Adapting the Nominal Group Technique to a virtual version: an experience report.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the adaptations made to the original Nominal Group Technique (NGT), allowing it to be applied to the virtual format, preserving all its key elements. METHOD: An experience report on the adaptations and adjustments made to the original NGT to the virtual format using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), using digital tools that are available free of charge or are low cost and easy to use. RESULTS: The NGT was carried out entirely virtually and underwent adaptations in each of its four stages through the incorporation of specific digital resources. It was possible to present the most voted ideas and obtain final approval from the participants. The participants had no difficulty in using the virtual resources provided and, based on the reaction evaluation, they were satisfied with the tools provided. CONCLUSION: The adapted NGT proved to be an effective method when used in a virtual setting, capable of producing a significant number of ideas and developing consensus. The adapted tool can be used by other researchers in countries with similar resources or dimensions to Brazil.

Surveillance system for Healthcare-associated endophthalmitis at state level in a middle-income country: preliminary results / Sistema de vigilância epidemiológica para endoftalmites em nível estadual em um país de renda média: resultados preliminares

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe the implementation pro cess and the preliminary results of a surveillance system for healthcare-associated endophthalmitis. Methods: This is a case study of the implementation of a surveillance system for healthcare-associated endophthalmitis. The system for healthcare-associated endophthalmitis is a structured system that enables surveillance of cases of healthcare-associated endophthalmitis after intraocular procedures, developed and coordinated by the Division of Hospital Infection at the State Health Department, São Paulo, Brazil. The implementation process included a pilot phase, followed by a scaling-up phase. Data were reported monthly to the Division of Hospital Infection by participating healthcare facilities that performed intraocular procedures in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, from September 2017 to December 2019. Results: Among the 1,483 eligible healthcare facilities, 175 engaged in the study (participation rate of 11.8%), reporting 222,728 intraocular procedures performed, of which 164,207 were cataract surgery and 58,521 were intravitreal injections. The overall incidence rate of endophthalmitis was reported to be 0.05% (n=105; 80 cases after cataract surgery and 25 cases after intravitreal injections). The incidence rates for healthcare facilities ranged from 0.02% to 4.55%. Most cases were caused by gram-positive bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus spp. In 36 (46.2%) of the cases, there was no bacterial growth; no sample was collected in 28 (26.7%) cases. This system for healthcare-associated endophthalmitis enabled the identification of an outbreak of four cases of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injections. Conclusion: The system for healthcare-associated endophthalmitis proved to be operationally viable and efficient for monitoring cases of endophthalmitis at the state level.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o processo de implementação e os resultados preliminares de um sistema de vigilância epidemiológica para endoftalmites associada à assistência à saúde. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de caso de implementação de um sistema de vigilância epidemiológica para endoftalmites. O sistema de vigilância epidemiológica para endoftalmites é um sistema estruturado que possibilita a vigilância de casos de endoftalmite associados à assistência à saúde após procedimentos oftalmológicos invasivos, desenvolvido e coordenado pela Divisão de Infecção Hospitalar da Secretaria de Estado da Saúde, São Paulo, Brasil. O processo de implementação incluiu uma fase piloto, seguida pela fase de expansão. Os dados foram enviados mensalmente à Divisão de Infecção Hospitalar pelos estabelecimentos de saúde participantes que realizaram procedimentos oftalmológicos no estado de São Paulo, Brasil no período de setembro de 2017 a dezembro de 2019. Resultados: Entre os 1.483 estabelecimentos de saúde elegíveis, 175 participaram do estudo (taxa de adesão de 11,8%), relatando 222.728 procedimentos oftalmológicos realizados, sendo 164.207 cirurgias de catarata e 58.521 injeções intravítreas. A taxa de incidência global de endoftalmite relatada foi de 0,05% (n=105; 80 casos após cirurgia de catarata e 25 casos após injeção intravítrea). As taxas de incidência entre os estabelecimentos de saúde variaram de 0,02% a 4,55%. A maioria dos casos foi causada por bactérias gram-positivas, principalmente Staphylococcus spp. Em 36 (46,2%) casos não houve crescimento bacteriano; nenhuma amostra foi coletada em 28 (26,7%) casos. O sistema de vigilância epidemiológica para endoftalmites possibilitou a identificação de um surto de quatro casos de endoftalmite após injeção intravítrea. Conclusão: O sistema de vigilância epidemiológica para endoftalmites mostrou-se operacionalmente viável e eficiente para o monitoramento de casos de endoftalmite em nível estadual.

