Safety and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in 1237 patients with primary Sjögren syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the safety and efficacy of SARS-Cov-2 vaccination in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) due to scarcity of data in this population. METHODS: By the first week of May 2021, all Big Data SS Consortium centres patients who had received at least one dose of any SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were included in the study. The in-charge physician asked patients about local and systemic reactogenicity to collect SARS-CoV-2 vaccination data. RESULTS: The vaccination data of 1237 patients were received. A total of 835 patients (67%) reported any adverse events (AEs), including local (53%) and systemic (50%) AEs. Subjective symptoms (63%) were the most common local AEs, followed by objective signs at the injection site (16%), and general symptoms were the most commonly reported systemic AEs (46%), followed by musculoskeletal (25%), gastrointestinal (9%), cardiopulmonary (3%), and neurological (2%). In addition, 141 (11%) patients reported a significant worsening/exacerbation of their pre-vaccination sicca symptoms and fifteen (1.2%) patients reported active involvement in the glandular (n=7), articular (n=7), cutaneous (n=6), pulmonary (n=2), and peripheral nervous system (n=1) domains due to post-vaccination SS flares. In terms of vaccination efficacy, breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed after vaccination in three (0.24 %) patients, and positive anti-SARS-Cov-2 antibodies were detected in approximately 95% of vaccinated SS patients, according to data available. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that patients with pSS develop adequate humoral response and no severe AEs after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and therefore raise no concerns about the vaccine's efficacy or safety profile in this population.

Cost-accuracy and patient experience assessment of blood pressure monitoring methods to diagnose hypertension: A comparative effectiveness study.

Objectives: Studies of the diagnosis of hypertension have emphasized long-term cost-effectiveness analysis, but the patient experience and costs of blood pressure monitoring methods at the diagnosis stage remain unclear. We studied four diagnostic methods: a new 1 h-automated office blood pressure (BP) monitoring, office BP measurement, home BP monitoring, and awake-ambulatory BP monitoring. Methods: We carried out a comparative effectiveness study of four methods of diagnosing hypertension in 500 participants with a clinical suspicion of hypertension from three primary healthcare (PHC) centers in Barcelona city (Spain). We evaluated the time required and the intrinsic and extrinsic costs of the four methods. The cost-accuracy ratio was calculated and differences between methods were assessed using ANOVA and Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) post-hoc test. Patient experience data were transformed using Rasch analysis and re-scaled from 0 to 10. Results: Office BP measurement was the most expensive method (€156.82, 95% CI: 156.18-157.46) and 1 h-automated BP measurement the cheapest (€85.91, 95% CI: 85.59-86.23). 1 h-automated BP measurement had the best cost-accuracy ratio (€ 1.19) and office BP measurement the worst (€ 2.34). Home BP monitoring (8.01, 95% CI: 7.70-8.22), and 1 h-automated BP measurement (7.99, 95% CI: 7.80-8.18) had the greatest patient approval: 66.94% of participants would recommend 1 h-automated BP measurement as the first or second option. Conclusion: The relationship between the cost-accuracy ratio and the patient experience suggests physicians could use the new 1 h-automated BP measurement as the first option and awake-ambulatory BP monitoring in complicated cases and cease diagnosing hypertension using office BP measurement.

Face-to-Face and Tele-Consults: A Study of the Effects on Diagnostic Activity and Patient Demand in Primary Healthcare.

Primary healthcare services have changed from face-to-face to tele-consults during the two COVID-19 years. We examined trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic years based on groups of professionals, patient ages, and the associations with the diagnostic registry. We analyzed proportions for both periods, and ratios of the type of consults in 2017-2019 and 2020-2021 were calculated. The COVID-19 period was examined using monthly linear time trends. The results showed that consults in 2020-2021 increased by 24%. General practitioners saw significant falls in face-to-face consults compared with 2017-2019 (ratio 0.44; 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.45), but the increase was not proportional across age groups; patients aged 15-44 years had 45.8% more tele-consults, and those aged >74 years had 18.2% more. Trends in linear regression models of face-to-face consults with general practitioners and monthly diagnostic activity were positive, while the tele-consult trend was inverse to the trend of the diagnostic registry and face-to-face consults. Tele-consults did not resolve the increased demand for primary healthcare services caused by COVID-19. General practitioners, nurses and primary healthcare professionals require better-adapted tele-consult tools for an effective diagnostic registry to maintain equity of access and answer older patients' needs and priorities in primary healthcare.

