Telemedicine in the management of patients with headache: current situation and recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unexpected boost to telemedicine. We analyse the impact of the pandemic on telemedicine applied in Spanish headache consultations, review the literature, and issue recommendations for the implementation of telemedicine in consultations. METHOD: The study comprised 3 phases: 1) review of the MEDLINE database since 1958 (first reported experience with telemedicine); 2) Google Forms survey sent to all members of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group (GECSEN); and 3) online consensus of GECSEN experts to issue recommendations for the implementation of telemedicine in Spain. RESULTS: COVID-19 has increased waiting times for face-to-face consultations, increasing the use of all telemedicine modalities: landline telephone (from 75% before April 2020 to 97% after), mobile telephone (from 9% to 27%), e-mail (from 30% to 36%), and video consultation (from 3% to 21%). Neurologists are aware of the need to expand the availability of video consultations, which are clearly growing, and other e-health and m-health tools. CONCLUSIONS: The GECSEN recommends and encourages all neurologists who assist patients with headaches to implement telemedicine resources, with the optimal objective of offering video consultation to patients under 60-65 years of age and telephone calls to older patients, although each case must be considered on an individual basis. Prior approval and advice must be sought from legal and IT services and the centre's management. Most patients with stable headache and/or neuralgia are eligible for telemedicine follow-up, after a first consultation that must always be held in person.

Exacerbations Among Patients With Asthma Are Largely Dependent on the Presence of Multimorbidity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Comorbidities can influence asthma control and promote asthma exacerbations (AEs). However, the impact of multimorbidity in AEs, assessed based on long-term follow-up of patients with asthma of different degrees of severity, has received little attention in real-life conditions. To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and predictors of AEs in patients who had presented at least 1 AE in the previous year in the MEchanism of Genesis and Evolution of Asthma (MEGA) cohort. METHODS: The work-up included a detailed clinical examination, pulmonary function testing, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), blood counts, induced sputum, skin prick-tests, asthma questionnaires, and assessment of multimorbidity. The number of moderate-severe AEs in the preceding year was registered for each patient. RESULTS: The study population comprised 486 patients with asthma (23.7% mild, 35% moderate, 41.3% severe). Disease remained uncontrolled in 41.9%, and 47.3% presented ≥1 moderate-severe AE, with a mean (SD) annual exacerbation rate of 0.47 (0.91) vs 2.11 (2.82) in mild and severe asthma, respectively. Comorbidity was detected in 56.4% (66.6% among those with severe asthma). Bronchiectasis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, atopy, psychiatric illnesses, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension were significantly associated with AEs. No associations were found for FeNO, blood eosinophils, or total serum IgE. Sputum eosinophilia and a high-T2 inflammatory pattern were significantly associated with AEs. Multivariable regression analysis showed a significant association with asthma severity, uncontrolled disease, and low prebronchodilator FEV1/FVC. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed a high frequency of AE in the MEGA cohort. This was strongly associated with multimorbidity, asthma severity, poor asthma control, airflow obstruction, higher sputum eosinophils, and a very high-T2 inflammatory pattern.

Exacerbations Among Patients With Asthma Are Largely Dependent on the Presence of Multimorbidity

Introduction: Comorbidities can influence asthma control and promote asthma exacerbations (AEs). However, the impact of multimorbidity in AEs, assessed based on long-term follow-up of patients with asthma of different degrees of severity, has received little attention in real-life conditions. Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and predictors of AEs in patients who had presented at least 1 AE in the previous year in the MEchanism of Genesis and Evolution of Asthma (MEGA) cohort. Methods: The work-up included a detailed clinical examination, pulmonary function testing, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), blood counts, induced sputum, skin prick-tests, asthma questionnaires, and assessment of multimorbidity. The number of moderate-severe AEs in the preceding year was registered for each patient. Results: The study population comprised 486 patients with asthma (23.7% mild, 35% moderate, 41.3% severe). Disease remained uncontrolled in 41.9%, and 47.3% presented ≥1 moderate-severe AE, with a mean (SD) annual exacerbation rate of 0.47 (0.91) vs 2.11 (2.82) in mild and severe asthma, respectively. Comorbidity was detected in 56.4% (66.6% among those with severe asthma). Bronchiectasis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, atopy, psychiatric illnesses, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension were significantly associated with AEs. No associations were found for FeNO, blood eosinophils, or total serum IgE. Sputum eosinophilia and a high-T2 inflammatory pattern were significantly associated with AEs. Multivariable regression analysis showed a significant association with asthma severity, uncontrolled disease, and low prebronchodilator FEV1/FVC.Conclusions: Our study revealed a high frequency of AE in the MEGA cohort. This was strongly associated with multimorbidity, asthma severity, poor asthma control, airflow obstruction, higher sputum eosinophils, and a very high-T2 inflammatory pattern (AU)