Adapting the Nominal Group Technique to a virtual version: an experience report / Adaptación de la Técnica del Grupo Nominal a una versión virtual: informe de una experiencia / Adaptação da Técnica de Grupo Nominal para versão virtual: relato de experiência

ABSTRACT Objective: To report on the adaptations made to the original Nominal Group Technique (NGT), allowing it to be applied to the virtual format, preserving all its key elements. Method: An experience report on the adaptations and adjustments made to the original NGT to the virtual format using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), using digital tools that are available free of charge or are low cost and easy to use. Results: The NGT was carried out entirely virtually and underwent adaptations in each of its four stages through the incorporation of specific digital resources. It was possible to present the most voted ideas and obtain final approval from the participants. The participants had no difficulty in using the virtual resources provided and, based on the reaction evaluation, they were satisfied with the tools provided. Conclusion: The adapted NGT proved to be an effective method when used in a virtual setting, capable of producing a significant number of ideas and developing consensus. The adapted tool can be used by other researchers in countries with similar resources or dimensions to Brazil.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Informar sobre las adaptaciones realizadas a la Técnica de Grupo Nominal (TGN) original, permitiendo su aplicación al formato virtual, preservando todos sus elementos clave. Método: Se trata de un informe de experiencia sobre las adaptaciones y ajustes realizados a la TGN original para el formato virtual mediante el uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC), utilizando herramientas digitales disponibles de forma gratuita o de bajo coste y fácil uso. Resultados: El TGN se realizó íntegramente de manera virtual y sufrió adaptaciones en cada una de sus cuatro etapas mediante la incorporación de recursos digitales específicos. Fue posible presentar las ideas más votadas y obtener la aprobación final de los participantes. Los participantes no tuvieron dificultades para utilizar los recursos virtuales proporcionados y, según los comentarios recibidos, se mostraron satisfechos con las herramientas facilitadas. Conclusión: El TGN adaptado demostró ser un método eficaz cuando se utiliza en un entorno virtual, capaz de producir un número significativo de ideas y desarrollar el consenso. La herramienta adaptada puede ser utilizada por otros investigadores en países con recursos o dimensiones similares a las de Brasil.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar as adaptações realizadas na Técnica de Grupo Nominal (TGN) original, permitindo sua aplicação ao formato virtual, preservando todos os seus elementos-chave. Método: Relato de experiência sobre as adaptações e adequações realizadas na TGN original ao formato virtual aplicando as Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TIC), por meio de ferramentas digitais disponibilizadas gratuitamente ou de baixo custo e de fácil manejo. Resultados: A TGN foi realizada integralmente de forma virtual e sofreu adaptações em cada uma das suas quatro etapas através da incorporação de recursos digitais específicos. Foi possível apresentar as ideias mais votadas e obter a aprovação final dos participantes. Os participantes não apresentaram dificuldade para utilizar os recursos virtuais disponibilizados, e, partir da avaliação de reação, mostram-se satisfeitos com as ferramentas disponibilizadas. Conclusão: A TGN adaptada mostrou-se um método efetivo quando utilizada em cenário virtual, sendo capaz de produzir um significativo número de ideias e desenvolver consenso. A ferramenta adaptada pode ser usada por outros pesquisadores em países com recursos ou dimensões semelhantes ao Brasil.

Competency assessment tools for infection preventionists: A scoping review.

