How oral health care organizations formulate actionable statements to inform practice and policy: A protocol for a systematic survey.

Background: Oral diseases are a major global public health problem that impacts the quality of life of those affected. While widespread consensus exists on the importance of high-quality, evidence-informed guidelines to inform practice and public health decisions in medicine, appropriate methodologies and standards are not commonly adhered to among producers of oral health guidelines. This systematic survey aims to identify organizations developing evidence-informed guidelines and policy documents in oral health globally, and describe the methods and processes used. Methods: We will conduct manual searches on the websites of guideline developers, Ministries of Health, and scientific societies. Additionally, we will systematically search electronic databases to identify published guidelines and collect the name of the responsible entity. We will include organizations that regularly develop guidelines on any oral health topic and that explicitly declare the inclusion of research evidence in its development process. Subsequently, we will use a standardized form to extract data about the characteristics of the organization, the characteristics of their guideline or policy documents, and their formal recommendation development processes. These data will be extracted from various sources, such as the organization's official website, the methods section of each guideline, or methodological handbooks. We will use descriptive statistics to analyze the extracted data. Discussion: This systematic survey will synthesize key characteristics and methodologies used by organizations developing evidence-informed guidelines. This study will provide the basis for future development of a sustainable and connected collaborative network for evidence-informed guidelines and policy documents in oral health globally. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and targeted dissemination of findings with the identified organizations. Our systematic survey represents a necessary first step toward improving the field of oral health policies and guidelines.

Emergency and sequalae management of traumatic dental injuries: a systematic survey of clinical practice guidelines.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and consequences of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) make them a public health problem. Trustworthy TDI clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) assist clinicians in determining a diagnosis and guide them to the most appropriate therapy. The aim of this systematic survey was to identify and evaluate the quality of CPGs for the diagnosis, emergency management, and follow-up of TDIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was carried out in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Epistemonikos, Trip database, CPG websites, and dental societies to identify documents providing recommendations for the emergency and sequelae management of TDIs. Reviewers assessed the included guidelines independently and in duplicate, using the AGREE II instrument. ANOVA or Student's t-tests were used to determine the attributes of CPGs associated with the total score in AGREE II. RESULTS: Ten CPGs published between 2010 and 2020 were included, mostly from Europe (n = 6). The overall agreement between reviewers was very good (0.94; 95%CI 0.91-0.97). The mean scores (the higher the score, the better the domain assessment) per domain were as follows: Scope and purpose 78.0 ± 18.9%; stakeholder involvement 46.9 ± 29.6%; rigour of development 41.8 ± 26.7%; clarity of presentation 75.8 ± 17.6%; applicability 15.3 ± 18.8%; and editorial independence 41.7 ± 41.7%. The overall mean rate was 4 ± 1.3 out of a maximum score of 7. Two guidelines were recommended by the reviewers for use in practice and rated as high quality. CPGs developed by government organizations showed a significantly higher overall score. CONCLUSIONS: The overall quality of CPGs on TDI was suboptimal. CPG developers should synthesize the evidence and formulate recommendations using high-quality methodologies and standards in a structured, transparent, and explicit way.

Policymakers' perceived barriers and facilitators in the use of research evidence in oral health policies and guidelines: a qualitative study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence-informed oral health policies are crucial to improving patient and population outcomes, but policymakers and organisational leaders infrequently systematically incorporate research evidence. Although there is indirect evidence regarding challenges in other healthcare sectors, the use of evidence-informed oral health policies remains unstudied in oral health. This study aims to assess policymakers' perceived needs, barriers and facilitators in using research evidence to inform policies in oral health. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a qualitative study situated within a phenomenological paradigm. We will conduct semistructured interviews with policymakers (5-10) affiliated with key organisations conducting guidance, policy statements, guidelines or any knowledge transfer deliverables in oral health. Organisations will be sampled purposively and with no geographical restrictions. All interviews will be recorded, and an audio transcript will be generated. Subsequently, a researcher will review and validate the transcripts. Data will be analysed using thematic analysis supported by ATLAS.ti software. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was not sought because the study protocol met the criteria for exemption from such review according to the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and the Spanish legislation (Law 14/2007 of 3 July, on biomedical research). Informed consent will be obtained from all subjects involved in this study. The findings of this study will be shared with participating organisations for feedback, disseminated in conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal adopting open science practices. STUDY REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework (DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/W4KG7).

