Time management of Internal Medicine medicalresidents, São Paulo, Brasil.

INTRODUCTION: Medical Residency is a recognized form of professional qualification, but there are criticisms regarding the overload of work activities. Given the length of the daily and weekly workdays, residents develop practices that enable them to reconcile the Residency with their personal life. AIM: To describe time management strategies in the daily routine of Internal Medicine Medical Residents of a university hospital in São Paulo, Brasil. METHODS: Eight interviews were conducted with resident physicians of the second year, addressing aspects of personal and family life, theoretical study, practical activities, and work bonds. Content analysis was carried out using the MaxQDA software. RESULTS: Six thematic categories emerged from the reports: work organization at the Medical Residency; learning and/or professional activities; housing, financial planning, and household activities; time for leisure and interpersonal relationship; family planning/children; rest/sleep. DISCUSSION: Several strategies are adopted for time management: residing near the hospital, domestic activities helped by housekeepers, postponement of maternity leave, and social support centered on interacting with other residents. There are paid activities not associated with the Residency, which lead to reduced time for rest, study, and leisure, with a greater loss during work at night shifts. CONCLUSIONS: Residents experience a period of intense learning, which requires a high workload and complex work. The evaluation of the work organization of medical residents should include not only time for rest but also time management strategies for daily activities, which can reduce the negative outcomes associated with long working hours.

Time management of Internal Medicine medicalresidents, São Paulo, Brasil

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Medical Residency is a recognized form of professional qualification, but there are criticisms regarding the overload of work activities. Given the length of the daily and weekly workdays, residents develop practices that enable them to reconcile the Residency with their personal life. AIM To describe time management strategies in the daily routine of Internal Medicine Medical Residents of a university hospital in São Paulo, Brasil. METHODS Eight interviews were conducted with resident physicians of the second year, addressing aspects of personal and family life, theoretical study, practical activities, and work bonds. Content analysis was carried out using the MaxQDA software. RESULTS Six thematic categories emerged from the reports: work organization at the Medical Residency; learning and/or professional activities; housing, financial planning, and household activities; time for leisure and interpersonal relationship; family planning/children; rest/sleep. DISCUSSION Several strategies are adopted for time management: residing near the hospital, domestic activities helped by housekeepers, postponement of maternity leave, and social support centered on interacting with other residents. There are paid activities not associated with the Residency, which lead to reduced time for rest, study, and leisure, with a greater loss during work at night shifts. CONCLUSIONS Residents experience a period of intense learning, which requires a high workload and complex work. The evaluation of the work organization of medical residents should include not only time for rest but also time management strategies for daily activities, which can reduce the negative outcomes associated with long working hours.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO A Residência Médica é uma forma reconhecida de capacitação profissional, mas há críticas em relação à sobrecarga de trabalho. Dada a extensão das jornadas de trabalho diária e semanal, os residentes desenvolvem práticas para poder conciliar a Residência com sua vida pessoal. OBJETIVOS Descrever estratégias de gestão do tempo no cotidiano de médicos residentes de Clínica Médica em hospital universitário de São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODOS Realizadas oito entrevistas com médicos residentes do 2o ano, abordando aspectos da vida pessoal, familiar, estudo teórico, atividades práticas e vínculos de trabalho. Realizada análise de conteúdo com auxílio do programa MaxQDA. RESULTADOS Seis categorias temáticas emergiram dos relatos: organização do trabalho na Residência Médica; atividade para aprendizado ou atividade profissional?; moradia, planejamento financeiro e atividades domésticas; tempo para lazer e relacionamentos interpessoais; planejamento familiar∕filhos; repouso∕sono. DISCUSSÃO Diversas estratégias são adotadas para gestão do tempo: residir próximo ao hospital, auxílio das atividades domésticas por diaristas, adiamento da maternidade e apoio social centrado no convívio com outros residentes. Há realização de atividades remuneradas não vinculadas à Residência, o que leva à redução do tempo previsto para repouso, estudo e lazer, com maior prejuízo nos períodos de plantões noturnos. CONCLUSÕES Os residentes vivenciam um período de aprendizado intenso, mas que exige uma carga horária elevada e trabalho complexo. A avaliação da organização do trabalho de médicos residentes deve incluir não somente tempo para repouso, mas também estratégias de gestão do tempo para atividades cotidianas. Estas podem reduzir o prejuízo associado às longas jornadas de trabalho.