Background: Infection prevention competencies are critical for successful job performance, career progression and robust performance of infection prevention and control programs. Aim/objective: Identify competency assessment tools available to infection preventionists and describe their characteristics, validation processes and reliability. Methods: A scoping review was conducted on five databases and grey literature from 1999 to 2022. A descriptive synthesis approach was undertaken to analyse the data. Finding/results: Seven tools that meet the inclusion criteria were identified. Of those, one tool was reviewed twice. All tools were developed in the United Kingdom, Canada, China and the United States, and were published between 2009 and 2022. All tools use a rating scale; and the most used method to assess competencies was self-assessment. Levels of competency were cited by five tools. Two tools provided information on validation methods and reliability tests for internal consistency. Discussion: Few competency assessment tools are available in the literature, and there is a lack of information on their development process. A global effort to develop an assessment tool that allows comparison across countries and cultures can be a step forward to propel infection preventionists' careers and enhance the efficacy of Infection Prevention and Control Programs.

Workload assessment: cross-cultural adaptation, content validity and instrument reliability.

OBJECTIVES: to adapt, validate the content and assess the reliability of the instrument National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Task Load Index, translated into Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: a methodological study, divided into five steps: translation; synthesis; back-translation; assessment of the Portuguese version by an expert committee; pre-test and content validity of the final version by health professionals working in inpatient units. The Content Validity Index (CVI) (minimum 0.80) and Cronbach's alpha (minimum 0.70) were calculated. RESULTS: in the first round, in the agreement analysis of the translated version, three items did not reach the minimum CVI value. It was decided to remove the statement. The instrument title and items "performance" and "effort" were changed. There was consensus and approval of the final version in the pre-test step. CONCLUSIONS: the NASA Task Load Index instrument, adapted to Brazilian Portuguese, presents reliability and content validity evidence.

The governance of antimicrobial resistance in Brazil: Challenges for developing and implementing a one health agenda.

This article explores stakeholders' perceptions of the challenges for developing a One Health agenda to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Brazil, including the development and implementation of the Brazilian National Action Plan (BR-NAP). The data originate from 27 interviews conducted with human, environmental, and animal health stakeholders, including academics, managers, and policymakers involved in developing the BR-NAP. Through thematic analysis, we identified three interconnected themes: governance, the health system, and technical and scientific challenges. The findings draw particular attention to failures in the agenda-setting process, revealed by interviewees strongly emphasising that AMR is not considered a policy priority in Brazil. The lack of political will and awareness of the clinical, social, and economic impacts of AMR are considered the main impediments to the agenda's progress. The joint work across disciplines and ministries must be reinforced through policymaker engagement and better environmental sector integration. The agenda must include sustainable governance structures less affected by political winds. Policies should be designed jointly with state and local governments to create strategies to engage communities and improve their translation into effective implementation.

Coping with in-locus factors and systemic contradictions affecting antibiotic prescription and dispensing practices in primary care-A qualitative One Health study in Brazil.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing threat to global health. The risks and sanitary consequences of AMR are disproportionately experienced by those living in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). While addressing antibiotic use has largely been documented in hospital settings, the understanding of social drivers affecting antibiotic prescribing and dispensing practices in the context of human and animal health in primary care (PC) in LMICs remains extremely limited. We seek to explore how in-locus and multi-level social factors influence antibiotic prescriptions and dispensing practices in the context of human and animal health in primary care in Brazil. This is a baseline qualitative One Health study; semi-structured interviews and field observations were undertaken in primary care sites located in a socioeconomically vulnerable area in the city of São Paulo, the most populated city of Brazil. Twenty-five human and animal healthcare professionals (HP) were purposely sampled. Interview data were subject to thematic analysis. Three overlapping social drivers were identified across HPs' discourses: individual and behavioral challenges; relational and contextual factors influencing the overprescription of antibiotics (AB); and structural barriers and systemic contradictions in the health system. As a result of the interaction between multilevel in-locus and structural and contextual factors, HPs experience contextual and territorial challenges that directly influence their risk perception, diagnosis, use of laboratorial and image exams, time and decision to undergo treatment, choice of AB and strategies in coping with AB prescriptions. Additionally, in-locus factors influencing antibiotic prescriptions and dispensing practices are intertwined with individual accounts of risk management, systemic contradictions and ambivalences in the national health system. Our findings suggest interventions tackling AB use and AMR in Brazil should consider the social context, the complex health system structure and current integrated programs and services in PC.