Systematic review on reducing missed opportunities for vaccinations in Latin America

[ABSTRACT]. Objectives. To estimate the prevalence of missed opportunities for vaccination (MOV) in Latin America and the effect of interventions targeting health systems, health workers, patients, and communities on MOV. Methods. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and LILACS electronic databases and relevant organizations were contacted, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), to identify studies meeting eligibility criteria. A pair of reviewers identified 27 randomized and non-randomized studies quantifying the effectiveness of any intervention for reducing MOV and 5 studies assessing the rate of MOV in Latin America. Results are reported narratively when criteria to pool results were not met, and the certainty of this evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results. Evidence suggests the rate of MOV in Latin America ranged from 5% to 37% with a pooled estimate of 17% (95% CI [9, 32]) (low certainty) and that monetary incentives to healthcare teams, training for healthcare teams on how to communicate with patients, and educational interventions for caregivers probably reduce MOV (moderate to very low certainty). Conclusions. There is insufficient evidence supporting the implementation of any intervention as policy based only on the potential reduction of MOV without considering several factors, including costs, feasibility, acceptability, and equity.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivos. Estimar la prevalencia de las oportunidades perdidas de vacunación en América Latina y el efecto de las intervenciones dirigidas a los sistemas de salud, los trabajadores de salud, los pacientes y las comunidades. Métodos. Se realizaron búsquedas en las bases de datos electrónicas MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL y LILACS y se estableció contacto con las organizaciones pertinentes, incluida la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), para identificar aquellos estudios que cumplieran con los criterios de admisibilidad. Un par de revisores identificaron 27 estudios aleatorizados y no aleatorizados que cuantificaban la efectividad de cualquier intervención para reducir las oportunidades perdidas de vacunación, así como 5 estudios que evaluaban la tasa de oportunidades perdidas de vacunación en América Latina. Cuando no cumplían con los criterios para agrupar los resultados, estos se presentan de manera narrativa; para evaluar la certeza de esta evidencia se utilizó el método GRADE. Resultados. La evidencia indica que la tasa de oportunidades perdidas de vacunación en América Latina osciló entre 5% y 37% y presentó una estimación consolidada de 17% (IC del 95% [9, 32]) (certeza baja), y que los incentivos monetarios a los equipos de atención médica, la capacitación de los equipos de salud sobre cómo comunicarse con los pacientes y las intervenciones educativas destinadas a los cuidadores probablemente reducen las oportunidades perdidas de vacunación (certeza moderada a muy baja). Conclusiones. No hay suficiente evidencia para respaldar la aplicación de alguna intervención como política basándose únicamente en la reducción potencial de las oportunidades perdidas de vacunación si no se tienen en cuenta varios factores, como los costos, la viabilidad, la aceptabilidad y la equidad.

[RESUMO]. Objetivos. Estimar a prevalência de oportunidades perdidas de vacinação (OPV) na América Latina e o efeito de intervenções para reduzir as OPV direcionadas aos sistemas de saúde, profissionais de saúde, pacientes e comunidades. Métodos. Foi realizada a pesquisa em bancos de dados eletrônicos (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL e LILACS) e mediante contato com instituições relevantes, como a Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), com o objetivo de identificar estudos que satisfizessem os critérios de inclusão. Dois revisores identificaram 27 estudos randomizados e não randomizados com avaliação quantitativa da efetividade de intervenções para reduzir as OPV e 5 estudos que avaliavam a taxa de OPV na América Latina. Os resultados foram apresentados de forma descritiva quando não preenchiam os critérios para apresentação conjunta. O sistema GRADE foi usado para avaliar a qualidade das evidências. Resultados. As evidências indicam que a taxa de OPV na América Latina variou entre 5% e 37%, com uma estimativa conjunta de 17% (IC 95% [9, 32]) (qualidade da evidência: baixa). Incentivos financeiros e capacitação em comunicação com os pacientes para as equipes de saúde, bem como intervenções educacionais para os cuidadores, provavelmente reduzem as OPV (qualidade da evidência: moderada a muito baixa). Conclusões. Não há evidências suficientes para respaldar implementar qualquer intervenção como política com base somente na possível redução das OPV, sem levar em consideração diversos fatores como custos, viabilidade, aceitabilidade e equidade.