SEDAR/SECCE ECMO management consensus document.

ECMO is an extracorporeal cardiorespiratory support system whose use has been increased in the last decade. Respiratory failure, postcardiotomy shock, and lung or heart primary graft failure may require the use of cardiorespiratory mechanical assistance. In this scenario perioperative medical and surgical management is crucial. Despite the evolution of technology in the area of extracorporeal support, morbidity and mortality of these patients continues to be high, and therefore the indication as well as the ECMO removal should be established within a multidisciplinary team with expertise in the area. This consensus document aims to unify medical knowledge and provides recommendations based on both the recent bibliography and the main national ECMO implantation centres experience with the goal of improving comprehensive patient care.

Telemedicine in the management of patients with headache: current situation and recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group. / Aplicación de la telemedicina en la asistencia a pacientes con cefaleas: situación actual y recomendaciones del Grupo de Estudio de Cefaleas de la Sociedad Española de Neurología.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unexpected boost to telemedicine. We analyse the impact of the pandemic on telemedicine applied in Spanish headache consultations, review the literature, and issue recommendations for the implementation of telemedicine in consultations. METHOD: The study comprised 3 phases: 1) review of the MEDLINE database since 1958 (first reported experience with telemedicine); 2) Google Forms survey sent to all members of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group (GECSEN); and 3) online consensus of GECSEN experts to issue recommendations for the implementation of telemedicine in Spain. RESULTS: COVID-19 has increased waiting times for face-to-face consultations, increasing the use of all telemedicine modalities: landline telephone (from 75% before April 2020 to 97% after), mobile telephone (from 9% to 27%), e-mail (from 30% to 36%), and video consultation (from 3% to 21%). Neurologists are aware of the need to expand the availability of video consultations, which are clearly growing, and other e-health and m-health tools. CONCLUSIONS: The GECSEN recommends and encourages all neurologists who assist patients with headaches to implement telemedicine resources, with the optimal objective of offering video consultation to patients under 60-65 years of age and telephone calls to older patients, although each case must be considered on an individual basis. Prior approval and advice must be sought from legal and IT services and the centre's management. Most patients with stable headache and/or neuralgia are eligible for telemedicine follow-up, after a first consultation that must always be held in person.

Menisco discoide en niños y adolescentes: correlación entre la morfología y la presencia de lesiones / Discoid meniscus in children and adolescents: Correlation between morphology and meniscal tears

Introducción: Algunos autores han sugerido que su menor vascularización, la estabilidad periférica y el grosor del menisco discoide (MD) lo predispondrían a lesionarse. Los objetivos de este estudio son: 1) Analizar las características morfológicas por resonancia magnética (RM) de este grupo, y 2) Correlacionar el tamaño del menisco con la presencia de lesiones del menisco afectado. Métodos: Se evaluaron todas las RM de rodilla en pacientes ≤18 años en un período de 5 años y se identificaron aquellas con diagnóstico de MD. Se analizaron datos demográficos, localización, morfología, presencia de lesión intrameniscal, el patrón de la misma, desplazamiento y otros hallazgos asociados. Se calculó además la altura y altura por ancho meniscal (AxA). La correlación entre las variables: morfología, altura y AxA con la presencia de lesión fue analizada estadísticamente. Resultados: Se evaluaron 685 RM de 675 pacientes. Cuarenta y tres rodillas (38 pacientes, 20 masculinos) presentaban MD (6,3%). La edad promedio fue de 12,2±3,8 años (r: 4-18 años). Los pacientes con MD completo tuvieron mayor incidencia de lesiones (77,3 vs. 47,6%; p=0,001). Las lesiones en asa de cubo y complejas (n=11) solo se presentaron en pacientes con MD completo. Los MD con lesión presentaron una tendencia no significativa a tener mayor altura meniscal y mayor AxA (6,29±1,26 vs. 5,75±0,66mm; p=0,20 y 107,5±36,02 vs. 91,54±16,5mm2; p=0,162). Conclusión: Los resultados de esta serie apoyan la teoría de que el mayor tamaño meniscal sería uno de los principales factores que predisponen a que el MD se lesione