Experiences of antibiotic use among Brazilian healthcare users: An exploratory study.

INTRODUCTION: This article analyzes experiences of antibiotic use and bacterial infections among Primary Health Care users of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and the possible implications for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim is to map aspects that shape users' lay knowledge regarding antibiotics use and AMR. METHODS: This is an exploratory study, which consists primarily of individual in-depth interviews with 19 respondents. Recurrent interview topics were coded and analysed according to thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Our findings show users' lived experiences constitute three dimensions related to users' previous antibiotic use: (1) lay knowledge about medicines; (2) previous bacterial infections and (3) communication during the consultation. Lay knowledge encompasses the users' understanding of how antibiotics work in comparison to other drugs and experimentations they make with medication. Users' narratives about bacterial infections are divided into situations of urinary tract infections and antibiotic treatments for other conditions. Communication during the consultation is mainly characterized by a lack of shared knowledge and trust in the doctor-patient relationship. DISCUSSION: Users bring together knowledge learned from their own experiences to create the rationale, which shapes how they understand antibiotic use, bacterial infections and medical advice. These experiences are interwoven with information received from healthcare professionals (HPs) on these topics, creating a scenario that goes beyond professional information about antibiotic use. Users have knowledge about medication, antibiotics use and bacterial infection but do not have room to share it with HP, allowing lived experiences to take precedence over professional information. CONCLUSION: Users ascribe symbolic meanings to antibiotics creating a lay knowledge frame, even if this knowledge is not scientifically correct. The personal experiences of bacterial infections and their treatment are also an important source of knowledge about antibiotic use and AMR among users. Users demand from their HPs both trust and willingness to listen to their health narratives and experiences. By considering lay knowledge as part of the assessment of a user's health condition, rather than dismissing it as erroneous and therefore unworthy of attention, HPs may enhance the compliance of users. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients or community members did not participate in the design stage of the study. Primary Care patients were invited to participate as respondents of in-depth interviews, which were carried out by the first author at a Primary Care Unit (PCU) in the suburb of Campo Limpo, Southern region of São Paulo, Brazil. Patients were interviewed after reading and signing a Free and Informed Consent Form, holding with them a copy of the Form. Among the final activities of the project, a feedback session at the same PCU is planned to report on the results of the study. All respondents will have the opportunity to contribute further information regarding their antibiotic use and exchange knowledge and experiences on antimicrobial resistance.

Workload assessment: cross-cultural adaptation, content validity and instrument reliability / Evaluación de la carga de trabajo: adaptación transcultural, validez de contenido y confiabilidad del instrumento / Avaliação da carga de trabalho: adaptação transcultural, validade de conteúdo e confiabilidade de instrumento

ABSTRACT Objectives: to adapt, validate the content and assess the reliability of the instrument National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Task Load Index, translated into Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: a methodological study, divided into five steps: translation; synthesis; back-translation; assessment of the Portuguese version by an expert committee; pre-test and content validity of the final version by health professionals working in inpatient units. The Content Validity Index (CVI) (minimum 0.80) and Cronbach's alpha (minimum 0.70) were calculated. Results: in the first round, in the agreement analysis of the translated version, three items did not reach the minimum CVI value. It was decided to remove the statement. The instrument title and items "performance" and "effort" were changed. There was consensus and approval of the final version in the pre-test step. Conclusions: the NASA Task Load Index instrument, adapted to Brazilian Portuguese, presents reliability and content validity evidence.