Systematic review on reducing missed opportunities for vaccinations in Latin America / Revisión sistemática sobre la reducción de las oportunidades perdidas de vacunación en América Latina / Intervenções para reduzir as oportunidades perdidas de vacinação na América Latina: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objectives. To estimate the prevalence of missed opportunities for vaccination (MOV) in Latin America and the effect of interventions targeting health systems, health workers, patients, and communities on MOV. Methods. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and LILACS electronic databases and relevant organizations were contacted, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), to identify studies meeting eligibility criteria. A pair of reviewers identified 27 randomized and non-randomized studies quantifying the effectiveness of any intervention for reducing MOV and 5 studies assessing the rate of MOV in Latin America. Results are reported narratively when criteria to pool results were not met, and the certainty of this evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results. Evidence suggests the rate of MOV in Latin America ranged from 5% to 37% with a pooled estimate of 17% (95% CI [9, 32]) (low certainty) and that monetary incentives to healthcare teams, training for healthcare teams on how to communicate with patients, and educational interventions for caregivers probably reduce MOV (moderate to very low certainty). Conclusions. There is insufficient evidence supporting the implementation of any intervention as policy based only on the potential reduction of MOV without considering several factors, including costs, feasibility, acceptability, and equity.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Estimar la prevalencia de las oportunidades perdidas de vacunación en América Latina y el efecto de las intervenciones dirigidas a los sistemas de salud, los trabajadores de salud, los pacientes y las comunidades. Métodos. Se realizaron búsquedas en las bases de datos electrónicas MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL y LILACS y se estableció contacto con las organizaciones pertinentes, incluida la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), para identificar aquellos estudios que cumplieran con los criterios de admisibilidad. Un par de revisores identificaron 27 estudios aleatorizados y no aleatorizados que cuantificaban la efectividad de cualquier intervención para reducir las oportunidades perdidas de vacunación, así como 5 estudios que evaluaban la tasa de oportunidades perdidas de vacunación en América Latina. Cuando no cumplían con los criterios para agrupar los resultados, estos se presentan de manera narrativa; para evaluar la certeza de esta evidencia se utilizó el método GRADE. Resultados. La evidencia indica que la tasa de oportunidades perdidas de vacunación en América Latina osciló entre 5% y 37% y presentó una estimación consolidada de 17% (IC del 95% [9, 32]) (certeza baja), y que los incentivos monetarios a los equipos de atención médica, la capacitación de los equipos de salud sobre cómo comunicarse con los pacientes y las intervenciones educativas destinadas a los cuidadores probablemente reducen las oportunidades perdidas de vacunación (certeza moderada a muy baja). Conclusiones. No hay suficiente evidencia para respaldar la aplicación de alguna intervención como política basándose únicamente en la reducción potencial de las oportunidades perdidas de vacunación si no se tienen en cuenta varios factores, como los costos, la viabilidad, la aceptabilidad y la equidad.