Burnout syndrome among medical residents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Burnout is a psychological syndrome that is very common among medical residents. It consists of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and reduced personal accomplishment (PA). OBJECTIVE: To estimate burnout among different medical residency specialties. METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search of bibliographic databases and grey literature was conducted, from inception to March 2018. The following databases were accessed: Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Scopus, and 3,575 studies were found. Methodological quality was evaluated by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Methodology Checklist for Cross-Sectional/Prevalence Study. In the final analysis, 26 papers were included. Their references were checked for additional studies, but none were included. RESULTS: 4,664 medical residents were included. High DP, EE and low PA proportions were compared. Specialties were distributed into three groups of different levels of burnout prevalence: general surgery, anesthesiology, obstetrics/gynecology and orthopedics (40.8%); internal medicine, plastic surgery and pediatrics (30.0%); and otolaryngology and neurology (15.4%). Overall burnout prevalence found for all specialties was 35.7%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of burnout syndrome was significantly higher among surgical/urgency residencies than in clinical specialties. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42018090270.

Palliative Care Needs in an Acute Internal Medicine Ward in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Palliative care is an evolving but underdeveloped practice in Mexico. OBJECTIVE: The primary end point of this prospective observational study was to identify internal medicine inpatients fulfilling advanced criteria within a second-level hospital. Secondary end points were symptom burden, treatment, resource utilization, and one-year survival. DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS: The 390-sample size calculation was based on previous studies where 15% of inpatients fulfilled palliative care needs. Consecutive admissions were assessed to identify patients with any of the following: cancer, cardiac, renal, hepatic insufficiency, COPD, AIDS, stroke, or fragility until sample size was completed. After obtaining informed consent, interview to patient, attending physician, and chart review was completed to identify any of the following advanced disease criteria in each patient: (1) Surprise question to attending physician of the possibility of the patient dying in the following year, (2) Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) <50, and (3) Advanced disease specific criteria. Interview also included presence of symptoms, functional capacity, and previous resource utilization. Treatment offered was analyzed only on day of admission. One-year follow-up to assess survival was done through the state death certificates. RESULTS: Out of 390 patients, 131 (34%) had any of the diseases studied. Out of 131 patients, 86 (66%) had at least one of the three inclusion criteria for advanced disease. Out of 86 patients, 70 (81%) advanced disease patients died after one-year follow-up. Comparison between patients with no advanced disease (no criteria) versus advanced disease (at least one criteria) showed a significant difference in mean PPS, nutrition status, survival days, inhospital death, weight loss, dependency on activities of daily living, and previous multiple emergency room visits. Advanced disease patients with no death at one year follow-up had significantly more new admissions to that hospital. CONCLUSIONS: The number of patients requiring palliative care in internal medicine wards may be excessive to the current palliative care structures available.

Do State Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physicians Improve Clinical Knowledge?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of state continuing medical education (CME) requirements on physician clinical knowledge. DATA SOURCES: Secondary data for 19,563 general internists who took the Internal Medicine Maintenance of Certification (MOC) examination between 2006 and 2013. STUDY DESIGN: We took advantage of a natural experiment resulting from variations in CME requirements across states over time and applied a difference-in-differences methodology to measure associations between changes in CME requirements and physician clinical knowledge. We measured changes in clinical knowledge by comparing initial and MOC examination performance 10 years apart. We constructed difference-in-differences estimates by regressing examination performance changes against physician demographics, county and year fixed effects, trend-state indicators, and state CME change indicators. DATA COLLECTION: Physician data were compiled by the American Board of Internal Medicine. State CME policies were compiled from American Medical Association reports. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: More rigorous CME credit-hour requirements (mostly implementing a new requirement) were associated with an increase in examination performance equivalent to a shift in examination score from the 50th to 54th percentile. CONCLUSIONS: Among physicians required to engage in a summative assessment of their clinical knowledge, CME requirements were associated with an improvement in physician clinical knowledge.

