Problemas sociales: mucha frecuencia, poca formación / Social problems: high frequency, low training

Introducción: la patología social pediátrica en relación con inequidades socioeconómicas, relaciones disfuncionales familiares, inmigración, adicciones, violencia hacia la infancia, etc. va en aumento. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar su peso en la labor asistencial del pediatra, la descripción de la formación y los conocimientos en ese ámbito, y las razones que dificultan su implicación en estos temas. Metodología: estudio multicéntrico a través de encuesta online cumplimentada por 407 profesionales médicos. Se analizaron 11 problemas en relación con el entorno familiar, escolar, pobreza, inmigración, adicciones y violencia. Resultados: los problemas del entorno familiar o escolar fueron señalados como frecuentes o muy frecuentes por alrededor del 50% de los profesionales; los relacionados con inmigración, acoso y pobreza, por el 20-30%; y los referidos a violencia o adicciones, por menos del 10%. Sin embargo, los porcentajes de formación recibida (y de conocimientos) fueron muy bajos en todos los temas (la mayor formación se aprecia en violencia de género y abuso). Se desglosan los resultados según el ámbito profesional de trabajo (hospitalario o Atención Primaria), el entorno (urbano o rural) y la edad. La mayor dificultad que alegan los profesionales para el abordaje de estos problemas es precisamente la falta de formación. Conclusiones: la patología social infantil está muy presente en la labor diaria del pediatra. Por ello, se precisa una adecuada formación y actualización en esta materia que permita detectar y atender esta patología como el resto de los problemas de la infancia. Se proponen acciones de mejora. (AU)

Introduction: paediatric social disease in relation to socioeconomic inequities, dysfunctional family relationships, immigration, addiction, violence towards children, etc has been increasing. The aim of this paper is to analyse the importance of social disease in paediatric practice and describe the training and knowledge of providers on this subject and the perceived barriers to their involvement in these issues. Methodology: multicentre study by means of an online survey with participation by 407 medical professionals. We analysed 11 social problems related to the family and school environment, poverty, immigration, substance use and violence. Results: problems in the family or school environment were reported as frequent or highly frequent by approximately 50% of the respondents; problems related to immigration, bullying and poverty, by 20-30%; and problems related to violence or addiction by less than 10%. However, the percentage of respondents that reported receiving training (and having knowledge) were very low for all topics (the frequency of training was highest for gender violence and abuse). We analysed the results based on the care setting (hospital or primary care), geographical setting (urban or rural) and age of the provider. The greatest barrier reported by professionals in tackling these problems was precisely the lack of training. Conclusions: paediatricians encounter social disease frequently in their everyday practice. For this reason, adequate and up-to-date training on the subject is required to detect and treat social disease like any other childhood problems. Some improvement strategies are proposed. (AU)

Impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en la atención a los problemas sociales. El punto de vista de los pediatras / Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on social problems care. The perspective of paediatricians

Objetivos: valorar el impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en la atención a los problemas sociales, así como los cambios en la comunicación interprofesional y con las familias, que tuvieron lugar. Métodos: se usó un cuestionario validado para recopilar los datos y se recibieron respuestas de 407 profesionales. Se usó el contraste binomial para valorar las respuestas a las hipótesis. Se usó el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson para ver si las respuestas estaban influenciadas por la edad y la U de Mann-Whitney para valorar si las respuestas fueron influenciadas por el sexo, el nivel de atención, el entorno del centro, el perfil profesional o el grado de especialización. Resultados: el confinamiento no mejoró las relaciones familiares, aumentó el número de familias que consultaban por problemas sociales y por problemas relacionados con las nuevas tecnologías. Mejoró la comunicación entre los profesionales. En la muestra global la mejoría de comunicación con las familias no alcanzó significación estadística, aunque sí lo hizo en el subgrupo de profesiones que trabajan en el ámbito rural, en la Atención Primaria y los de mayor edad. También resultó significativo el impacto en los programas de prevención y concienciación sobre la violencia de género. Conclusiones: la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 ha supuesto un impacto considerable en la atención de los problemas sociales. Desde el punto de vista de los profesionales, no hemos podido constatar mejoría de las relaciones en el núcleo familiar. Las medidas puestas en marcha para enfrentarla han mejorado la comunicación entre profesionales (AU)