RESUMO Objetivos. Estimar a prevalência de oportunidades perdidas de vacinação (OPV) na América Latina e o efeito de intervenções para reduzir as OPV direcionadas aos sistemas de saúde, profissionais de saúde, pacientes e comunidades. Métodos. Foi realizada a pesquisa em bancos de dados eletrônicos (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL e LILACS) e mediante contato com instituições relevantes, como a Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), com o objetivo de identificar estudos que satisfizessem os critérios de inclusão. Dois revisores identificaram 27 estudos randomizados e não randomizados com avaliação quantitativa da efetividade de intervenções para reduzir as OPV e 5 estudos que avaliavam a taxa de OPV na América Latina. Os resultados foram apresentados de forma descritiva quando não preenchiam os critérios para apresentação conjunta. O sistema GRADE foi usado para avaliar a qualidade das evidências. Resultados. As evidências indicam que a taxa de OPV na América Latina variou entre 5% e 37%, com uma estimativa conjunta de 17% (IC 95% [9, 32]) (qualidade da evidência: baixa). Incentivos financeiros e capacitação em comunicação com os pacientes para as equipes de saúde, bem como intervenções educacionais para os cuidadores, provavelmente reduzem as OPV (qualidade da evidência: moderada a muito baixa). Conclusões. Não há evidências suficientes para respaldar implementar qualquer intervenção como política com base somente na possível redução das OPV, sem levar em consideração diversos fatores como custos, viabilidade, aceitabilidade e equidade.

The unfolding consequences of postponing routine dental care / Explorando las consecuencias de posponer las atenciones odontológicas de rutina

The COVID-19 pandemic represents some of the most distressing challenges for health systems all over the world in the past decades, forcing clinicians to modify standards, prioritise treating conditions that require immediate care, and implement elements of remote attention in record time (Douglas et al., 2020). These challenges have also had an impact in the population's oral health.

Design and validation of appearance and content of an oral health questionnaire for parents or caregivers of children with cerebral palsy

Introduction: cerebral palsy is a syndrome that involves a large number of childhood movement and posture disorders, resulting in activity limitation. it is attributed to non-progressive alterations in the fetal or infant brain. this disorder can also be accompanied by oral alterations, some of which can be prevented if the caretaker knows how to manage them. an adequate knowledge of oral health on the part of the caregivers has a positive impact on the oral status of their patients. objective: to design and validate a questionnaire to assess the oral health knowledge of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy. methods: a literature search was conducted to identify published questionnaires on oral health knowledge related to people with disabilities. in the absence of questionnaires in spanish, the search was focused on other surveys aimed at parents of healthy children. validation of appearance and content was carried out by a panel of experts and a group representing the target population. subsequently, two pilot studies were carried out to determine the questions that would make up the final instrument, analyze the need to modify its wording and establish alternative answers. results: the designed questionnaire was approved by the panel of experts and by the representatives of the population at whom the instrument is aimed. after two pilot studies, a Cronbach's alpha of 0.83 was obtained. conclusion: the designed and validated questionnaire has good internal consistency. it is necessary to evaluate its reliability so that it can be used clinically and in research studies.

[Clinical practice guidelines: qualitative study of their implementation in the Chilean health system]. / Guías de práctica clínica: estudio cualitativo sobre su implementación en el sistema de salud de Chile.

OBJECTIVE: Characterize the implementation process, barriers, and facilitators of evidence-based recommendations in the context of developing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) generated by the Ministry of Health of Chile, in order to make proposals to optimize the process. METHODS: Qualitative "action-oriented research" study. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted and nine discussion groups were organized at various levels of the Chilean public health system. The analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti® software and manually, in a content analysis framework, by categorizing and coding information according to pre-specified dimensions and with the inclusion of emerging categories where relevant. RESULTS: The main challenge mentioned with regard to implementing recommendations is the lack of an explicit and structured process. Actors in the health system recognize difficulties specific to the context in which the recommendations are followed. In this unprecedented institutional review, participants suggested a series of strategies that could be implemented to overcome these challenges, presented in a management flow chart optimized for the development and implementation of CPGs. This process has raised awareness of the importance of implementing CPGs in Chile. CONCLUSION: After characterizing the implementation process, barriers, and facilitators, a plan to implement recommendations was developed in order to guide and monitor the process. It would facilitate the implementation of strategies and the introduction of improvements to the CPG development process if key informants inside and outside of the Ministry of Health were included in the review process. Studies of this kind should be conducted with physicians and patients in order to complement the collected information.