Factores relacionados con la elección de una especialidad en médicos residentes mexicanos.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored choice factors in four specialties in Mexico. METHOD: Mixed methods design. Qualitative phase: four focus groups with first-year residents, to obtain information of how specialty choice was done. With this information a web-based cross-sectional questionnaire was applied to residents registered in the 1st year of Postgraduate Studies Division, UNAM. RESULTS: 32 residents participated in qualitative phase and for the quantitative phase, the survey was answered by 35 surgical, 28 gynecology, 61 internal medicine and 62 pediatric residents. The specialty choice decision was done during the last years of the medical career. The majority of the resident choice was a subspecialty after the general residency. The type of patient was more crucial to choose pediatrics while a good academic program was for internal medicine. Negative models and bullying were decisive to rule out surgery as well as a not well-known hospital was to rule out pediatrics. CONCLUSION: The specialty choice is done during undergraduate training, with the intention of doing a subspecialty. Demographic and personality traits were identified.

[Monitoring medication errors in an internal medicine service]. / Errores de medicación en el Servicio de Medicina de un hospital de alta complejidad.

BACKGROUND: Patients admitted to internal medicine services receive multiple drugs and thus are at risk of medication errors. AIM: To determine the frequency of medication errors (ME) among patients admitted to an internal medicine service of a high complexity hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study conducted in 225 patients admitted to an internal medicine service. Each stage of drug utilization system (prescription, transcription, dispensing, preparation and administration) was directly observed by trained pharmacists not related to hospital staff during three months. ME were described and categorized according to the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention. In each stage of medication use, the frequency of ME and their characteristics were determined. RESULTS: A total of 454 drugs were prescribed to the studied patients. In 138 (30,4%) indications, at least one ME occurred, involving 67 (29,8%) patients. Twenty four percent of detected ME occurred during administration, mainly due to wrong time schedules. Anticoagulants were the therapeutic group with the highest occurrence of ME. CONCLUSIONS: At least one ME occurred in approximately one third of patients studied, especially during the administration stage. These errors could affect the medication safety and avoid achieving therapeutic goals. Strategies to improve the quality and safe use of medications can be implemented using this information.

Errores de medicación en el Servicio de Medicina de un hospital de alta complejidad / Monitoring medication errors in an internal medicine service

Background: Patients admitted to internal medicine services receive multiple drugs and thus are at risk of medication errors. Aim: To determine the frequency of medication errors (ME) among patients admitted to an internal medicine service of a high complexity hospital. Material and Methods: A prospective observational study conducted in 225 patients admitted to an internal medicine service. Each stage of drug utilization system (prescription, transcription, dispensing, preparation and administration) was directly observed by trained pharmacists not related to hospital staff during three months. ME were described and categorized according to the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention. In each stage of medication use, the frequency of ME and their characteristics were determined. Results: A total of 454 drugs were prescribed to the studied patients. In 138 (30,4%) indications, at least one ME occurred, involving 67 (29,8%) patients. Twenty four percent of detected ME occurred during administration, mainly due to wrong time schedules. Anticoagulants were the therapeutic group with the highest occurrence of ME. Conclusions: At least one ME occurred in approximately one third of patients studied, especially during the administration stage. These errors could affect the medication safety and avoid achieving therapeutic goals. Strategies to improve the quality and safe use of medications can be implemented using this information.

Comparative study of the prevalence of sepsis in patients admitted to dermatology and internal medicine wards.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. The prevalence of this condition has increased significantly in different parts of the world. Patients admitted to dermatology wards often have severe loss of skin barrier and use systemic corticosteroids, which favor the development of sepsis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of sepsis among patients admitted to a dermatology ward compared to that among patients admitted to an internal medicine ward. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional, observational, comparative study that was conducted at Hospital Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte. Data were collected from all patients admitted to four hospital beds at the dermatology and internal medicine wards between July 2008 and July 2009. Medical records were analyzed for the occurrence of sepsis, dermatologic diagnoses, comorbidities, types of pathogens and most commonly used antibiotics. RESULTS: We analyzed 185 medical records. The prevalence of sepsis was 7.6% among patients admitted to the dermatology ward and 2.2% (p = 0.10) among those admitted to the internal medicine ward. Patients with comorbidities, diabetes mellitus and cancer did not show a higher incidence of sepsis. The main agent found was Staphylococcus aureus, and the most commonly used antibiotics were ciprofloxacin and oxacillin. There was a significant association between sepsis and the use of systemic corticosteroids (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: It becomes clear that epidemiological studies on sepsis should be performed more extensively and accurately in Brazil so that efforts to prevent and treat this serious disease can be made more effectively.

