so would doubtlessly refine and nuance the conceptualisation of the 'managerial workaround' still further. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: In the case of DRGs, the managerial workarounds were instances of 'constructive deviance' which enabled payers to reduce the adverse financial consequences, for them, arising from DRG incentives. The understanding of apparent failures or part-failures to transform a health system can be made more nuanced, balanced and diagnostic by using the concept of the 'managerial workaround'. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Managerial workarounds also appear outside the health sector, so the present analysis of managerial workarounds may also have application to understanding attempts to transform such sectors as education, social care and environmental protection. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: So far as we are aware, no other study presents and tests the concept of a 'managerial workaround'. Pervasive, non-trivial managerial workarounds may be symptoms of mismatched policy objectives, or that existing health system structures cannot realise current policy objectives; but the workarounds themselves may also contain solutions to these problems.

Sedoanalgesia para procedimientos en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos (UCIP). Farmacología, efectos secundarios y control de calidad / Sedoanalgesia for procedures in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Pharmacology, side effects and quality control

OBJETIVOS: Analizar los fármacos más utilizados para sedoanalgesia en procedimientos realizados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos (UCIP), medir su efectividad (nivel de sedación), efectos secundarios y control de calidad. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, observacional y descriptivo. Se recogieron datos epidemiológicos y clínicos, fármaco/s utilizado/s, nivel de sedación alcanzado, incidencias o efectos adversos y escalas de satisfacción, de pacientes de 0 a 18 años sometidos a procedimientos que precisaron sedoanalgesia. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 112 pacientes con una edad media de 8,3 años. El fármaco más utilizado fue el propofol (64,3%), seguido de la asociación de ketamina con midazolam (16,1%) y del sevofluorano (12,5%). En el 70,5% de los pacientes se alcanzó un nivel de sedación profunda, sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los distintos fármacos. Se registraron efectos adversos en un 51,8% de pacientes, principalmente desaturación, con una frecuencia mayor al emplear propofol (p< 0,05). La puntuación en la satisfacción alcanzó el valor máximo en todos los padres encuestados, sin hallarse diferencias significativas en función del procedimiento, fármaco, nivel de sedación o efectos adversos. En el 80% de los profesionales la puntuación alcanzó ese mismo valor. CONCLUSIONES: El fármaco más utilizado y con mayor eficacia es el propofol, aunque se asocia más frecuentemente con efectos adversos. El nivel de sedoanalgesia fue adecuado en el momento de iniciar los procedimientos. El grado de satisfacción es óptimo en la mayor parte de los encuestados, aunque fue registrado en menos de la mitad de los procedimientos

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the drugs most used for sedoanalgesia in procedures performed in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), to measure their effectiveness (level of sedation achieved), the main side effects and to carry out a quality control. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, observational and descriptive study. Epidemiological and clinical data, drug (s) used, level of sedation achieved, incidences or adverse effects, and satisfaction scales were collected from patients from 0 to 18 years of age who underwent procedures that required sedation and analgesia. RESULTS: 112 patients with an average age of 8.3 years were included. The most widely used drug was propofol (64.3%), followed by the association of ketamine with midazolam (16.1%) and sevofluorane (12.5%). In 70.5% of the patients, a level of deep sedation was reached, with no statistically significant differences between the different drugs used. Adverse effects were recorded in 51.8% of patients, mainly desaturation, with a higher frequency when using propofol (p <0.05). Satisfaction score was maximal in all the parents surveyed, without finding significant differences based on the procedure, drug, level of sedation or adverse effects. In 80% of the professionals the score was also maximal. CONCLUSION: The most used and with the highest efficacy in absolute values drug was propofol, although it was more frequently associated with adverse effects. The level of sedoanalgesia was adequate at the time of initiating the procedures. The degree of satisfaction was optimal in most of the respondents, although it was registered in less than half of the procedures

[Determinants of time required by medical information technicians for quality control of hospital activity coding, in French medico-administrative system]. / Déterminants du temps nécessaire au contrôle qualité dans le cadre du programme de médicalisation des systèmes d'information (PMSI), dans le champ médecine, chirurgie et obstétrique (MCO) d'un centre hospitalier régional, par les techniciens d'information médicale.