RESUMEN Objetivos: adaptar, validar el contenido y evaluar la confiabilidad del instrumento National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Task Load Index , traducido al portugués brasileño. Métodos: estudio metodológico, dividido en cinco etapas: traducción; síntesis; traducción inversa; evaluación de la versión portuguesa por un comité de expertos; pretest y validación de contenido de la versión final por profesionales de la salud que actúan en unidades de hospitalización. Se calculó el Índice de Validez de Contenido (IVC) (mínimo 0,80) y el alfa de Cronbach (mínimo 0,70). Resultados: en la primera ronda, en el análisis de concordancia de la versión traducida, tres ítems no alcanzaron el valor mínimo de IVC. Se decidió eliminar la declaración. Se modificó el título del instrumento y los ítems "desempeño" y "esfuerzo". Hubo consenso y aprobación de la versión final en la etapa de pre-prueba. Conclusiones: el instrumento NASA Task Load Index , adaptado al portugués brasileño, presenta evidencias de confiabilidad y validez de contenido.

RESUMO Objetivos: adaptar, validar o conteúdo e avaliar a confiabilidade do instrumento National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Task Load Index , traduzido para o português brasileiro. Métodos: estudo metodológico, dividido em cinco etapas: tradução; síntese; retrotradução; avaliação da versão em português por comitê de especialistas; pré-teste e validação de conteúdo da versão final por profissionais de saúde atuantes em unidades de internação. Foram calculados o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo (IVC) (mínimo 0,80) e o alfa de Cronbach (mínimo 0,70). Resultados: na primeira rodada, na análise de concordância da versão traduzida, três itens não alcançaram o valor mínimo do IVC. Optou-se pela remoção do enunciado. O título do instrumento e os itens "desempenho" e "esforço" foram alterados. Houve consenso e aprovação da versão final na etapa de pré-teste. Conclusões: o instrumento Índice NASA de carga de tarefa, adaptado para o português brasileiro, apresenta evidências de confiabilidade e validade de conteúdo.

Surveillance system for Healthcare-associated endophthalmitis at state level in a middle-income country: preliminary results.

PURPOSE: To describe the implementation pro cess and the preliminary results of a surveillance system for healthcare-associated endophthalmitis. METHODS: This is a case study of the implementation of a surveillance system for healthcare-associated endophthalmitis. The system for healthcare-associated endophthalmitis is a structured system that enables surveillance of cases of healthcare-associated endophthalmitis after intraocular procedures, developed and coordinated by the Division of Hospital Infection at the State Health Department, São Paulo, Brazil. The implementation process included a pilot phase, followed by a scaling-up phase. Data were reported monthly to the Division of Hospital Infection by participating healthcare facilities that performed intraocular procedures in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, from September 2017 to December 2019. RESULTS: Among the 1,483 eligible healthcare facilities, 175 engaged in the study (participation rate of 11.8%), reporting 222,728 intraocular procedures performed, of which 164,207 were cataract surgery and 58,521 were intravitreal injections. The overall incidence rate of endophthalmitis was reported to be 0.05% (n=105; 80 cases after cataract surgery and 25 cases after intravitreal injections). The incidence rates for healthcare facilities ranged from 0.02% to 4.55%. Most cases were caused by gram-positive bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus spp. In 36 (46.2%) of the cases, there was no bacterial growth; no sample was collected in 28 (26.7%) cases. This system for healthcare-associated endophthalmitis enabled the identification of an outbreak of four cases of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injections. CONCLUSION: The system for healthcare-associated endophthalmitis proved to be operationally viable and efficient for monitoring cases of endophthalmitis at the state level.

Step-by-step approach to reopening a Brazilian higher education institution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: to describe the experience of reopening a Brazilian higher education institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: experience report of a step-by-set approach to reopening a nursing higher education institution in São Paulo, Brazil, from May 2020 to May 2021. RESULTS: the plan was created and operated by a group including students, professors, and technical-administrative workers. Weekly or by-weekly meetings occurred according to changes in the epidemiological situation and the needs to review the local technical and political agreements. CONCLUSIONS: we suggest that reopening plans during the COVID-19 pandemic should be politically and technically legitimated by all members of the community of a higher education institution so that they can take place quickly and sustainably. The early identification of COVID-19 cases and the adoption of local administrative measures are necessary to reduce the risk of outbreaks.