Comparative study of the prevalence of sepsis in patients admitted to dermatology and internal medicine wards / Estudo comparativo da prevalencia de sepse em pacientes internados nas enfermarias de dermatologia e de clinica medica

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. The prevalence of this condition has increased significantly in different parts of the world. Patients admitted to dermatology wards often have severe loss of skin barrier and use systemic corticosteroids, which favor the development of sepsis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of sepsis among patients admitted to a dermatology ward compared to that among patients admitted to an internal medicine ward. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional, observational, comparative study that was conducted at Hospital Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte. Data were collected from all patients admitted to four hospital beds at the dermatology and internal medicine wards between July 2008 and July 2009. Medical records were analyzed for the occurrence of sepsis, dermatologic diagnoses, comorbidities, types of pathogens and most commonly used antibiotics. RESULTS: We analyzed 185 medical records. The prevalence of sepsis was 7.6% among patients admitted to the dermatology ward and 2.2% (p = 0.10) among those admitted to the internal medicine ward. Patients with comorbidities, diabetes mellitus and cancer did not show a higher incidence of sepsis. The main agent found was Staphylococcus aureus, and the most commonly used antibiotics were ciprofloxacin and oxacillin. There was a significant association between sepsis and the use of systemic corticosteroids (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: It becomes clear that epidemiological studies on sepsis should be performed more extensively and accurately in Brazil so that efforts to prevent and treat this serious disease can be made more effectively. .

FUNDAMENTOS: A sepse é causa comum de morbimortalidade em pacientes internados. A sua prevalência está aumentando significativamente em diversas partes do mundo. Pacientes internados em enfermarias de dermatologia apresentam extensas áreas de perda da barreira cutânea, além de uso frequente de corticosteróides sistêmicos, condições favoráveis ao desenvolvimento de sepse. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência de sepse em pacientes internados em uma enfermaria de dermatologia e compará-la com a prevalência na enfermaria de clínica médica. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo observacional transversal comparativo de análise de prontuários realizado na Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte. Foram coletados os dados de todos os pacientes internados em quatro leitos da clínica médica e da dematologia no período de julho de 2008 e julho de 2009. Foram analisados em busca da ocorrência de sepse, diagnósticos dermatológicas, comorbidades, tipos de patógenos mais associados e perfil de antibióticos mais utilizados. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 185 prontuários e a prevalência de sepse entre os pacientes internados na enfermaria de dermatologia foi de 7,6% e na enfermaria de clínica médica 2,2% (p=0,10). Pacientes portadores de comorbidades, diabetes mellitus e neoplasias não demostraram maior ocorrência de sepse. O principal agente encontrado foi Staphylococcus aureus e os antibióticos mais utilizados foram ciprofloxacino e oxacilina. Houve significativa associação de sepse com o uso de corticosteróides sistêmicos (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Torna-se claro que devem ser realizados estudos epidemiológicos mais amplos e acurados no Brasil sobre a sepse, para que os esforços na prevenção e no tratamento dessa grave doença possam ser direcionados ...

Nutritional status influences the length of stay and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized in internal medicine wards.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the nutritional status (NS) and clinical outcome and length of stay (LOS) among patients admitted to the internal medicine ward. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study performed with the data of clinical patients collected during a one year period. The NS was assessed using: subjective global assessment (SGA), body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold thickness (TST), muscle arm circumference (MAC) and combined tools. Statistical analysis was performed with a confidence interval of 95% (p < 0.05). For categories comparison the chi-square test was used. To examine the association between length of stay and variables related to the NS Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests was used with multiple comparisons. RESULTS: 396 patients were included in the study, 42.2% were over 60 years of age, what was associated with the presence of hypertension (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.003) and required diet with modifications consistency (p = 0.003). According to combined diagnostic tools, 45.7% of patients were malnourished. Decreased food intake (p = 0.01), malnutrition according to SGA (p = 0.02) and MAC (p = 0.03) were associated with increased mortality. Patients with tertiary level of care (p = 0.01), decreased food intake (p = 0.001), who died (p = 0.004) and diagnosed with malnutrition by SGA (p = 0.001) and by the combined tools (p = 0.001) had a longer LOS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who were malnourished by SGA and who presented decrease food intake at admission had longer LOS and poorer clinical outcomes (highest number of deaths). The diagnosis of malnutrition by MAC was also related to higher mortality.