Glycaemia Fluctuations Improvement in Old-Age Prediabetic Subjects Consuming a Quinoa-Based Diet: A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to observe if quinoa could produce a benefit on postprandial glycemia that would result in less progression to type 2 diabetes (T2D). A cross-over design pilot clinical study with a nutritional intervention for 8 weeks was performed: 4 weeks on a regular diet (RD) and 4 weeks on a quinoa diet (QD). Nine subjects aged ≥65 years with prediabetes were monitored during the first 4 weeks of RD with daily dietary records and FreeStyle Libre®. Subsequently, participants started the QD, where quinoa and 100% quinoa-based products replaced foods rich in complex carbohydrates that they had consumed in the first 4 weeks of RD. The glycemic measurements recorded by the sensors were considered as functions of time, and the effects of nutrients consumed at the intended time period were analyzed by means of a function-on-scalar regression (fosr) model. With QD participants, decreased body weight (−1.6 kg, p = 0.008), BMI (−0.6 kg/m2p = 0.004) and waist circumference (−1.5 cm, p = 0.015) were observed. Nutrients intake changed during QD, namely, decreased carbohydrates (p = 0.004) and increased lipids (p = 0.004) and some amino acids (p < 0.05). The fosr model showed a reduction in postprandial glycemia in QD despite intrapersonal differences thanks to the joint action of different nutrients and the suppression of others consumed on a regular diet. We conclude that in an old age and high T2D-risk population, a diet rich in quinoa reduces postprandial glycemia and could be a promising T2D-preventive strategy.

A motivational interview program for cardiac rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial in primary healthcare.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction permits recovery of the heart function and enables secondary prevention programs in which changes in lifestyle habits are crucial. Cardiac rehabilitation often takes place in hospitals without coordination with primary healthcare and is not focused on individual patient preferences and goals, which is the core of the motivational interview. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a cardiac rehabilitation program with a motivational interview in patients discharged from hospital after acute myocardial infarction. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized, non-pharmacological clinical trial in six primary healthcare centers in Barcelona (Spain) will assess whether a tailored cardiac rehabilitation program consisting of four motivational interviews and visits with family physicians, primary healthcare nurses and a cardiologist, coordinated with the reference hospital, results in better cardiac rehabilitation than standard care. A minimum sample of 284 participants requiring cardiac rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction will be randomized to a cardiac rehabilitation group with a motivational interview program or to standard primary healthcare. The main outcome will be physical function measured by the six-minute walk test, and the secondary outcome will be the effectiveness of secondary prevention: a composite outcome comprising control of blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, smoking and body weight. Results will be evaluated at 1,3 and 6 months. DISCUSSION: This is the first clinical trial to study the impact of a new primary healthcare cardiac rehabilitation program with motivational interviews for patients discharged from hospital after myocardial infarction. Changes in lifestyles and habits after myocardial infarction are a core element of secondary prevention and require patient-centered care strategies such as motivational interviews. Therefore, this study could clarify the impact of this approach on health indicators, such as functional capacity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTriasl.gov NCT05285969 registered on March 18, 2022.

Characterization and outcomes of 414 patients with primary SS who developed haematological malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize 414 patients with primary SS who developed haematological malignancies and to analyse how the main SS- and lymphoma-related features can modify the presentation patterns and outcomes. METHODS: By January 2021, the Big Data Sjögren Project Consortium database included 11 966 patients fulfilling the 2002/2016 classification criteria. Haematological malignancies diagnosed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification were retrospectively identified. RESULTS: There were 414 patients (355 women, mean age 57 years) with haematological malignancies (in 43, malignancy preceded at least one year the SS diagnosis). A total of 376 (91%) patients had mature B-cell malignancy, nearly half had extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) (n = 197), followed by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (n = 67), nodal MZL lymphoma (n = 29), chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) (n = 19) and follicular lymphoma (FL) (n = 17). Rates of complete response, relapses and death were 80%, 34% and 13%, respectively, with a 5-year survival rate of 86.5% after a mean follow-up of 8 years. There were significant differences in age at diagnosis (younger in MALT, older in CLL/SLL), predominant clinical presentation (glandular enlargement in MALT lymphoma, peripheral lymphadenopathy in nodal MZL and FL, constitutional symptoms in DLBCL, incidental diagnosis in CLL/SLL), therapeutic response (higher in MALT lymphoma, lower in DLBCL) and survival (better in MALT, nodal MZL and FL, worse in DLBCL). CONCLUSION: In the largest reported study of haematological malignancies complicating primary SS, we confirm the overwhelming predominance of B-cell lymphomas, especially MALT, with the salivary glands being the primary site of involvement. This highly-specific histopathological scenario is linked with the overall good prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of nearly 90%.