Nosocomial outbreaks: A review of governmental reporting systems.

OBJECTIVE: Identifying and describing components of existent governmental reporting systems of NO aiming at informing the design of the implementation of NO reporting systems in countries where they were not fully established. DESIGN: A systematic search was carried out on PubMed, Embase, and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature database. We included studies published from January 2007 to June 2019 describing NO governmental reporting systems. Additionally, we included studies from the list of references in the identified papers, to gather more information about NO reporting systems. We also reviewed documents published in the governmental health department's Web sites, such as outbreak management guidelines and surveillance protocols, provided they were cited in the papers. RESULTS: NO reporting systems were reported in France (Alsace Region), Germany, Norway, United Kingdom, United States (New York State; New York City), Australia (Victoria State), Sweden (Skane Region), Ireland, Scotland (Lothian Region), and Canada (Winnipeg; Ontario). These systems vary according to the type of targeted NO event, such as gastroenteritis, influenza-like illness, invasive group A streptococcal disease or all-health care-acquired infection NO. Germany, Norway, New York City, New York State, Ireland, Winnipeg, and Ontario have established a mandatory reporting for NO. CONCLUSIONS: There is high variability among countries regarding governmental NO reporting systems. This may hinder opportune inter- and intracountries communication concerning NO of potential international public health relevance.

Step-by-step approach to reopening a Brazilian higher education institution during the COVID-19 pandemic / Abordaje paso a paso para reapertura de institución de enseñanza superior brasileña en la pandemia COVID-19 / Abordagem passo a passo para reabertura de instituição de ensino superior brasileira na pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe the experience of reopening a Brazilian higher education institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: experience report of a step-by-set approach to reopening a nursing higher education institution in São Paulo, Brazil, from May 2020 to May 2021. Results: the plan was created and operated by a group including students, professors, and technical-administrative workers. Weekly or by-weekly meetings occurred according to changes in the epidemiological situation and the needs to review the local technical and political agreements. Conclusions: we suggest that reopening plans during the COVID-19 pandemic should be politically and technically legitimated by all members of the community of a higher education institution so that they can take place quickly and sustainably. The early identification of COVID-19 cases and the adoption of local administrative measures are necessary to reduce the risk of outbreaks.

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir la reapertura de una institución de enseñanza superior brasileña en la pandemia COVID-19. Métodos: informe de las experiencias vividas en el plan de abordaje paso a paso para reapertura de una institución brasileña de enseñanza superior de Enfermería en São Paulo, Brasil, de mayo/2020 a mayo/2021. Resultados: el plan fue construido y puesto en marcha por un grupo con estudiantes, profesores y servidores técnico-administrativos. Las reuniones semanales o quincenales se producían en función de los cambios en el panorama epidemiológico y de la necesidad de revisar los pactos técnicos y políticos locales. Conclusiones: sugerimos que el plan de reapertura se legitime política y técnicamente entre todos los miembros de la comunidad de una institución de enseñanza superior para que se produzca, de manera ágil y sostenida, la identificación precoz de casos y la adopción de medidas administrativas locales encaminadas a reducir el riesgo de brotes.

RESUMO Objetivos: descrever a experiência de reabertura de uma instituição de ensino superior brasileira na pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: relato das experiências vivenciadas no plano de abordagem passo a passo para reabertura de uma instituição de ensino superior brasileira de Enfermagem em São Paulo, Brasil, no período de maio/2020 a maio/2021. Resultados: o plano foi construído e operacionalizado por um grupo com estudantes, docentes e servidores técnico-administrativos. As reuniões semanais ou quinzenais ocorreram conforme as mudanças no panorama epidemiológico e a necessidade de revisão das ações técnicas e políticas locais. Conclusões: sugerimos que o plano de reabertura na pandemia de COVID-19 seja legitimado política e tecnicamente entre todos os membros da comunidade de uma instituição de ensino superior para que ocorra, de forma ágil e sustentada, a identificação precoce de casos de COVID-19 e a adoção de medidas administrativas locais visando reduzir o risco de surtos.