Premature Discontinuation of Pediatric Randomized Controlled Trials: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the proportion of pediatric randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that are prematurely discontinued, examine the reasons for discontinuation, and compare the risk for recruitment failure in pediatric and adult RCTs. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of RCTs approved by 1 of 6 Research Ethics Committees (RECs) in Switzerland, Germany, and Canada between 2000 and 2003. We recorded trial characteristics, trial discontinuation, and reasons for discontinuation from protocols, corresponding publications, REC files, and a survey of trialists. RESULTS: We included 894 RCTs, of which 86 enrolled children and 808 enrolled adults. Forty percent of the pediatric RCTs and 29% of the adult RCTs were discontinued. Slow recruitment accounted for 56% of pediatric RCT discontinuations and 43% of adult RCT discontinuations. Multivariable logistic regression analyses suggested that pediatric RCT was not an independent risk factor for recruitment failure after adjustment for other potential risk factors (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.57-2.63). Independent risk factors were acute care setting (aOR, 4.00; 95% CI, 1.72-9.31), nonindustry sponsorship (aOR, 4.45; 95% CI, 2.59-7.65), and smaller planned sample size (aOR, 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.09, in decrements of 100 participants). CONCLUSION: Forty percent of pediatric RCTs were discontinued prematurely, owing predominately to slow recruitment. Enrollment of children was not an independent risk factor for recruitment failure.

Guías de práctica clínica: estudio cualitativo sobre su implementación en el sistema de salud de Chile / Guias de prática clínica: estudo qualitativo sobre sua implementação no sistema de saúde do Chile

Objetivo. Caracterizar el proceso de implementación, barreras y facilitadores de recomendaciones basadas en evidencia en el contexto del desarrollo de guías prácticas clínicas (GPC) generadas por el Ministerio de Salud de Chile, a fin de brindar propuestas para la optimización del proceso. Métodos. Estudio cualitativo del tipo “investigación-acción”. Se realizaron 19 entrevistas semiestructuradas y se armaron nueve grupos de discusión a distintos niveles del sistema público de salud chileno. El análisis se realizó mediante el software Atlas ti® y en forma manual, desde un marco de análisis de contenido, mediante la categorización y codificación de la información según dimensiones preespecificadas y con la inclusión de categorías emergentes cuando fue pertinente. Resultados. El principal desafío de implementación de recomendaciones mencionado es la falta de un proceso explícito y estructurado. Los actores del sistema de salud reconocen dificultades dependientes del contexto al momento de usar las recomendaciones. En esta experiencia inédita de revisión institucional, los participantes sugirieron una serie de estrategias a poner en práctica para superar dichos desafíos, representadas en un flujograma de gestión optimizada para el desarrollo e implementación de GPC. El mismo proceso ha permitido tomar conciencia de la importancia de la implementación de GPC en Chile. Conclusión. Tras caracterizar el proceso de implementación, barreras y facilitadores se articuló un plan de implementación de recomendaciones que permitiría orientar y monitorizar dicho proceso. Hacer partícipes del proceso de revisión a informantes claves dentro y fuera del Ministerio de Salud facilitaría la implementación de estrategias y la introducción de mejoras al proceso de desarrollo de GPC. Estudios de este tipo deberían ser realizados en médicos y pacientes para complementar la información recogida.