Objectives: to assess the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the management of social problems and the changes that took place in the communication with families and between professionals.Methods: we collected data from 407 providers using a validated questionnaire. We used the binomial test to analyse the responses to the hypotheses, the Pearson correlation coefficient to see if the responses were influenced by age and the Mann-Whitney U test to assess whether the responses were influenced by sex, level of care, the setting of the centre, the professional category or the degree of specialisation.Results: the confinement did not improve family relationships, but did increase the number of consultations from families for social problems and problems with new technology. There was an improvement in interprofessional communication. The improvement in the communication with families was not statistically significant in the overall sample, but it was significant in providers working in rural areas, primary care providers and older providers. There was also a significant impact on gender-based violence prevention and awareness programmes.Conclusions: the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a significant impact on the management of social problems. From the point of view of providers, there was no improvement in family relationships. The measures taken to deal with the pandemic have improved communication between professionals. (AU)

Creación y validación de un instrumento para cuantificar actitudes, conocimientos y dificultades en el abordaje de los problemas sociales / Creation and validation of an instrument to quantify attitudes, knowledge and difficulties in the approach to social problems

Objetivos: Este estudio tiene como objetivo desarrollar y validar un cuestionario para evaluar actitudes, conocimientos y dificultades en el manejo de problemas sociales por parte de los profesionales de pediatría. Métodos: El desarrollo de la herramienta comenzó con una fase de conceptualización, seguida del diseño, prueba piloto y evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario tras obtener respuestas de 407 profesionales. Se realizaron análisis factoriales exploratorios (AFE) y análisis factoriales confirmatorios (AFC) para explorar la validez de constructo del cuestionario. El índice de ajuste normado (IAN), el error cuadrático medio de aproximación (ECMA), la prueba de chi-cuadrado (χ2) y el índice de ajuste comparativo (IAC) se utilizaron para probar la bondad del ajuste. La confiabilidad se exploró a través del alfa de Cronbach para la consistencia interna. Resultados: La AFE identificó doce factores. Todos los factores mostraron buena consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach 0,8434). El AFC mostró un buen ajuste al modelo (ECMA=0,037). Los valores de IAN y IAC fueron 0,742 y 0,797, respectivamente. Todos los análisis cuantitativos se llevaron a cabo con el software STATA/SE v.16.1. Conclusiones: Este cuestionario de 138 ítems distribuidos en doce factores es un instrumento fiable y válido para analizar actitudes, conocimientos y dificultades en el abordaje de problemas sociales en la infancia por parte de los pediatras, que permitirá diseñar intervenciones, de acuerdo con las necesidades y las carencias identificadas a través del mismo. (AU)

Objectives: The aim of the study was to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess attitudes, knowledge and difficulties in the management of social problems by paediatric care providers. Methods: The development of the tool started with a conceptualization phase, followed by the design, pilot testing and psychometric evaluation of the questionnaire based on the responses obtained from 407 professionals. We performed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the construct validity of the questionnaire. We used the normed fit index (NFI), the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the χ2 test and the comparative fit index (CFI) to test the goodness of fit. We assessed reliability through the Cronbach's α coefficient of internal consistency. All quantitative analyses were performed with the Stata/SE software, version 16.1. Results: The EFA identified 12 factors. All factors exhibited a good internal consistency (Cronbach's α, .8434). The CFA showed the model was a good fit (RMSEA=.037). The NAI and CAI values were .742 and .797, respectively. Conclusions: This questionnaire comprising 138 items distributed in 12 factors is a reliable and valid instrument to analyse the attitudes, knowledge and difficulties in the approach to social problems in children by paediatricians, which will allow the design of interventions according to the needs and deficiencies identified through it. (AU)