BACKGROUND: Since 2008, in France, hospital funding is determined by the nature of activities provided (activity-based funding). Quality control of hospital activity coding is essential to optimize hospital remuneration. There is a need for reliable tools to allocate human resources wisely in order to improve these controls. METHODS: The main objective of this study was to identify the determinants of time needed by medical information technicians to control hospital activity coding in a Regional Hospital Center. From March 2016 to the beginning of January 2017, medical information technicians reported the time they spent on each quality control, and the time they needed when they had to code the entire stay. Multiple linear regressions were performed to identify the determinants of quality control or coding duration. A split sample validation was used: model was created on one half of the sample and validated on the remaining half. RESULTS: Among the controls, 5431 were included in the analysis of determinants of control duration (2715 kept aside for model validation). Seven determinants have been identified (stay duration, level of complexity, month of control, type of control, medical information technician, rank of classing information, and major diagnostic category). The correlation coefficient between predicted and real control duration was 0.71 (P<10-4); 808 stays were included in the analysis of determinants of coding duration (404 kept aside for model validation). Two determinants have been identified. The correlation coefficient, between predicted and real coding duration, was 0.47 (P<10-3). We performed the same multiple regression, on 2017 activity data, to estimate the weight of each hospital activity pole, regarding quality control of hospital activity coding. CONCLUSION: We succeeded in modeling time needed for quality control of hospital stays. These results helped to estimate human resources required for quality control of each hospital pole. Nevertheless, the second analysis did not give satisfactory results: we failed in modeling time needed to code hospital stays.

Technocratic recentralization in the French health care system: A critical evaluation.

The French health care system implemented several corporate management recipes such as diagnostic-related groups (DRGs), benchmarking, and activity-based management in a bid to restore fiscal discipline and to "reassert the center." The government also regrouped health policy decisions with the Regional Health Agencies and opted for a top-down line of command to ensure policy implementation. Though reforms emphasized evidenced-based policy and outputs measurement, outcomes were below expectations in many areas and led to a shift in values. Professional autonomy and patient engagement receded. This leads us to a critical evaluation of the French audit society.

Valoración patológica del cáncer de próstata. Nuevos problemas / Pathological assessment of prostate cancer. New problems

Introducción: Las actuales formas de aproximación al diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer de próstata obliga al patólogo a un nuevo enfoque de las biopsias para proporcionar los datos exigidos por las nuevas formas de terapia. Discusión: Se explican los nuevos criterios de valoración del sistema de Gleason con la redefinición de los patrones histológicos y los grados malignidad, la incorporación de los denominados grupos pronósticos y la valoración de la masa tumoral. Conclusiones: La actualización de los conocimientos patológicos ayuda a mejorar el manejo de los pacientes, sobre todo en los casos de tumor confinado a la próstata, por la posibilidad de su terapia local

Introduction: Currently, the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer requires the pathologist to adopt a fresh approach to the interpretation of biopsies in order to provide the data required for the new forms of therapy. Discussion: The new evaluation criteria of the Gleason system are explained, with the redefinition of histological patterns and degree of malignancy, the incorporation of the so-called prognostic groups and the assessment of the tumour mass. Conclusions: Updating of histopathological information helps to improve patient management, especially in cases of tumour confined to the prostate, given the possibility of local therapy

Competencias profesionales, gestión clínica y grupos relacionados de diagnósticos: el caso de hospitales públicos chilenos / Professional competences, clinical management and diagnostic related groups in Chilean public hospitals

