Clinical and surgical physician's perception of nutrition knowledge.

BACKGROUND: Due to the significant increase in the prevalence of food-related diseases, the value that physicians place on nutritional advice may have implications for patient treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of the importance of nutritional intervention among physicians in the Universidad San Francisco de Quito's (USFQ) healthcare system. METHODS: This cross-sectional study employed a telephone survey administered to a subset of all medical doctors (MDs) working in the healthcare system clinics of USFQ between 2021 and 2022. Study participants were recruited through voluntary response sample from a complete list of 253 MD. The single time questionnaire consisted of a 22-item validated survey in which attitudes, self-perceived capacity, and knowledge about nutrition ofmedical doctors were evaluated. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-sided t test, bivariate associations and linear and logistic regressions. RESULTS: 136 MDs completed the survey yielding a response rate of 54%. Our analysis grouped participants into clinical (CE) and non-clinical specialties, hereafter referred to as surgical MDs. While a higher percentage of physicians in CE are confident in their ability to provide examples of recommended food portions based on national or international guidelines, 1 in 10 do not know how to use and interpret BMI or waist circumference, and around 1 in 3 do not know how many calories there are in one gram of fat, protein, or carbohydrates, and their basic metabolic functions. Almost all survey participants believe MDs can have an impact on the eating behavior of a patient if time is used to discuss the problem, however, almost half of survey participants believe nutrition counseling is not an effective use of time. CONCLUSION: It is important to explore the perceptions and self-confidence of physicians around nutrition related issues. Our results demonstrated that nearly 1 in 4 surgical MDs do not feel capable of recognizing nutritional risk in patients, which highlights the essentiality of physicians having an updated understanding of basic nutrition principles. Future research should examine how commonly MDs refer patients to nutritionists/dietitians, as well as strategies for improving physician knowledge on basic nutrition concepts.

Calidad de atención y satisfacción del paciente atendido en una cadena de clínicas odontológicas. Lima-Perú, 2019-2020 / Quality of care and satisfaction of patients treated at a dental chain. Lima-Peru, 2019-2020

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre la calidad de atención y el grado de satisfacción de los pacientes atendidos en una cadena de clínicas odontológicas en Lima, Perú, en los años 2019 y 2020. Materiales y métodos: Enfoque cuantitativo, diseño descriptivo y transversal. Se aplicaron dos encuestas: SERVPERF (conformada por 5 dimensiones) y la encuesta de satisfacción elaborada por Ramírez (3 dimensiones). Las encuestas fueron dirigidas a los pacientes atendidos durante el periodo 2019-2020. Resultados: De los 150 encuestados se identificó que el 93,30 % de ellos percibieron una alta calidad (Parcialmente de acuerdo y Totalmente de acuerdo); el 3,30 % evidenciaron su desacuerdo con la calidad (Totalmente en desacuerdo y Parcialmente en desacuerdo) y, por tanto, fueron clasificados en un nivel de calidad baja. También se observó que el 96,70 % (145) de los pacientes entrevistados mostraron estar satisfechos con la atención recibida en la cadena de clínicas odontológicas; el 3,30 % (5) estuvieron insatisfechos, y ninguno evidenció estar moderadamente satisfecho. Conclusiones: Se concluye que existe relación directa y significativa entre la calidad de atención y la satisfacción del paciente. En la dimensión fiabilidad, sensibilidad, seguridad, empatía y elementos tangibles, la percepción de calidad también fue alta. Igualmente, en la dimensión humana, técnico-científica y entorno, los pacientes manifestaron estar satisfechos con la atención recibida.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the relationship between quality of care and degree of satisfaction of patients treated at a dental chain in Lima, Peru, from 2019 to 2020. Materials and methods: A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study. Two surveys were administered: the SERVPERF model (consisting of five dimensions) and the satisfaction survey created by Ramírez (consisting of three dimensions). Both surveys were administered to patients treated during the 2019-2020 period. Results: Out of the 150 respondents, 93.30 % perceived a high quality of care (Partially agree and Totally agree) and 3.30 % disagreed with the quality of care (Totally disagree and Partially disagree). Therefore, the latter were included in the low-quality-of-care group. It was also found that 96.70 % (145) of the surveyed patients were satisfied with their care in the dental chain, 3.30 % (5) were dissatisfied, and none was moderately satisfied. Conclusions: It is concluded that there is a direct and statistically significant relationship between quality of care and patient satisfaction. In the reliability, sensitivity, security, empathy and tangible elements dimensions, patients' perception of quality was high. Likewise, in the human, technical-scientific and environment dimensions, patients stated that they were satisfied with the care received.

Ascaris lumbricoides and its almost deadly complication.

Parasitic infections are still a burden in developing countries. The lack of sanitation and hygiene measures can result in an increase in morbidity and mortality due to parasitic infections. Surgery may be needed to treat serious complications caused by some of these parasites. Ascaris lumbricoides is one of the most common parasites and although infections are usually mild, severe complications, although rare, still exist. We present a case of a patient from the Ecuadorean Amazon region with limited access to drinking water. She presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. After surgery, a mass with a perforation due to Ascaris was discovered. After discharge and due to lack of follow up and self-care, she became infected again, this time making her prognosis more complex and her clinical presentation more difficult. However, after proper clinical and surgical management, patient fully recovered.