Gene Variation at Immunomodulatory and Cell Adhesion Molecules Loci Impacts Primary Sjögren's Syndrome.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease triggered by a combination of environmental and host genetic factors, which results in the focal lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands causing eye and mouth dryness. Glandular infiltrates include T and B cell subsets positive for CD5 and/or CD6, two surface scavenger receptors involved in the fine-tuning of intracellular signals mediated by the antigen-specific receptor complex of T (TCR) and B (BCR) cells. Moreover, the epithelial cells of inflamed glands overexpress CD166/ALCAM, a CD6 ligand involved in homo and heterotypic cell adhesion interactions. All this, together with the reported association of functionally relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CD5, CD6, and CD166/ALCAM with the risk or prognosis of some immune-mediated inflammatory disorders, led us to investigate similar associations in a local cohort of patients with pSS. The logistic regression analyses of individual SNPs showed the association of CD5 rs2241002T with anti-Ro/La positivity, CD6 rs17824933C with neutropenia, and CD6 rs11230563T with increased leukopenia and neutropenia but decreased peripheral nervous system EULAR Sjögren's syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI). Further analyses showed the association of haplotypes from CD5 (rs2241002T-rs2229177C) with anemia and thrombocytopenia, CD6 (rs17824933G-rs11230563C-rs12360861G) with cutaneous ESSDAI, and CD166/ALCAM (rs6437585C-rs579565A-rs1044243C and rs6437585C-rs579565G-rs1044243T) with disease susceptibility and several analytical parameters (anti-nuclear antibodies, neurological ESSDAI, and hematologic cytopenias). These results support the relevance of gene variation at loci coding for cell surface receptors involved in the modulation of T and B lymphocyte activation (CD5, CD6) and epithelial-immune cell adhesion (CD166/ALCAM) in modulating the clinical and analytical outcomes in patients with pSS.

Estudio de viabilidad de la ecografía abdominal con dispositivos portátiles en atención domiciliaria / Feasibility study of abdominal ultrasound using hand-held devices in homecare services

Antecedentes y objetivos:La miniaturización y portabilidad de dispositivos de ecografía permite al médico de familia aplicarlos en ámbitos como el domicilio del paciente. El presente estudio pretende demostrar que la realización de la ecografía abdominal en el domicilio de pacientes frágiles es factible, permite reducir la demora en la atención y reduce la incertidumbre diagnóstica.Pacientes y métodos:Estudio de casos y controles. Se estudió una muestra de 59 pacientes: 30 casos y 29 controles. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo del grupo casos y se comparó la variable demora entre ambos grupos.Resultados:Se observó una reducción relevante y significativa en la demora entre la ecografía practicada en atención domiciliaria y la realizada en el hospital, de hasta 10 veces menor. El 73,4% de los pacientes solo precisó control clínico por su médico de referencia. En aquellos pacientes que precisaron otras pruebas complementarias o derivación, el diagnóstico definitivo presentó una concordancia total con los resultados de la ecografía realizada al domicilio.Conclusiones:La implementación de la ecografía en atención domiciliaria es asequible y aporta beneficios clínicos relevantes para el paciente e incrementa la capacidad resolutiva del profesional. (AU)

Background and objectives:The miniaturisation and portability of ultrasound devices allow the family doctor to apply them in areas such as the patient's home. The present study aims to prove that performing an abdominal ultrasound in the home of frail patients is feasible, decreases the delay in care, and reduces diagnostic uncertainty.Patients and methods:Case-control study. A sample of 59 patients was studied: 30 cases and 29 controls. A descriptive analysis of the case group was carried out and the delay variable was compared between both groups.Results:A relevant and significant reduction, up to 10 times lower, was observed in the delay between the ultrasound performed in homecare compared those performed in the hospital. Of the patients, 73.4% only required clinical follow-up by their physician. In those patients who required other complementary tests or referrals, the definitive diagnosis was in complete agreement with the results of the ultrasound performed in homecare.Conclusions:The implementation of ultrasound in homecare services is feasible and provides relevant clinical benefits for the patient and increases the resolution capacity of the professional.

Trends in the Prescription of Strong Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain in Primary Care in Catalonia: Opicat-Padris-Project.

In chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP), evidence of the effectiveness of strong opioids (SO) is very limited. Despite this, their use is increasingly common. To examine SO prescriptions, we designed a descriptive, longitudinal, retrospective population-based study, including patients aged ≥15 years prescribed SO for ≥3 months continuously in 2013-2017 for CNCP in primary care in Catalonia. Of the 22,691 patients included, 17,509 (77.2%) were women, 10,585 (46.6%) were aged >80 years, and most had incomes of <€18,000 per year. The most common diagnoses were musculoskeletal diseases and psychiatric disorders. There was a predominance of transdermal fentanyl in the defined daily dose (DDD) per thousand inhabitants/day, with the greatest increase for tapentadol (312% increase). There was an increase of 66.89% in total DDD per thousand inhabitants/day for SO between 2013 (0.737) and 2017 (1.230). The mean daily oral morphine equivalent dose/day dispensed for all drugs was 83.09 mg. Transdermal fentanyl and immediate transmucosal release were the largest cost components. In conclusion, there was a sustained increase in the prescription of SO for CNCP, at high doses, and in mainly elderly patients, predominantly low-income women. The new SO are displacing other drugs.

Long-Term Effects on Preventing Frailty and Health Care Costs Associated with a Multifactorial Intervention in the Elderly: Three-Year Follow-Up Data from the Pre-Frail 80 Study.

INTRODUCTION: Preventing or delaying frailty has important benefits. Studies show the effectiveness of multifactorial interventions in the frail and pre-frail elderly, but few have evaluated their long-term effectiveness. Frailty and its consequences have been shown to increase the use of health resources. The main aim was to evaluate the long-term effect of a multifactorial primary healthcare intervention in pre-frail elderly people at 36 months and determine the health resources used and their cost. METHODS: A follow-up of a cohort study of patients who participated in a randomized clinical trial in an urban primary care centre in Barcelona was carried out. We included 200 non-institutionalized people aged ≥80 years who met the Fried pre-frailty criteria. The intervention group (IG) received a 6-month interdisciplinary intervention based on physical exercise, Mediterranean diet advice, assessment of inadequate prescribing in polypharmacy patients, and social assessment, while the control group (CG) received standard of care primary healthcare treatment. Sociodemographic variables were collected at baseline. The Fried criteria, comorbidities, and geriatric syndromes were collected at baseline and 12 and 36 months. For the analysis of health costs, data were collected on visits, complementary tests, hospital admissions, and surgical interventions in the last 36 months. Complexity, the rate of expected emergency admission, and the rate of expected mortality were collected at 36 months. Between-group characteristics were compared at baseline and 36 months using the χ2 test and the t test for independent samples. The post-intervention (12-month follow-up) versus longitudinal follow-up (36-month follow-up) comparison used McNemar's test for each group. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was used to compare health costs. RESULTS: Of the 200 patients initially included, we evaluated 135 (67.5%) patients who completed the 36-month follow-up. The mean age was 88.5 years and 64.4% were female. At 36 months, the transition to frailty was much lower in the IG than in the CG (22.1% vs. 32.8%, p = 0.013). The total mean health cost at 36 months was 3,110 EUR in the CG and 2,679 EUR in the IG. No significant between-group differences were observed according to Clinical Risk Groups. CONCLUSIONS: A multifactorial, interdisciplinary intervention carried out in primary care prevented frailty in pre-frail elderly people at 36-month follow-up. Although the IG was grouped into higher grade Clinical Risk Groups and therefore had greater morbidity, the cost was lower than that in the CG.

Risk Prescriptions of Strong Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Non-Cancer Pain by Primary Care Physicians in Catalonia: Opicat Padris Project.

The prescription of strong opioids (SO) for chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is steadily increasing. This entails a high risk of adverse effects, a risk that increases with the concomitant prescription of SO with central nervous system depressant drugs and with the use of SO for non-recommended indications. In order to examine this concomitant risk prescription, we designed a descriptive, longitudinal, retrospective population-based study. Patients aged ≥15 years with a continued SO prescription for ≥3 months during 2013-2017 for CNCP were included. Of these, patients who had received concomitant prescriptions of SO and risk drugs (gabapentinoids, benzodiazepines and antidepressants) and those who had received immediate-release fentanyl (IRF) were selected. The study included 22,691 patients; 20,354 (89.7%) patients received concomitant risk prescriptions. Men and subjects with a higher socioeconomic status received fewer concomitant risk prescriptions. Benzodiazepines or Z-drugs were prescribed concomitantly with SO in 15,883 (70%) patients, antidepressants in 14,932 (65%) and gabapentinoids in 11,267 (49%), while 483 (21.32%) patients received IRF (2266 prescriptions in total) without a baseline SO. In conclusion, our study shows that a high percentage of patients prescribed SO for CNCP received concomitant prescriptions with known risks, as well as IRF for unauthorized indications.