RESUMEN Objetivo Definir un modelo competencias profesionales para el desarrollo de un sistema de información de apoyo a la Gestión Clínica basado en Grupos Relacionados de Diagnósticos-GRD en hospitales públicos chilenos. Método Mixta. Investigación cualitativa, descriptiva, basada en entrevistas focalizadas con un muestreo teórico o intencionado a cuatro líderes expertos en GRD en Chile, con análisis de contenido; Investigación cuantitativa, con uso de Método Delphi a 18 gestores encargados de la implementación de las unidades de GRD en Chile, con 3 rondas. El análisis de los datos cuantitativos se realizó por conglomerados. Resultados Luego de cinco iteraciones, se evaluaron 78 competencias de un total de 179 en nivel "alto", del tipo: Conocimientos del líder de los equipos, formación profesional preferentemente enfermeras, 15 actitudes y valores, 17 habilidades o destrezas y 12 competencias específicas relacionadas al sistema de codificación. Conclusión Existe tendencia en los profesionales, a requerir el máximo de competencias, se observó una conducta masificadora, con baja discriminación y priorización. Se propone analizar las causas que dificultan la toma de decisiones y priorizar las competencias requeridas; Determinar para cada competencia el nivel requerido, las brechas entre la oferta de competencias y su demanda, y finalmente diseñar un sistema de evaluación del impacto del modelo en el desarrollo de competencias de los equipos.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To define a professional skills model for the creation of an information system to support clinical management based on diagnosis related groups (DRG) in Chilean public hospitals. Methods Mixed methodology. Qualitative, descriptive research based on focused interviews, with a theoretical or intentional sample of four leading DRG experts from Chile, with content analysis. Quantitative research using the Delphi method on 18 managers in charge of the implementation of DRG units in Chile, with three rounds. The analysis of quantitative data was carried out by clusters. Results After five iterations, 78 skills were evaluated out of a total of 179 as "high", including knowledge of the team leader, professional training (preferably nurses), 15 attitudes and values, 17 skills and 12 specific skills related to the coding system. Conclusion There is a tendency among professionals to require the maximum skills; a massive behavior was observed, with low discrimination and prioritization. To analyze the causes that make decision-making difficult and to prioritize the required skills is proposed to determine the necessary level for each skill, the gaps between skill offer and demand, and to design a system for evaluating the impact of the model on the development of the skills among the teams.(AU)

Application of case mix index in the allocation of nursing human resources.

AIM: To investigate the feasibility of the case mix index and compare the allocation of nursing human resources between two departments of a hospital with different case mix indexes in China. BACKGROUND: The case mix index is used to assess the resource allocation of all cases in two departments of a hospital. Its values can determine the resource allocation required to diagnose and treat the patients. METHODS: Clinical data were obtained from 23 different departments in 2015 and analysed retrospectively from October to November, 2016. Factors influencing the allocation of registered nurses were identified, and balanced quantities of patients with different case mix indexes were chosen from two departments. Spearman correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS: The per capita nursing workload was significant (r = .669, p = .000). The length of hospital stay, quantity of nurses, and department case mix index were correlated with the nursing workload (t = 4.211, p = .000; t = 2.962, p = .008; t = 2.266, p = .035). Education levels (Z = -1.391, p = .164) and the professional titles (Z = -1.832, p = .067) of the nurses were not statistically significant, whereas the registered nurse level differed between two departments (Z = -2.125, p = .034). CONCLUSION: The case management index provides references for the efficient allocation of registered nurses in clinical practice.

Developing and utilising a new funding model for home-care services in New Zealand.

Worldwide increases in the numbers of older people alongside an accompanying international policy incentive to support ageing-in-place have focussed the importance of home-care services as an alternative to institutionalisation. Despite this, funding models that facilitate a responsive, flexible approach are lacking. Casemix provides one solution, but the transition from the well-established hospital system to community has been problematic. This research seeks to develop a Casemix funding solution for home-care services through meaningful client profile groups and supporting pathways. Unique assessments from 3,135 older people were collected from two health board regions in 2012. Of these, 1,009 arose from older people with non-complex needs using the interRAI-Contact Assessment (CA) and 2,126 from the interRAI-Home-Care (HC) from older people with complex needs. Home-care service hours were collected for 3 months following each assessment and the mean weekly hours were calculated. Data were analysed using a decision tree analysis, whereby mean hours of weekly home-care was the dependent variable with responses from the assessment tools, the independent variables. A total of three main groups were developed from the interRAI-CA, each one further classified into "stable" or "flexible." The classification explained 16% of formal home-care service hour variability. Analysis of the interRAI-HC generated 33 clusters, organised through eight disability "sub" groups and five "lead" groups. The groupings explained 24% of formal home-care services hour variance. Adopting a Casemix system within home-care services can facilitate a more appropriate response to the changing needs of older people.