Objetivo. Caracterizar o processo de implementação, as barreiras e os fatores facilitadores de recomendações baseadas em evidências no contexto do desenvolvimento de guias de prática clínica (GPCs) criados pelo Ministério da Saúde do Chile, a fim de fazer propostas para a otimização do processo. Métodos. Estudo qualitativo do tipo “investigação-ação”. Foram realizadas 19 entrevistas semiestruturadas e organizados nove grupos de discussão em diferentes níveis do sistema público de saúde chileno. A análise foi realizada com o software Atlas ti® e de forma manual utilizando um quadro de análise de conteúdo, mediante a categorização e codificação das informações segundo dimensões pré-especificadas e com a inclusão de categorias emergentes, quando pertinente. Resultados. O principal desafio identificado para a implementação das recomendações foi a falta de um processo explícito e estruturado. Os atores do sistema de saúde reconhecem dificuldades dependentes do contexto no momento de usar as recomendações. Nesta experiência inédita de revisão institucional, os participantes sugeriram uma série de estratégias que podem ser postas em prática para superar tais desafios, representadas em um fluxograma de gestão otimizada para o desenvolvimento e a implementação dos GPCs. O mesmo processo tem gerado conscientização sobre a importância da implementação de GPCs no Chile. Conclusão. Uma vez caracterizado o processo de implementação, as barreiras e os fatores facilitadores, articulou-se um plano de implementação de recomendações que permitirá orientar e monitorar esse processo. O envolvimento de informantes-chave dentro e fora do Ministério da Saúde no processo de revisão poderá facilitar a implementação de estratégias e a introdução de melhorias no processo de desenvolvimento de GPCs. É preciso realizar estudos deste tipo com médicos e pacientes para complementar as informações coletadas.

Guías de práctica clínica: estudio cualitativo sobre su implementación en el sistema de salud de Chile / Clinical practice guidelines: qualitative study of their implementation in the Chilean health system / Guias de prática clínica: estudo qualitativo sobre sua implementação no sistema de saúde do Chile

RESUMEN Objetivo Caracterizar el proceso de implementación, barreras y facilitadores de recomendaciones basadas en evidencia en el contexto del desarrollo de guías prácticas clínicas (GPC) generadas por el Ministerio de Salud de Chile, a fin de brindar propuestas para la optimización del proceso. Métodos Estudio cualitativo del tipo “investigación-acción”. Se realizaron 19 entrevistas semiestructuradas y se armaron nueve grupos de discusión a distintos niveles del sistema público de salud chileno. El análisis se realizó mediante el software Atlas ti® y en forma manual, desde un marco de análisis de contenido, mediante la categorización y codificación de la información según dimensiones preespecificadas y con la inclusión de categorías emergentes cuando fue pertinente. Resultados El principal desafío de implementación de recomendaciones mencionado es la falta de un proceso explícito y estructurado. Los actores del sistema de salud reconocen dificultades dependientes del contexto al momento de usar las recomendaciones. En esta experiencia inédita de revisión institucional, los participantes sugirieron una serie de estrategias a poner en práctica para superar dichos desafíos, representadas en un flujograma de gestión optimizada para el desarrollo e implementación de GPC. El mismo proceso ha permitido tomar conciencia de la importancia de la implementación de GPC en Chile. Conclusión Tras caracterizar el proceso de implementación, barreras y facilitadores se articuló un plan de implementación de recomendaciones que permitiría orientar y monitorizar dicho proceso. Hacer partícipes del proceso de revisión a informantes claves dentro y fuera del Ministerio de Salud facilitaría la implementación de estrategias y la introducción de mejoras al proceso de desarrollo de GPC. Estudios de este tipo deberían ser realizados en médicos y pacientes para complementar la información recogida.

ABSTRACT Objective Characterize the implementation process, barriers, and facilitators of evidence-based recommendations in the context of developing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) generated by the Ministry of Health of Chile, in order to make proposals to optimize the process. Methods Qualitative “action-oriented research” study. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted and nine discussion groups were organized at various levels of the Chilean public health system. The analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti® software and manually, in a content analysis framework, by categorizing and coding information according to pre-specified dimensions and with the inclusion of emerging categories where relevant. Results The main challenge mentioned with regard to implementing recommendations is the lack of an explicit and structured process. Actors in the health system recognize difficulties specific to the context in which the recommendations are followed. In this unprecedented institutional review, participants suggested a series of strategies that could be implemented to overcome these challenges, presented in a management flow chart optimized for the development and implementation of CPGs. This process has raised awareness of the importance of implementing CPGs in Chile. Conclusion After characterizing the implementation process, barriers, and facilitators, a plan to implement recommendations was developed in order to guide and monitor the process. It would facilitate the implementation of strategies and the introduction of improvements to the CPG development process if key informants inside and outside of the Ministry of Health were included in the review process. Studies of this kind should be conducted with physicians and patients in order to complement the collected information.