Validity and reliability of 1-h automated office blood pressure measurement for the diagnosis of hypertension.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to examine the validity of 1 h automated office blood pressure measurement for the diagnosis of hypertension. METHODS: We included patients requiring a hypertension diagnostic test. Participants underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, 1 h automated office blood pressure measurement, office blood pressure measurement and home blood pressure monitoring. The prevalence of hypertension and subtypes were calculated. Mean values of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were compared with 1 h automated office blood pressure measurement using the correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman graphs. The Kappa concordance index, sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy were calculated, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to establish the diagnostic threshold of the 1-h measurement. RESULTS: Of 562 participants, 438 (87.6%) completed the four diagnostic methods. The 1-h method had a sensitivity of 76.6 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 71.1-81.5], a specificity of 64.8% (95% CI: 57-72.1) and the best diagnostic accuracy (72.1%, 95% CI: 67.7-76.3) compared with the office and home measurements. Moderate-high correlations were observed between DBP (r = 0.73) and SBP (r = 0.58) readings. The 1-h method classified more patients as normotensive (24.4%) and fewer patients with white-coat hypertension (13.3%). A diagnostic threshold of at least 133/83 mmHg for the 1-h method could improve diagnostic accuracy by 2.3%. CONCLUSION: One-hour automated blood pressure measurement is a valid, reliable method for the diagnosis of hypertension in undiagnosed patients. The diagnostic accuracy permits detection of white-coat and masked hypertension. To diagnose hypertension, the 1-h method or conventional home blood pressure monitoring should be used rather than office measurements. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03147573.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Primary Health Care Disease Incidence Rates: 2017 to 2020.

We assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain on new cases of diseases and conditions commonly seen in primary care. In 2020, there were significant reductions from 2017-2019 in the annual incidences of hypertension (40% reduction), hypercholesterolemia (36%), type 2 diabetes (39%), chronic kidney disease (43%), ischemic heart disease (48%), benign prostatic hypertrophy (38%), osteoporosis (40%), hypothyroidism (46%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (50%), alcohol use disorder (46%), benign colon polyps and tumors (42%), and melanomas (45%). Prioritization of COVID-19 care changed the physician-patient relationship to the detriment of face-to-face scheduled visits for chronic disease detection and monitoring, which fell by almost 41%. To return to prepandemic levels of diagnosis and management of chronic diseases, primary health care services should reorganize and carry out specific actions for groups at higher risk.VISUAL ABSTRACTAnnals "Online First" article.

[Feasibility study of abdominal ultrasound using hand-held devices in homecare services]. / Estudio de viabilidad de la ecografía abdominal con dispositivos portátiles en atención domiciliaria.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The miniaturisation and portability of ultrasound devices allow the family doctor to apply them in areas such as the patient's home. The present study aims to prove that performing an abdominal ultrasound in the home of frail patients is feasible, decreases the delay in care, and reduces diagnostic uncertainty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Case-control study. A sample of 59 patients was studied: 30 cases and 29 controls. A descriptive analysis of the case group was carried out and the delay variable was compared between both groups. RESULTS: A relevant and significant reduction, up to 10 times lower, was observed in the delay between the ultrasound performed in homecare compared those performed in the hospital. Of the patients, 73.4% only required clinical follow-up by their physician. In those patients who required other complementary tests or referrals, the definitive diagnosis was in complete agreement with the results of the ultrasound performed in homecare. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of ultrasound in homecare services is feasible and provides relevant clinical benefits for the patient and increases the resolution capacity of the professional.

Clinical characterization and outcomes of 85 patients with neurosarcoidosis.