Variabilidad en la utilización de servicios sanitarios por las personas mayores relacionada con el cupo médico al que pertenecen / Variability in the use of health services by the elderly related to the medical list to which they belong

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Costes y procesos hospitalarios en un servicio de urología de un hospital terciario. Análisis de los grupos relacionados por el diagnóstico / Costs and hospital procedures in an urology department of a tertiary hospital. Analysis of groups related by their diagnosis

Introducción: El sistema sanitario tiene disponibles herramientas de gestión en los hospitales que facilitan la valoración de la eficiencia mediante el estudio de los costes y el control de gestión con la finalidad de sacar un mayor provecho de los recursos. Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio ha sido el cálculo y análisis del coste total de un servicio de urología de un hospital terciario, tanto de la actividad ambulatoria como de hospitalización y quirúrgica, así como la realización de una cuenta de resultados donde se compararon los costes del servicio con los ingresos obtenidos a partir de la Ley de Tasas durante el año 2014. Material y métodos: A partir de la información registrada por el Sistema de Información Económica de la Consellería de Sanidad, se aplicó el método ABC y top-down para el cálculo de costes por proceso de la actividad asistencial de 2014. Los resultados de costes obtenidos se compararon con las tarifas establecidas para la producción ambulatoria y hospitalaria en la Ley de Tasas de la Generalitat Valenciana. La producción se estructuró en ambulatoria (consultas externas y técnicas) y hospitalaria (estancias e intervenciones quirúrgicas). Resultados: Se realizaron 32.510 consultas externas, 7.527 técnicas, 2.860 intervenciones y 4.855 estancias hospitalarias. El coste total fue de 7.579.327 € consultas externas 1.748.14 5 €, consultas técnicas 1.229.836 €, cirugía 2.621.036 € e ingresos hospitalarios 1.980.310 €. Considerándose como ingresos económicos las tarifas aplicadas vigentes el año 2014 (un total de 15.035.843 €), la diferencia entre ingresos y gastos fue de 7.456.516 €. Conclusiones: La cuenta de resultados fue positiva, con un ahorro producido sobre las tasas cercano al 50% y mejor que el índice de estancias medias ajustadas por casuística, que fue de 0,67 (un 33% mejor que el estándar). El incremento de la cirugía mayor ambulatoria CMA repercute favorablemente en el control de costes

Introduction: The health care system has management tools available in hospitals that facilitate the assessment of efficiency through the study of costs and management control in order to make a better use of the resources. Objective: The aim of the study was the calculation and analysis of the total cost of a urology department, including ambulatory, hospitalization and surgery activity and the drafting of an income statement where service costs are compared with income earned from the Government fees during 2014. Material and methods: From the information recorded by the Economic Information System of the Department of Health, ABC and top-down method of cost calculation was applied by process care activity. The cost results obtained were compared with the rates established for ambulatory and hospital production in the Tax Law of the Generalitat Valenciana. The production was structured into outpatient (external and technical consultations) and hospital stays and surgeries (inpatient). Results: A total of 32,510 outpatient consultations, 7,527 techniques, 2,860 interventions and 4,855 hospital stays were made during 2014. The total cost was 7,579,327 €; the cost for outpatient consultations was 1,748,145 €, 1,229,836 € for technical consultations, 2,621,036 € for surgery procedures and 1,980,310 € for hospital admissions. Considered as income the current rates applied in 2014 (a total of 15,035,843 Euros), the difference between income and expenditure was 7,456,516 Euros. Conclusions: The economic balance was positive with savings over 50% and a mean adjusted hospitalization stay rate (IEMAC) rate of 0.67 (33% better than the standard). CMA had a favorable impact on cost control