Creation and validation of an instrument to quantify attitudes, knowledge and difficulties in the approach to social problems.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess attitudes, knowledge and difficulties in the management of social problems by paediatric care providers. METHODS: The development of the tool started with a conceptualization phase, followed by the design, pilot testing and psychometric evaluation of the questionnaire based on the responses obtained from 407 professionals. We performed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the construct validity of the questionnaire. We used the normed fit index (NFI), the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the χ2 test and the comparative fit index (CFI) to test the goodness of fit. We assessed reliability through the Cronbach's α coefficient of internal consistency. All quantitative analyses were performed with the Stata/SE software, version16.1. RESULTS: The EFA identified twelve factors. All factors exhibited a good internal consistency (Cronbach's α, 0.8434). The CFA showed the model was a good fit (RMSEA=0.037). The NAI and CAI values were 0.742 and 0.797, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This questionnaire comprising 138 items distributed in twelve factors is a reliable and valid instrument to analyse the attitudes, knowledge and difficulties in the approach to social problems in children by paediatricians, which will allow the design of interventions according to the needs and deficiencies identified through it.

Menores víctimas de violencia de género: ¿se les atiende adecuadamente en el ámbito sanitario? / Minors gender violence victims: are they correctly attended in healthcare settings?

Introducción y objetivos: el objetivo fue conocer la opinión de los/as pediatras que atienden a personas menores de edad, que son hijos/as de mujeres víctimas de violencia de género (VG), sobre la formación que reciben y las herramientas con las que cuentan para su abordaje, incluyendo la propia formación y el grado de implicación que asumen en esas situaciones. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal mediante una encuesta validada utilizando Formularios de Google. Se difundió entre sanitarios/as que trabajan con personas menores de edad a través de sociedades científicas, a las que se solicitó colaboración, y de la lista de distribución PEDIAP de RedIris que agrupa a los profesionales mencionados. Resultados: respondieron a la encuesta un total de 407 profesionales. Los profesionales contemplaron la VG entre los problemas sociales de los niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNA) que acuden a sus consultas como poco frecuente: el 71% de las respuestas (el 5,6% lo consideraban frecuente). Respecto a la formación, solo el 19% de los profesionales sanitarios consultados consideran que se les ofrece suficiente formación, y solo el 15% piensan que poseen los conocimientos adecuados en esta materia. Conclusiones: aunque la VG es un problema que debe ser atendido por los profesionales sanitarios, la formación adaptada a ese ámbito, en cuanto a herramientas de detección y de intervención, sigue siendo escasa, lo que puede influir en la infradetección o en un abordaje inadecuado de la misma, así como en una afectación de la salud de los/as hijos/as de las mujeres víctimas de VG (AU)

Background: the aim was to find out the opinion of paediatricians who care for minors who are victims of gender-based violence (GBV), on the training they receive and the tools they have to deal with it, including their own training and the degree of involvement they assume in these situations.Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out through a validated survey using Google Forms. It was disseminated among healthcare professionals working with minors through scientific societies that were asked to collaborate and through the PEDIAP distribution list of RedIris, which groups together the aforementioned professionals.Results: a total of 407 professionals responded to the survey. Professionals considered GBV among the social problems of minors attending their offices as infrequent: 71% of responses (compared to 5.6% who considered it frequent). Regarding training, only 19% consider that they are offered sufficient training, and only 15% think that they have adequate knowledge in this area.Conclusions: although GBV is a problem that needs to be addressed by health professionals, training adapted to this field, in terms of detection and intervention tools, remains scarce, which may influence under-detection or an inadequate approach to it, as well as affecting the health of the children of women victims of GBV. (AU)

Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPS) in pediatric primary care.

Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to global health. Optimizing the use of antibiotics is a key measure to prevent and control this problem. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) are designed to improve clinical outcomes, minimize adverse effects and protect patients, and to ensure the administration of cost-effective treatments. Inappropriate use of antibiotics also occurs in pediatric clinical practice. For this reason, ASPs should include specific objectives and strategies aimed at pediatricians and families. Implementing these programs requires the involvement of institutions and policy makers, healthcare providers as well as individuals, adapting them to the characteristics of each healthcare setting. Pediatric primary care (PPC) faces specific issues such as high demand and immediacy, scarce specialized professional resources, difficulties to access regular training and to obtain feedback. This requires the design of specific policies and strategies to achieve the objectives, including structural and organizational measures, improvement of the information flow and accessibility to frequent trainings. These programs should reach all health professionals, promoting regular trainings, prescription support tools and supplying diagnostic tests, with adequate coordination between health care levels. Periodic evaluations and surveillance tools are useful to assess the impact of the actions taken and to provide feedback to health providers in order to adapt and improve their clinical practice to meet ASPs objectives.

Programas de optimización del uso de antibióticos (PROA) en pediatría de atención primaria / Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPS) in pediatric primary care

La resistencia a antibióticos supone una amenaza para la salud pública a nivel mundial. Su estrecha relación con el consumo de antibióticos hace necesaria la adopción de medidas para optimizar su uso. Los programas de optimización del uso de antibióticos (PROA) se diseñan para mejorar los resultados clínicos de los pacientes con infecciones, minimizar los efectos adversos asociados a su uso y garantizar la administración de tratamientos costo-eficientes. En la práctica clínica pediátrica el uso inadecuado de antibióticos es una realidad. Es por ello que los PROA deben incluir objetivos y estrategias específicos dirigidos a familias y pediatras. La implementación de estos programas requiere la implicación de instituciones, profesionales y población, adaptándolos a las características de cada ámbito asistencial. La atención primaria (AP) pediátrica presenta unas peculiaridades organizativas y asistenciales (hiperdemanda e inmediatez, escasos recursos profesionales especializados, dificultades en el acceso a la formación continuada y a la retroalimentación informativa) que exigen el diseño de medidas y estrategias propias para conseguir los objetivos fijados, que incluyan medidas estructurales, organizativas, de flujo de información y de formación continuada. Es necesario que estos programas alcancen a todos los profesionales, abordando la formación continuada, las herramientas de apoyo a la prescripción y el acceso a pruebas diagnósticas, con la adecuada coordinación interniveles. Se debe evaluar periódicamente el impacto de las distintas acciones en los objetivos planteados. La información generada debe revertir a los profesionales para que puedan adaptar su práctica clínica a la consecución óptima de los objetivos. (AU)

Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to global health. Optimizing the use of antibiotics is a key measure to prevent and control this problem. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) are designed to improve clinical outcomes, minimize adverse effects and protect patients, and to ensure the administration of cost-effective treatments. Inappropriate use of antibiotics also occurs in pediatric clinical practice. For this reason, ASPs should include specific objectives and strategies aimed at pediatricians and families. Implementing these programs requires the involvement of institutions and policy makers, healthcare providers as well as individuals, adapting them to the characteristics of each healthcare setting. Pediatric primary care (PPC) faces specific issues such as high demand and immediacy, scarce specialized professional resources, difficulties to access regular training and to obtain feedback. This requires the design of specific policies and strategies to achieve the objectives, including structural and organizational measures, improvement of the information flow and accessibility to frequent trainings. These programs should reach all health professionals, promoting regular trainings, prescription support tools and supplying diagnostic tests, with adequate coordination between health care levels. Periodic evaluations and surveillance tools are useful to assess the impact of the actions taken and to provide feedback to health providers in order to adapt and improve their clinical practice to meet ASPs objectives. (AU)

Expresión clínica de la COVID-19 en pediatría de atención primaria: estudio COVIDPAP / COVID-19 clinical features in primary care: COVIDPAP study