To analyze the frequency and clinical phenotype of neurosarcoidosis (NS) in one of the largest nationwide cohorts of patients with sarcoidosis reported from southern Europe. NS was evaluated according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System Sarcoidosis recently proposed by Stern et al. Pathologic confirmation of granulomatous disease was used to subclassify NS into definite (confirmation in neurological tissue), probable (confirmation in extraneurological tissue) and possible (no histopathological confirmation of the disease). Of the 1532 patients included in the cohort, 85 (5.5%) fulfilled the Stern criteria for NS (49 women, mean age at diagnosis of NS of 47.6 years, 91% White). These patients developed 103 neurological conditions involving the brain (38%), cranial nerves (36%), the meninges (3%), the spinal cord (10%) and the peripheral nerves (14%); no patient had concomitant central and peripheral nerve involvements. In 59 (69%) patients, neurological involvement preceded or was present at the time of diagnosis of the disease. According to the classification proposed by Stern et al., 11 (13%) were classified as a definite NS, 61 (72%) as a probable NS and the remaining 13 (15%) as a possible NS. In comparison with the systemic phenotype of patients without NS, patients with CNS involvement presented a lower frequency of thoracic involvement (82% vs 93%, q = 0.018), a higher frequency of ocular (27% vs 10%, q < 0.001) and salivary gland (15% vs 4%, q = 0.002) WASOG involvements. In contrast, patients with PNS involvement showed a higher frequency of liver involvement (36% vs 12%, p = 0.02) in comparison with patients without NS. Neurosarcoidosis was identified in 5.5% of patients. CNS involvement prevails significantly over PNS involvement, and both conditions do not overlap in any patient. The systemic phenotype associated to each involvement was clearly differentiated, and can be helpful not only in the early identification of neurological involvement, but also in the systemic evaluation of patients diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis.

Assessing Apps for Health Care Workers Using the ISYScore-Pro Scale: Development and Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: The presence of mobile phone and smart devices has allowed for the use of mobile apps to support patient care. However, there is a paucity in our knowledge regarding recommendations for mobile apps specific to health care professionals. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to establish a validated instrument to assess mobile apps for health care providers and health systems. Our objective is to create and validate a tool that evaluates mobile health apps aimed at health care professionals based on a trust, utility, and interest scale. METHODS: A five-step methodology framework guided our approach. The first step consisted of building a scale to evaluate apps for health care professionals based on a literature review. This was followed with expert panel validation through a Delphi method of (rated) web-based questionnaires to empirically evaluate the inclusion and weight of the indicators identified through the literature review. Repeated iterations were followed until a consensus greater than 75% was reached. The scale was then tested using a pilot to assess reliability. Interrater agreement of the pilot was measured using a weighted Cohen kappa. RESULTS: Using a literature review, a first draft of the scale was developed. This was followed with two Delphi rounds between the local research group and an external panel of experts. After consensus was reached, the resulting ISYScore-Pro 17-item scale was tested. A total of 280 apps were originally identified for potential testing (140 iOS apps and 140 Android apps). These were categorized using International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. Once duplicates were removed and they were downloaded to confirm their specificity to the target audience (ie, health care professionals), 66 remained. Of these, only 18 met the final criteria for inclusion in validating the ISYScore-Pro scale (interrator reliabilty 92.2%; kappa 0.840, 95% CI 0.834-0.847; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a reproducible methodology to objectively evaluate mobile health apps targeted to health care professionals and providers, the ISYScore-Pro scale. Future research will be needed to adapt the scale to other languages and across other domains (eg, legal compliance or security).

Sesiones breves con retroalimentación: una oportunidad para mantener las habilidades en reanimación cardiopulmonar en profesionales de atención primaria / Cardiopulmonary resuscitation skill maintenance for primary care staff: brief training sessions with feedback

Objetivo: Los dispositivos de retroalimentación en sesiones breves facilitan el aprendizaje en reanimación cardiopulmonar (RCP), pero nunca se han probado para formación en atención primaria (AP). El objetivo fue determinar si estas sesiones mejoran las habilidades de RCP en formación continuada en profesionales de AP. Método: Estudio prospectivo aleatorizado con 2 grupos de intervención (G1 y G2) y 1 grupo control (G3) en función de las personas que recibían la retroalimentación: G1: instructor y alumno, G2: solamente instructor, G3: ni instructor ni alumno. Todos recibieron 10 minutos de formación teórica común y 6 minutos de formación práctica según grupo, utilizando maniquí Annie QCPR® (Laerdal) conectado al programa de retroalimentación Skillreporter®(Laerdal). Se midieron los resultados, antes y después de la instrucción y a los 6 meses. La variable de resultado principal fue la puntuación total RCP y las variables secundarias fueron 6 relacionadas con compresión y 5 con ventilación. Resultados: La variable de resultado principal mejoró en ambos grupos (G1 y G2) respecto al control (G3). La mayoría de las variables secundarias mejoraron después de la formación. Los grupos de intervención fueron superiores al de control en la puntuación en compresión (G1: p = 0,012), la profundidad media compresiones (G1: p = 0,001, y G2: p = 0,022), el número compresiones con profundidad adecuada (G1: p = 0,026 y G2: p = 0,019) y el número ventilaciones con volumen adecuado (G1: p = 0,033). No hubo diferencias entre grupos intervención en ninguna variable. A los 6 meses, los valores de todas las variables fueron ligeramente superiores a los basales, sin diferencias entre grupos. Conclusiones: Las sesiones breves con retroalimentación son útiles para formación en RCP en AP, pero su validez no es duradera. (AU)