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar o processo de implementação, as barreiras e os fatores facilitadores de recomendações baseadas em evidências no contexto do desenvolvimento de guias de prática clínica (GPCs) criados pelo Ministério da Saúde do Chile, a fim de fazer propostas para a otimização do processo. Métodos Estudo qualitativo do tipo “investigação-ação”. Foram realizadas 19 entrevistas semiestruturadas e organizados nove grupos de discussão em diferentes níveis do sistema público de saúde chileno. A análise foi realizada com o software Atlas ti® e de forma manual utilizando um quadro de análise de conteúdo, mediante a categorização e codificação das informações segundo dimensões pré-especificadas e com a inclusão de categorias emergentes, quando pertinente. Resultados O principal desafio identificado para a implementação das recomendações foi a falta de um processo explícito e estruturado. Os atores do sistema de saúde reconhecem dificuldades dependentes do contexto no momento de usar as recomendações. Nesta experiência inédita de revisão institucional, os participantes sugeriram uma série de estratégias que podem ser postas em prática para superar tais desafios, representadas em um fluxograma de gestão otimizada para o desenvolvimento e a implementação dos GPCs. O mesmo processo tem gerado conscientização sobre a importância da implementação de GPCs no Chile. Conclusão Uma vez caracterizado o processo de implementação, as barreiras e os fatores facilitadores, articulou-se um plano de implementação de recomendações que permitirá orientar e monitorar esse processo. O envolvimento de informantes-chave dentro e fora do Ministério da Saúde no processo de revisão poderá facilitar a implementação de estratégias e a introdução de melhorias no processo de desenvolvimento de GPCs. É preciso realizar estudos deste tipo com médicos e pacientes para complementar as informações coletadas.

Elaboração e adaptação de Protocolos Clínicos informados por evidência na América Latina e Caribe / Elaboración y Adaptación de guías de práctica informadas por la evidencia en América Latina y el Caribe / Development and adaptation of evidence-informed guidelines in Latin America and the Caribbean

Objetivo: Identificar e descrever os componentes, vantagens e desvantagens dos Protocolos Clínicos, assim como o processo de desenvolvimento e o efeito deste nos países da América Latina e do Caribe (ALC). Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão narrativa da literatura, com análise bibliométrica descritiva dos processos de elaboração dos Protocolos Clínicos na ALC. Resultados: O processo de elaboração de Protocolos Clínicos é sistemático, válido e reprodutível. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and. Evaluation (GRADE) é a estratégia metodológica que se definiu como padrão em nível mundial para o desenvolvimento de Protocolos Clínicos, a partir da avaliação da qualidade de evidência científica. Na ALC o processo de elaboração de Protocolos Clínicos fortaleceu-se durante a última década com implantação institucional por parte do setor público, com efetividade na padronização da prestação de serviços de saúde, estabelecimento da governança do processo e fonte de informação para outras funções do sistema de saúde.

Effects of probiotics in periodontal diseases: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine the effects of probiotics in prevention and/or treatment of periodontal diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed broad searches in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases and selected articles that satisfied the description of randomized clinical trials comparing the administration of probiotics versus placebo or another intervention to prevent or treat periodontal diseases in adult patients. RESULTS: Four randomized clinical trials were analyzed in the final review process. For the primary outcome, probing pocket depth, there would be no clinical beneficial effect of probiotics. For secondary outcomes, probiotics have shown small benefits on plaque index and gingival inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this review, the effectiveness of probiotics on the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases is questionable. There is currently insufficient evidence demonstrating the benefits of systematic preventative use of probiotics in patients with periodontal diseases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of probiotics are described to prevent or treat periodontal diseases in some clinical trials; therefore, a systematic review of the evidence for the effect of periodontal diseases is needed.