Objetivos: En España, las pruebas diagnósticas de COVID-19 en atención primaria estuvieron disponibles desde mayo de 2020. Previamente la mayoría de los estudios describían pacientes hospitalarios: la fiebre y la tos eran los síntomas más frecuentes. Interesaba conocer la expresión clínica de la COVID-19 pediátrica en la comunidad. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo analítico observacional de casos pediátricos (0-14 años) de 255 pediatras de atención primaria españoles, del 12/5/2020 al 30/4/2021. Los diagnósticos se determinaron por PCR, test rápido de detección de antígeno o serología IgG positiva. Resultados: Se incluyeron 10.021 niños, 48,4% mujeres, con una edad media de 8,04±4,17 años. Se detectó la infección por búsqueda de contactos (70,9%) o síntomas compatibles (18,8%). El hogar familiar fue la principal fuente de contagio (64,9%), seguido por los colegios (10%) o de origen desconocido (9,9%). No hubo diferencias significativas en la incidencia entre temporadas vacacionales o lectivas. El 43,2% fueron asintomáticos. Los síntomas más frecuentemente encontrados fueron rinorrea en menores de 2 años, fiebre entre 3 y 8 años y cefalea en mayores de 9 años. Se describen exhaustivamente los síntomas y signos observados por edad. Se hospitalizaron a 8 pacientes, uno con un síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico. No hubo fallecimientos. Conclusiones: La COVID-19 es una enfermedad leve con un gran número de casos asintomáticos, con pocas hospitalizaciones y fallecimientos. El lugar principal de transmisión es el domicilio y el cierre de colegios debería ser el último recurso para controlar la pandemia. No se pudo describir un cuadro clínico característico de la enfermedad. (AU)

Objectives: In Spain, the tools to diagnose COVID-19 were available in primary care from May 2020. Previously most studies described inpatients, and fever and cough were the most frequent symptoms. This study aims to define the clinical picture of the pediatric COVID-19 in the community. Methods: A descriptive and analytical observational study was performed including pediatric cases (0-14y) from 255 pediatricians, proportionally distributed to its population, from primary health centers in Spain, from 12th May 2020 to 30th April 2021. Diagnostics were made by PCR detection of viral RNA, rapid antigen detection test or positive IgG serology. Results: There were 10,021 positive children included, 48.4% women, mean age 8,04±4.17 years. Infection was detected due to contact tracing (70.9%), compatible symptoms (18.8%). Household was the main source of transmission (64.9%), followed by school setting (10%) or unknown (9.9%). We did not find any significant differences in the incidence between holidays and school terms. 43.2% of the children were asymptomatic. Most frequent symptoms are rhinorrhea in <2y, fever in 3-8y and headache in >9y. An exhaustive description of objective and subjective symptoms by age is made. 18 patients were hospitalized, one with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. There were no deaths. Conclusions: Pediatric COVID-19 is a mild disease, with a large number of asymptomatic cases, with very few hospital admissions and deaths. The main setting for transmission is the household, and school closures should be a last resource measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. A specific clinical picture of pediatric COVID-19 was not found. (AU)

COVID-19 clinical features in primary care: COVIDPAP study.

OBJECTIVES: In Spain, the tools to diagnose COVID-19 were available in primary care from May 2020. Previously most studies described inpatients or patients in A&E departments, and fever and cough were the most frequent symptoms. This study aims to define the clinical picture of the pediatric COVID-19 in the community. METHODS: A descriptive and analytical observational study was performed including pediatric cases (0-14years) from 255 pediatricians, proportionally distributed to its population, from primary health centers in Spain, from 12th May 2020 to 30th April 2021. Diagnostics were made by PCR detection of viral RNA, rapid antigen detection test or positive IgG serology. RESULTS: There were 10,021 positive children included, 48.4% women, mean age 8,04±4.17years. Infection was detected due to contact tracing (70.9%), compatible symptoms (18.8%). Household was the main source of transmission (64.9%), followed by school setting (10%) or unknown (9.9%). We did not find any significant differences in the incidence between holidays and school terms. 43.2% of the children were asymptomatic. Most frequent symptoms are rhinorrhea in <2years, fever in 3-8years and headache in >9years. An exhaustive description of objective and subjective symptoms by age is made. 18 patients were hospitalized, one with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: pediatric COVID-19 is a mild disease, with a large number of asymptomatic cases, with very few hospital admissions and deaths. The main setting for transmission is the household, and school closures should be a last resource measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. A specific clinical picture of pediatric COVID-19 was not found.