Comentario a «Costes y procesos hospitalarios en un servicio de urología de un hospital terciario. Análisis de los grupos relacionados por el diagnóstico» / Comment to «Costs and hospital procedures in an urology department of a tertiary hospital. Analysis of groups related by their diagnosis»

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Circuito de alta resolución en el diagnóstico de la incontinencia fecal. Satisfacción de los pacientes / High-resolution circuit for the diagnosis of faecal incontinence. Patient satisfaction

Introducción: La incontinencia fecal (IF), pese a su elevada prevalencia, sigue estando infravalorada e infradiagnosticada. La potencial afectación psicológica, el tabú asociado y el amplio abanico de síntomas hacen del diagnóstico y tratamiento un reto para el cirujano colorrectal. El objetivo de este estudio es describir un nuevo circuito de atención especializado, el circuito de alta resolución (CAR) para tratar la IF, y evaluar la satisfacción de los pacientes. Métodos: Se realiza una descripción de la organización del CAR. Se analizan los datos demográficos y clínicos de los pacientes incluidos en el CAR entre febrero de 2014 y junio de 2016. Se reportan, además, los resultados de una encuesta de satisfacción sobre el CAR realizada a los pacientes incluidos. Resultados: Durante el periodo de estudio se realizaron 321 primeras visitas: 65% (210) por IF (81% mujeres; mediana de edad 66 años). El tiempo mediano de evolución de la IF fue de 24 (rango 4-540) meses. El 79% de los pacientes (165) realizaron el CAR. El 62% respondieron a la encuesta. De estos, solo un 32% (33) habían consultado por este problema en otros centros. La mayoría, 88% (90) consideró preferible el hecho de que hicieran las pruebas diagnósticas el mismo día de la visita. El 94% (96) quedó satisfecho con la información recibida sobre la IF, valorando la consulta con una mediana de 10 (5-10) sobre 10. Conclusión: Con el CAR, el paciente pasa alrededor de 2 h en las consultas externas del hospital, completando el proceso diagnóstico en el mismo día. Los resultados de satisfacción confirman que los pacientes en su mayoría prefieren este sistema (AU)

Introduction: Despite its high prevalence, faecal incontinence (FI) is still underrated and underdiagnosed. Moreover, diagnosis and subsequent treatment can be a challenge for the colorectal surgeon because of its associated social taboo and embarrassment, and the wide range of symptoms. The aim of the present study is to describe a new high-resolution circuit (HRC) for FI diagnosis, that was implemented at our center and to evaluate patient satisfaction. Methods: The structure and organization of the HRC are described. Demographic and clinical data of the patients included in the HRC between February 2014 and June 2016 were collected. Moreover, patients’ satisfaction was measured through a structured survey. Results: A total of 321 patients were evaluated in our pelvic floor outpatients clinic during the study period: 65% (210) of them had FI (81% women, median age 66 years). The mean time since FI onset was 24 (range 4-540) months. A total of 79% (165) of the patients were included in the HRC. 62% of them responded to the survey. Of these, only 32% (33) had consulted for FI before coming to our centre. The majority, 88% (90) considered that performing the 2diagnostic tests the same day of the visit was a very good option. And 94% (96) were satisfied with the information received on their FI, with a median satisfaction value of 10 (5-10). Conclusion: With the HRC, the patient spends about 2h in the outpatient clinic of the hospital, but leaves with the complete diagnostic process performed. The satisfaction survey confirms that most patients prefer this system (AU)

Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia secondary to vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia. Case report, literature review, and pooled case analysis / Descompresión microvascular para la neuralgia del trigémino secundaria a dolicoectasia vertebrobasilar. Caso clínico, revisión de la literatura, de casos y análisis de casos agrupados