Objetivo: Vincular el estado nutricional (EN) con la evolución clínica y la duración de la estancia de los pacientes ingresados en las clínicas médicas de un hospital universitario. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que los datos analíticos se obtuvieron de los pacientes ingresados durante el período de un año. Para la evaluación del EN se utilizaron: la valoración global subjetiva (VGS), el índice de masa corporal (IMC), el pliegue cutáneo triciptal (PCT), la circunferencia muscular del brazo (CMB) y el diagnostico del estado nutricional por la combinación de métodos (VGS, medidas de antropometría y bioquímicas). El análisis estadístico se realizó con el poder de confianza del 95% (p < 0,05). Para las categorías de comparación se utilizó chi-cuadrado. Para examinar la asociación entre la duración de la estancia y variables relacionadas con el EN se utilizaron Mann-Whitney y Kruskal-Wallis con comparaciones múltiples. Resultados: De los 396 sujetos estudiados 57,8% eran adultos. Ser mayor se asoció con la presencia de hipertensión arterial (p <0,001), diabetes mellitus (p = 0,003) y requerir cambios en la consistencia de la dieta (p = 0,003). Al final de la evaluación el 45,7% eran desnutridos. Presentar disminución de la ingesta de alimentos (p = 0,01), malnutrición según el SGA (p = 0,02) y la CMB (p = 0,03) se asoció con mortalidad. Estuvieron más tiempo hospitalizados los pacientes con nivel terciario de atención (p = 0,01), disminución de la ingestión de alimentos (p = 0,001), que murieron (p = 0,004), con un diagnóstico de desnutrición por VGS (p = 0,001) y por la combinación de métodos (p = 0,001). Conclusión: pacientes desnutridos según VGS y con disminución de la ingestión de alimentos al comienzo de la hospitalización se mantuvieron más tiempo en el hospital y tuvieron peores resultados clínicos (mayor número de muertes). El diagnóstico de la desnutrición por CMB también se relacionó con una mayor frecuencia de muertes.

Teleconsultations in public primary care units of the city of belo horizonte, Brazil: profile of patients and physicians.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to report patient and physician profiles of those who used the teleconsultation system in the primary care health units of a health district in the city of Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from the telehealth attendance records of nine Primary Health Units (Unidade Básica de Saúde [UBS] in Portuguese) and from interviews carried out with the referring physicians. The criteria for inclusion required that data come from users seen by means of telehealth in the period between December 2004 and August 2010 and from the practitioners who saw them. The following were excluded: physicians who were not working in the UBS when the data were collected and a physician who did not agree to take part in the study. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-three teleconsultations were analyzed, and 20 referring physicians were interviewed. The offline method was the most common. The physicians were predominantly female and had graduated over 11 years ago. The patients were predominantly adult women. After teleconsultation, a prescription was not necessary for 9.8% of patients. When required, 83.2% of the medication was available in the UBS. In 68.3% of cases, additional tests were required. The incorporation of these technologies prevented the physical referral of patients in 64.2% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth resources can help to improve the provision of primary healthcare, reducing the number of physically referred patients. The number of teleconsultations is still small, and there is a need to encourage physicians to use the system.

[Clinical research in internal medicine residencies in Argentina. Supporters and detractors]. / La investigación clínica en residencias de medicina interna de la Argentina. Facilitadores y barreras.

Several academic and government organizations have strongly recommended the inclusion of specific competences in clinical research. So far, the current state of research within this framework has not been modified in our country. The main goal of this study was to provide a thorough description of the research activities in medical residencies, which could be used as an indicator of the acquisition of such competences and to identify the supporters and detractors to achieve them. A cross section study was carried out and several levels were analyzed in order to consider residencies as a cluster; 382 residents from 24 different residencies were included. the study showed a preponderance of women. the average age was 29 years old. A 71% of the residents asserted doing research. Half of those residents have stated being authors of papers presented in congresses; only 9% have published their experience. Factors which predict the development of research assignments were: to belong to a large residency, oR 16.99 (IC 95%, 2.096-137.87), being in the 3rd year of the residency, oR 9.95 (IC 95%, 2.84-34.82), completion of a research course, oR 2.78 (IC 95%, 1.10-7.04). Variables which reduce the chance to do research: location in Buenos Aires, oR 0.25 (IC 95%, 0.0072-0.91), being a woman, oR 0.34 (IC 95%, 0.14-0.79) and patients assistance workload, OR 0.97 (IC 95%, 0.95-0.99). We believe that the identification of factors which influence the possibility of doing research will lead to a improvement in the training of medical residents.