[COVID-19 clinical features in primary care: COVIDPAP study]. / Expresión clínica de la COVID-19 en pediatría de atención primaria: estudio COVIDPAP.

Objectives: In Spain, the tools to diagnose COVID-19 were available in primary care from May 2020. Previously most studies described inpatients, and fever and cough were the most frequent symptoms. This study aims to define the clinical picture of the pediatric COVID-19 in the community. Methods: A descriptive and analytical observational study was performed including pediatric cases (0-14y) from 255 pediatricians, proportionally distributed to its population, from primary health centers in Spain, from 12th May 2020 to 30th April 2021. Diagnostics were made by PCR detection of viral RNA, rapid antigen detection test or positive IgG serology. Results: There were 10,021 positive children included, 48.4% women, mean age 8,04 ± 4.17 years. Infection was detected due to contact tracing (70.9%), compatible symptoms (18.8%). Household was the main source of transmission (64.9%), followed by school setting (10%) or unknown (9.9%). We did not find any significant differences in the incidence between holidays and school terms. 43.2% of the children were asymptomatic. Most frequent symptoms are rhinorrhea in < 2 y, fever in 3-8 y and headache in > 9 y. An exhaustive description of objective and subjective symptoms by age is made. 18 patients were hospitalized, one with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. There were no deaths. Conclusions: Pediatric COVID-19 is a mild disease, with a large number of asymptomatic cases, with very few hospital admissions and deaths. The main setting for transmission is the household, and school closures should be a last resource measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. A specific clinical picture of pediatric COVID-19 was not found.

Estudio multicéntrico nacional sobre la organización de las consultas de Pediatría de Atención Primaria en España durante la primera ola de la pandemia de COVID-19 / Nationwide multicentre study on the organization of primary care paediatrics services in the first wave of the COVID-19

Introducción: la pandemia de COVID-19 ha originado cambios organizativos en los centros de Atención Primaria (AP). El objetivo de este estudio es conocer los cambios producidos en las consultas de Pediatría de AP durante la primera ola de la pandemia por COVID-19. Material y métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, multicéntrico y de ámbito nacional, a través de una encuesta dirigida a los pediatras de Atención Primaria (PAP) distribuida en junio de 2020. Se recogieron datos desde el 16 de marzo al 10 de mayo de 2020, dividido en cuatro periodos de dos semanas cada uno. Se preguntó sobre la forma de trabajar en los centros durante ese periodo: existencia de sistema de triaje, modalidad de atención, presencial o telefónica, y volumen de consultas atendidas. Resultados: se consideraron válidas 105 encuestas de las 110 contestadas por PAP. Participaron pediatras de 17 comunidades autónomas (el 72,4% de medio urbano). Cubrían una población de 107 715 pacientes. Realizaron consulta telemática el 90,5% (38,1% antes de la pandemia). En todos los centros se realizó triaje. La media de pacientes atendidos por profesional en cada uno de los periodos considerados fue de 144, 114, 123, 136 (277, 214, 207 y 233 en los mismos periodos del año 2019). En el 88,6% de cupos se realizaron visitas presenciales del programa de salud infantil (PSI). De toda la población atendida, los PAP notificaron ingresos por cualquier motivo de 79 pacientes y en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) de siete. No se les notificó ningún fallecimiento. Conclusiones: durante el periodo inicial de pandemia COVID-19 se registró en las consultas de Pediatría de AP un aumento muy importante de la consulta telemática y, paralelamente, una disminución significativa de la consulta presencial. Se instauraron sistemas de triaje. Se mantuvo una actividad muy alta en el PSI. Hubo un número muy bajo de ingresos y casos graves (AU)