Oral health care for patients with epidermolysis bullosa--best clinical practice guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: To provide the users with information on the current best practices for managing the oral health care of people living with EB. METHODS: A systematic literature search, in which the main topic is dental care in patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa, was performed. Consulted sources, ranging from 1970 to 2010, included MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, DARE, and the Cochrane controlled trials register (CENTRAL). In order to formulate the recommendations of the selected studies the SIGN system was used. The first draft was analysed and discussed by clinical experts, methodologists and patients representatives on a two days consensus meeting. The resulting document went through an external review process by a panel of experts, other health care professionals, patient representatives and lay reviewers. The final document was piloted in three different centres in United Kingdom, Czech Republic and Argentina. RESULTS: The guideline is composed of 93 recommendations divided into 3 main areas: 1) Oral Care--access issues, early referral, preventative strategies, management of microstomia, prescriptions and review appointments 2) Dental treatment: general treatment modifications, radiographs, restorations, endodontics, oral rehabilitation, periodontal treatment, oral surgery and orthodontics, and 3) Anaesthetic management of dental treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A preventive protocol is today's dental management approach of choice.

Secondary versus primary closure techniques for the prevention of postoperative complications following removal of impacted mandibular third molars: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of secondary versus primary closure techniques on the frequency and severity of pain, facial swelling, trismus, infectious complications, and postoperative bleeding after impacted mandibular third molar extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized controlled trials were identified through MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL, ongoing trial registers, meeting abstracts, doctoral and masters theses, and manual searching of the reference lists of eligible studies. Study selection, data extraction, risk of bias, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) rating of confidence in effect estimates were undertaken independently in duplicate. RESULTS: Of 1,721 identified citations, 14 studies proved eligible. Pain and facial swelling at postoperative days 3 and 7 and infectious complications at day 7 did not differ between techniques. Patients receiving secondary closure had less trismus (in millimeters) at postoperative days 3 (mean difference, 3.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.42 to 6.03, P = .002) and 7 (mean difference, 2.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.37 to 4.33; P = .02). Four randomized controlled trials reported bleeding: in 2, there was no bleeding in either group; the numbers of bleeding events with primary and secondary closures were 22 and 16 and 5 and 15, respectively, in the other 2. Because of the risk of bias and inconsistency in results, the evidence warranted, at best, low confidence in the estimates of effect across all outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although differences between primary and secondary closure techniques after impacted mandibular third molar extraction are likely to be small, available evidence provides only low confidence in the effect estimates. The results do not support a preference for either approach.

Inhibidores directos del Factor Xa para la prevención del tromboembolismo en pacientes sometidos a reemplazo total de cadera o de rodilla. Protocolo de una revisión sistemática / Direct Factor Xa inhibitors for the prevention of thromboembolism in patients undergoing total replacement of hip or knee.Protocol of a systematic review

Los reemplazos articulares de cadera y la rodilla se encuentran entre los procedimientos quirúrgicos más comunes en América del Norte y Europa y están aumentando en frecuencia. La enfermedad tromboembólica es la complicación médica más frecuente en este tipo de pacientes. Por esta razón, las guías de práctica clínicas actuales recomiendan la tromboprofilaxis de rutina con heparinas de bajo peso molecular (HBPM), antagonistas de la vitamina K (AVK) o pentasacáridos sintéticos (fondaparinux) después de estos procedimientos. (AU)

Hip and knee joint replacements are among the most common surgical procedures in North America and Europe and are increasing in frequency. Thromboembolic disease is the most common medical complication in this type of patients. For this reason, current clinical practice guidelines recommend routine thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparins (LMWH), vitamin K antagonists (AVK) or synthetic pentasaccharides (fondaparinux) after these procedures(AU)