La investigación clínica en residencias de medicina interna de la Argentina: Facilitadores y barreras / Clinical research in internal medicine residencies in Argentina: Supporters and detractors

En el proceso de formación de los residentes de medicina interna, distintas organizaciones académicas y gubernamentales han recomendado incluir competencias específicas en investigación clínica. El estado actual de la investigación en este contexto no ha sido todavía relevado en nuestro país. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir las actividades de investigación en las residencias de medicina interna como indicador de la adquisición de dichas competencias e identificar los facilitadores y barreras para la misma. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal, se analizaron múltiples niveles para considerar las residencias como conglomerados. Se incluyeron 382 residentes de 24 residencias. Predominaron las mujeres, la mediana de edad fue 29 años. El 71% de los residentes informaron actividades de investigación. La mitad de ellos habían participado como autores de trabajos en congresos, solo el 9% había publicado su experiencia. Los factores predictores de desarrollar tareas de investigación fueron pertenecer a una residencia numerosa, OR 16.99 (IC 95%, 2.096-137.87), pertenecer al tercer año de residencia, OR 9.95 (IC 95%, 2.84-34.82), y haber realizado un curso de investigación, OR 2.78 (IC 95%, 1.10-7.04). Las variables que disminuyen la probabilidad de realizar investigación fueron la localización en el Gran Buenos Aires o Capital Federal, OR 0.25 (IC 95%, 0.0072-0.91), ser mujer, OR 0.34 (IC 95 0.14-0.79) y la carga asistencial, OR 0.97 (IC 95%, 0.95-0.99). Conocer los factores que influyen en la investigación contribuye a mejorar la formación de los residentes de medicina interna.

Several academic and government organizations have strongly recommended the inclusion of specific competences in clinical research. So far, the current state of research within this framework has not been modified in our country. The main goal of this study was to provide a thorough description of the research activities in medical residencies, which could be used as an indicator of the acquisition of such competences and to identify the supporters and detractors to achieve them. A cross section study was carried out and several levels were analyzed in order to consider residencies as a cluster; 382 residents from 24 different residencies were included. The study showed a preponderance of women. The average age was 29 years old. A 71% of the residents asserted doing research. Half of those residents have stated being authors of papers presented in congresses; only 9% have published their experience. Factors which predict the development of research assignments were: to belong to a large residency, OR 16.99 (IC 95%, 2.096-137.87), being in the 3rd year of the residency, OR 9.95 (IC 95%, 2.84- 34.82), completion of a research course, OR 2.78 (IC 95%, 1.10-7.04). Variables which reduce the chance to do research: location in Buenos Aires, OR 0.25 (IC 95%, 0.0072-0.91), being a woman, OR 0.34 (IC 95%, 0.14-0.79) and patients assistance workload, OR 0.97 (IC 95%, 0.95-0.99). We believe that the identification of factors which influence the possibility of doing research will lead to a improvement in the training of medical residents.

La investigación clínica en residencias de medicina interna de la Argentina: Facilitadores y barreras / Clinical research in internal medicine residencies in Argentina: Supporters and detractors

En el proceso de formación de los residentes de medicina interna, distintas organizaciones académicas y gubernamentales han recomendado incluir competencias específicas en investigación clínica. El estado actual de la investigación en este contexto no ha sido todavía relevado en nuestro país. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir las actividades de investigación en las residencias de medicina interna como indicador de la adquisición de dichas competencias e identificar los facilitadores y barreras para la misma. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal, se analizaron múltiples niveles para considerar las residencias como conglomerados. Se incluyeron 382 residentes de 24 residencias. Predominaron las mujeres, la mediana de edad fue 29 años. El 71% de los residentes informaron actividades de investigación. La mitad de ellos habían participado como autores de trabajos en congresos, solo el 9% había publicado su experiencia. Los factores predictores de desarrollar tareas de investigación fueron pertenecer a una residencia numerosa, OR 16.99 (IC 95%, 2.096-137.87), pertenecer al tercer año de residencia, OR 9.95 (IC 95%, 2.84-34.82), y haber realizado un curso de investigación, OR 2.78 (IC 95%, 1.10-7.04). Las variables que disminuyen la probabilidad de realizar investigación fueron la localización en el Gran Buenos Aires o Capital Federal, OR 0.25 (IC 95%, 0.0072-0.91), ser mujer, OR 0.34 (IC 95 0.14-0.79) y la carga asistencial, OR 0.97 (IC 95%, 0.95-0.99). Conocer los factores que influyen en la investigación contribuye a mejorar la formación de los residentes de medicina interna.(AU)