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic has driven changes in the organization of care delivery in primary care (PC) centres. The objective of our study was to describe the changes in PC paediatric care that took place in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: we conducted a nationwide, multicentre, retrospective, observational and descriptive study through a survey of PC paediatricians with distribution of the questionnaire in June 2020. We collected data from March 16 to May 10, 2020, divided in four 2-week periods. We asked about care delivery in these centres during this period: use of triage systems, modalities of care delivery (in person or by telephone) and volume of visits. Results: we received 105 responses by PC paediatricians, of which 110 were considered valid. We obtained responses from paediatricians in 17 autonomous communities (72.4% in urban settings). Respondents served a cumulative population of 107 715 patients. A total of 90.5% provided remote care (38.1% did before the pandemic). Triage was conducted in all centres. The mean number of patients managed per paediatrician in each of the time intervals under study was 144, 114, 123 and 136 (compared to 277, 214, 207 and 233 in the same periods in 2019). In 88.6% of the caseloads, in-person appointments were conducted as part of the child health programme (CHP). The total number of hospital admissions for any reason in the cumulative catchment population was of 79 patients, and the number of admissions to the intensive care unit was 7. The respondents did not report any deaths. Conclusions: in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a substantial increase in remote primary care paediatric visits parallel to a significant decrease in in-person visits. Triage systems were implemented. There was still substantial activity in the CHP. The number of hospital admissions and cases of serious disease was very low (AU)

Acceso a pruebas complementarias para el diagnóstico de enfermedades infecciosas en las consultas de pediatría de atención primaria / Access to complementary tests for the diagnosis of infectious diseases in primary care paediatric clinics

INTRODUCCIÓN: En los procesos infecciosos la realización de pruebas complementarias puede aumentar la precisión diagnóstica, la adecuación de los tratamientos, así como dar a conocer la epidemiología y patrón de resistencias bacterianas de la comunidad. El Grupo de Patología Infecciosa de la Asociación Española de Pediatría de Atención Primaria (GPI-AEPap) diseñó este estudio para conocer la accesibilidad a pruebas complementarias (PC) y sus resultados que tienen los pediatras que trabajan en atención primaria en el ámbito de la salud pública. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional transversal descriptivo de ámbito nacional, a través de una encuesta de cumplimentación voluntaria, distribuida on line a todos los socios de AEPap y a los suscriptores de la lista de distribución PEDIAP entre los meses de abril y mayo de 2017. RESULTADOS: Se obtienen 517 respuestas. Se analizan datos del entorno profesional, así como los referidos a la solicitud de pruebas complementarias básicas (hemograma, bioquímica, sistemático de orina), utilización de Test Rápido Detección de Antígeno para Streptococo grupo A (TRDA), sobre cultivos bacterianos, serologías, pruebas diagnósticas de tosferina y tuberculosis (Mantoux) y pruebas de imagen. CONCLUSIONES: Hay variabilidad entre CCAA y áreas asistenciales. Se detectan claras áreas de mejora en la accesibilidad a diferentes PC, tiempo de recogida y envío de muestras, demora en la recepción, en los resultados y en tiempos de espera para pruebas de imagen no urgentes. Esto interfiere en la capacidad de intervención y resolución del pediatra de atención primaria