Introduction: Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia is a condition in which there is elongation and dilatation of the vertebral and basilar arteries. Few studies have been reported that focus on cases of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) secondary to vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VD) and treated by microvascular decompression (MD). Patients and methods: A case is presented of trigeminal neuralgia caused by vertebral artery compression. An analysis of the microsurgical technique, as well as a systematic review of the literature about this uncommon nerve compression is performed, in order to investigate, by pooled case analysis, if MD is a good option for this type of patient. Results: A total of 7 studies were included for analysis, to which the present case was added, making a total of 56 patents. There were excellent results in 53 cases, and partial recovery in 3, with a mean follow up of 54 months. No major complications were found. Discussion: The good clinical results and absence of postoperative mortality or severe morbidity in our pooled case series lead us to recommend MD as the preferred treatment for TN caused by VD in patients in whom major surgery is not contraindicated

Introducción: La dolicoectasia vertebrobasilar se caracteriza por la elongación y dilatación de las arterias vertebral y basilar. Muy pocos estudios se han enfocado a casos de neuralgia del trigémino secundaria a dolicoectasia vertebrobasilar tratada mediante descompresión microvascular. Pacientes y métodos: Presentamos un caso de neuralgia del trigémino causada por compresión de la arteria vertebral. Se realiza un análisis de la técnica quirúrgica así como una revisión sistemática de la literatura sobre este tipo de compresión poco común, con el fin de hacer un análisis de los casos para evaluar si la descompresión microvascular es una buena opción terapéutica. Resultados: Seleccionamos 7 estudios que fueron incluidos en el análisis a los que añadimos nuestro caso, contando con un total de 56 pacientes. Se obtuvieron excelentes resultados en 53 casos y mejoría parcial en 3 con una media de seguimiento de 54 meses. No se encontraron complicaciones severas. Discusión: Los buenos resultados clínicos y la ausencia de morbimortalidad severa postoperatoria encontrados en nuestro estudio nos conducen a recomendar la descompresión microvascular como tratamiento de elección para pacientes con neuralgia del trigémino secundaria a compresión por dolicoectasia vertebrobasilar en pacientes en los que la cirugía mayor no esté contraindicada

Medicare Advantage Plans Pay Hospitals Less Than Traditional Medicare Pays.

There is ongoing debate about how prices paid to providers by Medicare Advantage plans compare to prices paid by fee-for-service Medicare. We used data from Medicare and the Health Care Cost Institute to identify the prices paid for hospital services by fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, and commercial insurers in 2009 and 2012. We calculated the average price per admission, and its trend over time, in each of the three types of insurance for fixed baskets of hospital admissions across metropolitan areas. After accounting for differences in hospital networks, geographic areas, and case-mix between Medicare Advantage and FFS Medicare, we found that Medicare Advantage plans paid 5.6 percent less for hospital services than FFS Medicare did. Without taking into account the narrower networks of Medicare Advantage, the program paid 8.0 percent less than FFS Medicare. We also found that the rates paid by commercial plans were much higher than those of either Medicare Advantage or FFS Medicare, and growing. At least some of this difference comes from the much higher prices that commercial plans pay for profitable service lines.

A New Strategy to Evaluate Technical Efficiency in Hospitals Using Homogeneous Groups of Casemix : How to Evaluate When There is Not DRGs?

The public health system has restricted economic resources. Because of that, it is necessary to know how the resources are being used and if they are properly distributed. Several works have applied classical approaches based in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) for this purpose. However, if we have hospitals with different casemix, this is not the best approach. In order to avoid biases in the comparisons, other works have recommended the use of hospital production data corrected by the weights from Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs), to adjust the casemix of hospitals. However, not all countries have this tool fully implemented, which limits the efficiency evaluation. This paper proposes a new approach for evaluating the efficiency of hospitals. It uses a graph-based clustering algorithm to find groups of hospitals that have similar production profiles. Then, DEA is used to evaluate the technical efficiency of each group. The proposed approach is tested using the production data from 2014 of 193 Chilean public hospitals. The results allowed to identify different performance profiles of each group, that differs from other studies that employs data from partially implemented DRGs. Our results are able to deliver a better description of the resource management of the different groups of hospitals. We have created a website with the results ( bioinformatic.diinf.usach.cl/publichealth ). Data can be requested to the authors.