Several academic and government organizations have strongly recommended the inclusion of specific competences in clinical research. So far, the current state of research within this framework has not been modified in our country. The main goal of this study was to provide a thorough description of the research activities in medical residencies, which could be used as an indicator of the acquisition of such competences and to identify the supporters and detractors to achieve them. A cross section study was carried out and several levels were analyzed in order to consider residencies as a cluster; 382 residents from 24 different residencies were included. The study showed a preponderance of women. The average age was 29 years old. A 71% of the residents asserted doing research. Half of those residents have stated being authors of papers presented in congresses; only 9% have published their experience. Factors which predict the development of research assignments were: to belong to a large residency, OR 16.99 (IC 95%, 2.096-137.87), being in the 3rd year of the residency, OR 9.95 (IC 95%, 2.84- 34.82), completion of a research course, OR 2.78 (IC 95%, 1.10-7.04). Variables which reduce the chance to do research: location in Buenos Aires, OR 0.25 (IC 95%, 0.0072-0.91), being a woman, OR 0.34 (IC 95%, 0.14-0.79) and patients assistance workload, OR 0.97 (IC 95%, 0.95-0.99). We believe that the identification of factors which influence the possibility of doing research will lead to a improvement in the training of medical residents.(AU)

Clinical preventive services in Guatemala: a cross-sectional survey of internal medicine physicians.

BACKGROUND: Guatemala is currently undergoing an epidemiologic transition. Preventive services are key to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases, and smoking counseling and cessation are among the most cost-effective and wide-reaching strategies. Internal medicine physicians are fundamental to providing such services, and their knowledge is a cornerstone of non-communicable disease control. METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2011 to evaluate knowledge of clinical preventive services for non-communicable diseases. Interns, residents, and attending physicians of the internal medicine departments of all teaching hospitals in Guatemala completed a self-administered questionnaire. Participants' responses were contrasted with the Guatemalan Ministry of Health (MoH) prevention guidelines and the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations. Analysis compared knowledge of recommendations within and between hospitals. RESULTS: In response to simulated patient scenarios, all services were recommended by more than half of physicians regardless of MoH or USPSTF recommendations. Prioritization was adequate according to the MoH guidelines but not including other potentially effective services (e.g. colorectal cancer and lipid disorder screenings). With the exception of colorectal and prostate cancer screening, less frequently recommended by interns, there was no difference in recommendation rates by level. CONCLUSION: Guatemalan internal medicine physicians' knowledge on preventive services recommendations for non-communicable diseases is limited, and prioritization did not reflect cost-effectiveness. Based on these data we recommend that preventive medicine training be strengthened and development of evidence-based guidelines for low-middle income countries be a priority.

A survey on the current evaluation and treatment of gout in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current management of gout in general practitioners and specialists in Buenos Aires city. MATERIAL AND METHODS: multiple choice, anonimous, survey, performed to 33 rheumatologists (REU), 52 Internal Medicine specialists (EMI) and 86 general practitioners (Otros). RESULTS: Gout is a very common or usual disease for 51.5% of REU vs 11.5% EMI and 8.1% Otros. At diagnosis, uric acid crystals are identified by 51.5% REU vs 28.8% EMI and 26.7% Otros and tophi observed by 60.6% REU vs 30.8% EMI and 30.2% Otros. REU and EMI should indicate colchicine for acute gout in 75.8% and 80.8% respectively vs 7.7% of Otros. REU measure patient's height/weight and waist circumference less frequently than EMI (66.7% vs 92.3% and 45.5% vs 75% respectively). CONCLUSIONS: REU usually examine patients with gout but in a chronic stage. The identification of crystals in synovial fluid is low. The use ofcolchicine is still high. REU should improve the evaluation of the metabolic syndrome.