INTRODUCTION: The performing of complementary tests in infectious processes can increase the diagnostic precision, the adequacy of treatments, as well as determining the epidemiology and pattern of bacterial resistance of the community. The Infectious Pathology Group of the Spanish Association of Primary Care Paediatrics (GPI-AEPap) has designed this study in order to determine the availability of complementary tests (CT) for paediatricians working in Primary Care of the public health system as well as their results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational cross-sectional descriptive national study was carried out using a voluntary self-report questionnaire distributed online to all AEPap members and to the subscribers of the PEDIAP distribution list between the months of April and May 2017. RESULTS: A total of 517 responses were obtained. An analysis was made of the data from the professional environment, as well as those related to the request for basic supplementary tests (blood count, biochemistry, and routine urine analysis), the use of Rapid Antigen Detection Test for group A Streptococcus, bacterial cultures, serology, diagnostic tests for pertussis and tuberculosis (Mantoux), as well as imaging tests. CONCLUSIONS: There is variability between Autonomous Communities and healthcare areas. Areas for improvement were found in the accessibility to different CT, collection time and sending of samples, delay in receiving results, as well as waiting times for non-urgent imaging tests. These affect the intervention and resolution capacity of the primary care paediatrician

[Access to complementary tests for the diagnosis of infectious diseases in primary care paediatric clinics]. / Acceso a pruebas complementarias para el diagnóstico de enfermedades infecciosas en las consultas de pediatría de atención primaria.

INTRODUCTION: The performing of complementary tests in infectious processes can increase the diagnostic precision, the adequacy of treatments, as well as determining the epidemiology and pattern of bacterial resistance of the community. The Infectious Pathology Group of the Spanish Association of Primary Care Paediatrics (GPI-AEPap) has designed this study in order to determine the availability of complementary tests (CT) for paediatricians working in Primary Care of the public health system as well as their results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational cross-sectional descriptive national study was carried out using a voluntary self-report questionnaire distributed online to all AEPap members and to the subscribers of the PEDIAP distribution list between the months of April and May 2017. RESULTS: A total of 517 responses were obtained. An analysis was made of the data from the professional environment, as well as those related to the request for basic supplementary tests (blood count, biochemistry, and routine urine analysis), the use of Rapid Antigen Detection Test for group A Streptococcus, bacterial cultures, serology, diagnostic tests for pertussis and tuberculosis (Mantoux), as well as imaging tests. CONCLUSIONS: There is variability between Autonomous Communities and healthcare areas. Areas for improvement were found in the accessibility to different CT, collection time and sending of samples, delay in receiving results, as well as waiting times for non-urgent imaging tests. These affect the intervention and resolution capacity of the primary care paediatrician.

Dilemas en la atención a niños cuyas familias rechazan la vacunación / Dilemmas in the care of children whose families refuse vaccination

La contribución de las vacunas a la salud de las poblaciones es un hecho demostrado científicamente. La vacunación es la actividad sanitaria con mayor impacto en términos de años de calidad de vida ganados. Es prioritaria para mantener la salud, para eliminar determinados riesgos y para controlar situaciones de epidemia o endemia. El número de familias reticentes a vacunar a sus hijos es pequeño en nuestro país y aún lo es más el número de personas que rechazan de pleno la vacunación y son activistas antivacunas. Este poner en duda la actividad vacunal que llevan a cabo los profesionales sanitarios, es sentido por muchos como si se pusiese en duda su pericia o su integridad profesional. Esto genera sentimientos de rechazo hacia estas familias y dudas éticas en torno a las actitudes y decisiones a adoptar en estas situaciones. Se describen las circunstancias que podrían llevar a la ruptura de la relación médico-paciente, cómo prevenir esta situación y cómo afrontarla si se presentase

The contribution of vaccines to the health of populations is a scientifically proven fact. Vaccination is the health activity with the greatest impact in terms of years of quality of life gained. It is a priority to maintain health, to eliminate certain risks and to control epidemic or endemic situations. The number of families reluctant to vaccinate their children is small in our country and it is still more the number of people who completely reject vaccination and are anti-vaccine activists. The questioning of the vaccinal activity, carried out by health professionals, is felt by many as if their expertise or professional integrity was questioned. This generates feelings of rejection towards these families and ethical doubts about the attitudes and decisions to adopt in these situations. We describe the circumstances that may lead to the rupture of the doctor-patient relationship, how to prevent this situation and how to deal with it if it arises