Objective: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) feedback applications can facilitate learning in brief training sessions, but they have never been tested in primary care settings. We aimed to see if brief CPR training sessions that include feedback improve the skills of primary care staff. Methods: Randomized trial with a control group and 2 intervention groups (G) using the feedback app and a control group: in G1, the instructor gave spoken feedback to the trainee and both could see the app; in G2, only the instructor giving feedback could see the app; and in G3, the control group, neither the instructor nor the trainee could see the app. All trainees received 10 minutes of instruction on theory followed by 6 minutes of practical instruction according to group assignment. The trainees used a high-quality CPR manikin connected to the Skillreporter feedback app (Laerdal Medical). CPR results were measured immediately before and after training and 6 months later. The main outcome measure was the overall CPR quality score. Secondary outcomes were 6 measures related to compressions and 5 related to ventilation. Results: The main outcome improved with statistical significance in the two intervention groups (G1 and G2) respect to controls (G3). Most secondary outcome measures also improved after training. Trainees in the intervention groups scored better than trainees in G3 on the compression score (G1, P = .012), mean compression depth (G1, P = .001; G2, P = .022), number of compressions with adequate depth (G1, P = .026; G2, P = .019), and number of ventilations at adequate volume (G1, P = .033). The 2 intervention groups achieved statistically similar results. At 6 months, all outcome measures remained slightly improved over baseline levels, there were no between-group differences. Conclusions: Brief retraining sessions with feedback are useful for maintaining CPR skills in primary care, but skill improvement is not long lasting. (AU)

[Primary Healthcare management models in Catalonia: May the best win?] / Modelos de gestión de la Atención Primaria en Cataluña: ¿Que gane el mejor?

OBJECTIVE: In Catalonia, the variety of the provision of Primary Healthcare has sparked intense debates over the last 20 years regarding the efficiency of the various management models. Our study analyzed the differences in the three existing management models of primary healthcare in Catalonia (the Catalan Health Institute, public consortiums and associative base entities). METHODS: The primary data were obtained from the reports of the Results Center of The Observatory of the Health System of Catalonia. Representative indicators were selected and compared with the Kruskall-Wallis test. They were later adjusted for confounding factors. RESULTS: There were differences in the average number of visits per population attended, the percentage of the population attended in the subgroup of population over 75 years of age, the percentage of patients over 74 years with more than twelve appointments, the rate of potentially avoidable hospitalizations (total and in the subgroup of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), polypharmacy, the use of lipid-lowering drugs and the detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). When adjusting for confounding variables, the differences disappeared in all of them except for the indicator on the detection of PSA. CONCLUSIONS: The differences favoured mainly the associative base entities disappear when they are corrected for confounding variables. The legal status of each provider does not significantly influence the health outcomes.

OBJETIVO: En Cataluña, la diversificación de la provisión de la Atención Primaria ha suscitado en los últimos 20 años intensos debates en torno a la eficiencia de los diversos modelos de gestión. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las diferencias existentes en resultados de salud entre los modelos clásicos de gestión de la Atención Primaria existentes en Cataluña (Institut Català de la Salut, consorcios públicos y entidades de base asociativa). METODOS: Los datos primarios se obtuvieron de los informes de la Central de resultados del Observatori del Sistema de Salut de Catalunya de la Generalitat de Cataluña. Se seleccionaron indicadores representativos y se compararon con la prueba de Kruskall-Wallis. Posteriormente, se ajustaron por factores de confusión. RESULTADOS: Se observaron diferencias en los indicadores sobre la media de visitas por población atendida, el porcentaje de población asignada atendida en el subgrupo de mayores de 75 años, el porcentaje de pacientes mayores de 74 años con más de doce visitas, la tasa de hospitalizaciones potencialmente evitables, tanto total como en el subgrupo de pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), la polimedicación, el uso de hipolipemiantes y la detección del antígeno prostático específico (PSA). Al ajustar por variables confusoras, las diferencias desaparecieron en todos ellos excepto en el indicador sobre la detección del PSA. CONCLUSIONES: Las diferencias favorables a las entidades de base asociativas desaparecen cuando se corrigen por variables confusoras. La fórmula jurídica o de provisión de servicios no parece influir de forma significativa en los resultados de salud poblacionales.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation skill maintenance for primary care staff: brief training sessions with feedback. / Sesiones breves con retroalimentación: una oportunidad para mantener las habilidades en reanimación cardiopulmonar en profesionales de atención primaria