[Continuing medical education: a clinical research institutional project]. / Proyecto institucional para la educación médica continua en investigación clínica.

In Argentina, education in clinical investigation is based on courses with theoric content. In developed countries programs with ongoing and practical content exist, generating the proper context to learn. In 2006, the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (HIBA) created an area to train physicians, Research Area in Internal Medicine, and enable them to participate in every step of the clinical investigation process. The objective of this study is to describe this teaching area and its impact on the investigation in Internal Medicine in the HIBA, in the period 2006-2008. This area counts with fellow positions and provides training in Clinical Investigation for rotating residents. It has different activities including lectures, project counseling and 3 ongoing Institutional Registers for prevalent medical problems, 33% (6/18) of Intern staff are currently participating, with 3 fellows and 7 monitors for the Registers; 25 residents rotated in the area and generated their own research projects. 59 posters were presented in local and international congresses. Currently 6 original articles are in process of publication and 2 in peer review evaluation. A survey was carried out to evaluate the area where 76% (35/46) of the participants believed that they have acquired new skills; with 93% (44/47) using these knowledges in their every day practice. A 100% thought that they were adequately oriented in their projects, their ideas being fully respected (97%) (45/46). The inclusion of the Research Area in Internal Medicine improved the knowledge of the process of clinical Investigation and increased independent scientific production.

Proyecto institucional para la educación médica continua en investigación clínica / Continuing medical education: A clinical research institutional project

En la Argentina, educar en investigación clínica consiste principalmente en cursos teóricos. En países desarrollados existen programas que generan el entorno propicio para un aprendizaje práctico y continuo. En el 2006, en el Servicio de Clínica Médica del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires se creó el Área de Investigación en Medicina Interna para formar profesionales capaces de participar en todas las etapas de la investigación clínica. El propósito de este estudio es describir el área y su impacto en la educación en investigación en medicina interna durante el período 2006-2008. El proyecto cuenta con un programa de capacitación en investigación clínica para residentes y otro de perfeccionamiento para becarios. Además de becas, asesoramiento en proyectos, ateneos sobre investigación clínica y registros de enfermedades prevalentes en medicina interna. Participan el 33% (6/18) de los clínicos de internación, se encuentran en formación 3 becarios y 7 monitores de investigación. 25 residentes pasaron por el programa de capacitación, completaron una propuesta de investigación 19 (76%). Se hicieron 59 presentaciones en congresos. Se encuentran en proceso de publicación 6 artículos originales y 2 en revisión por comités editoriales. De un cuestionario de evaluación del área, el 76% (35/46) considera que ha adquirido nuevas habilidades, y 93% (44/47) refiere que las utiliza en la práctica diaria. El 100% (47/47) considera que ha recibido orientación adecuada. El 97% (45/46) considera que sus ideas han sido respetadas. La implementación del área de investigación logró aumentar la capacitación y producción científica en investigación clínica independiente.

In Argentina, education in clinical investigation is based on courses with theoric content. In developed countries programs with ongoing and practical content exist, generating the proper context to learn. In 2006, the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (HIBA) created an area to train physicians, Research Area in Internal Medicine, and enable them to participate in every step of the clinical investigation process. The objective of this study is to describe this teaching area and its impact on the investigation in Internal Medicine in the HIBA, in the period 2006-2008. This area counts with fellow positions and provides training in Clinical Investigation for rotating residents. It has different activities including lectures, project counseling and 3 ongoing Institutional Registers for prevalent medical problems, 33% (6/18) of Intern staff are currently participating, with 3 fellows and 7 monitors for the Registers; 25 residents rotated in the area and generated their own research projects. 59 posters were presented in local and international congresses. Currently 6 original articles are in process of publication and 2 in peer review evaluation. A survey was carried out to evaluate the area where 76% (35/46) of the participants believed that they have acquired new skills; with 93% (44/47) using these knowledges in their every day practice. A 100% thought that they were adequately oriented in their projects, their ideas being fully respected (97%) (45/46). The inclusion of the Research Area in Internal Medicine improved the knowledge of the process of clinical Investigation and increased independent scientific production.