OBJECTIVES: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) feedback applications can facilitate learning in brief training sessions, but they have never been tested in primary care settings. We aimed to see if brief CPR training sessions that include feedback improve the skills of primary care staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Randomized trial with a control group and 2 intervention groups (G) using the feedback app and a control group: in G1, the instructor gave spoken feedback to the trainee and both could see the app; in G2, only the instructor giving feedback could see the app; and in G3, the control group, neither the instructor nor the trainee could see the app. All trainees received 10 minutes of instruction on theory followed by 6 minutes of practical instruction according to group assignment. The trainees used a high-quality CPR manikin connected to the Skillreporter feedback app (Laerdal Medical). CPR results were measured immediately before and after training and 6 months later. The main outcome measure was the overall CPR quality score. Secondary outcomes were 6 measures related to compressions and 5 related to ventilation. RESULTS: The main outcome improved with statistical significance in the two intervention groups (G1 and G2) respect to controls (G3). Most secondary outcome measures also improved after training. Trainees in the intervention groups scored better than trainees in G3 on the compression score (G1, P = .012), mean compression depth (G1, P = .001; G2, P = .022), number of compressions with adequate depth (G1, P = .026; G2, P = .019), and number of ventilations at adequate volume (G1, P = .033). The 2 intervention groups achieved statistically similar results. At 6 months, all outcome measures remained slightly improved over baseline levels, there were no between-group differences. CONCLUSION: Brief retraining sessions with feedback are useful for maintaining CPR skills in primary care, but skill improvement is not long lasting.

OBJETIVO: Los dispositivos de retroalimentación en sesiones breves facilitan el aprendizaje en reanimación cardiopulmonar (RCP), pero nunca se han probado para formación en atención primaria (AP). El objetivo fue determinar si estas sesiones mejoran las habilidades de RCP en formación continuada en profesionales de AP. METODO: Estudio prospectivo aleatorizado con 2 grupos de intervención (G1 y G2) y 1 grupo control (G3) en función de las personas que recibían la retroalimentación: G1: instructor y alumno, G2: solamente instructor, G3: ni instructor ni alumno. Todos recibieron 10 minutos de formación teórica común y 6 minutos de formación práctica según grupo, utilizando maniquí Annie QCPR® (Laerdal) conectado al programa de retroalimentación Skillreporter® (Laerdal). Se midieron los resultados, antes y después de la instrucción y a los 6 meses. La variable de resultado principal fue la puntuación total RCP y las variables secundarias fueron 6 relacionadas con compresión y 5 con ventilación. RESULTADOS: La variable de resultado principal mejoró en ambos grupos (G1 y G2) respecto al control (G3). La mayoría de las variables secundarias mejoraron después de la formación. Los grupos de intervención fueron superiores al de control en la puntuación en compresión (G1: p = 0,012), la profundidad media compresiones (G1: p = 0,001, y G2: p = 0,022), el número compresiones con profundidad adecuada (G1: p = 0,026 y G2: p = 0,019) y el número ventilaciones con volumen adecuado (G1: p = 0,033). No hubo diferencias entre grupos intervención en ninguna variable. A los 6 meses, los valores de todas las variables fueron ligeramente superiores a los basales, sin diferencias entre grupos. CONCLUSIONES: Las sesiones breves con retroalimentación son útiles para formación en RCP en AP, pero su validez no es duradera.

Long Covid-19: Proposed Primary Care Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Disease Management.

Long COVID-19 may be defined as patients who, four weeks after the diagnosis of SARS-Cov-2 infection, continue to have signs and symptoms not explainable by other causes. The estimated frequency is around 10% and signs and symptoms may last for months. The main long-term manifestations observed in other coronaviruses (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)) are very similar to and have clear clinical parallels with SARS-CoV-2: mainly respiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuropsychiatric. The growing number of patients worldwide will have an impact on health systems. Therefore, the main objective of these clinical practice guidelines is to identify patients with signs and symptoms of long COVID-19 in primary care through a protocolized diagnostic process that studies possible etiologies and establishes an accurate differential diagnosis. The guidelines have been developed pragmatically by compiling the few studies published so far on long COVID-19, editorials and expert opinions, press releases, and the authors' clinical experience. Patients with long COVID-19 should be managed using structured primary care visits based on the time from diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on the current limited evidence, disease management of long COVID-19 signs and symptoms will require a holistic, longitudinal follow up in primary care, multidisciplinary rehabilitation services, and the empowerment of affected patient groups.