Background: Some authors have suggested that the diminished vascular blood supply, peripheral stability and thickness of the discoid meniscus (DM) would make it more prone to tears. The aims of this study are two-fold: 1) To analyse morphological characteristics by magnetic resonance (MRI), and 2) To correlate the size of the meniscus with the presence of meniscal tears. Methods: The MRI of patients ≤18 years-old over a period of 5 years were reviewed, and patients with DM were identified. We analysed demographic data, location (medial or lateral), morphology (Watanabe), meniscal tears (Crues classification), pattern, displacement, and other associated findings. Meniscal height and thickness per width (TxW) were also calculated. The correlation between variables: morphology, height and TxW with the presence of meniscal tears were statistically analysed. Results: Six hundred and eighty-five MRI (675 patients) were analysed. Forty-three knees (38 patients, 20 males) were found to have a DM (6.3%). The average age was 12.2±3.8 years (range: 4-18 years). Sixty-three percent had some type of meniscal injury. Patients with complete MD had a higher incidence of injuries (77.3 vs. 47.6%; P=.001). Longitudinal (bucket handle) and complex tears (n ??=11) only occurred in patients with complete DM. DM with tears presented a nonsignificant tendency to have higher meniscal height and higher TxW (6.29±1.26 vs 5.75±.66mm; P=.20 and 107.5±36.02 vs. 91.54±16.5mm2; P=.162). Conclusion: The results of this series support the theory that a larger meniscal size would be one of the main predisposing factors for the DM to be injured

Discoid meniscus in children and adolescents: Correlation between morphology and meniscal tears. / Menisco discoide en niños y adolescentes: correlación entre la morfología y la presencia de lesiones.

BACKGROUND: Some authors have suggested that the diminished vascular blood supply, peripheral stability and thickness of the discoid meniscus (DM) would make it more prone to tears. The aims of this study are two-fold: 1) To analyse morphological characteristics by magnetic resonance (MRI), and 2) To correlate the size of the meniscus with the presence of meniscal tears. METHODS: The MRI of patients ≤18 years-old over a period of 5 years were reviewed, and patients with DM were identified. We analysed demographic data, location (medial or lateral), morphology (Watanabe), meniscal tears (Crues classification), pattern, displacement, and other associated findings. Meniscal height and thickness per width (TxW) were also calculated. The correlation between variables: morphology, height and TxW with the presence of meniscal tears were statistically analysed. RESULTS: Six hundred and eighty-five MRI (675 patients) were analysed. Forty-three knees (38 patients, 20 males) were found to have a DM (6.3%). The average age was 12.2±3.8 years (range: 4-18 years). Sixty-three percent had some type of meniscal injury. Patients with complete MD had a higher incidence of injuries (77.3 vs. 47.6%; P=.001). Longitudinal (bucket handle) and complex tears (n ??=11) only occurred in patients with complete DM. DM with tears presented a nonsignificant tendency to have higher meniscal height and higher TxW (6.29±1.26 vs 5.75±.66mm; P=.20 and 107.5±36.02 vs. 91.54±16.5mm2; P=.162). CONCLUSION: The results of this series support the theory that a larger meniscal size would be one of the main predisposing factors for the DM to be injured. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study (Level of evidence: III).

Anemia, hiponatremia, hipoalbuminemia y déficit de vitamina K como factores de riesgo para osteoporosis / Anemia, hyponatremia, hypoalbuminemia and vitamin k deficit as risk factors for osteoporosis

La Osteoporosis es un síndrome altamente prevalente en la población mayor, tanto la que ha sufrido fracturas como la que no. Aunque con frecuencia se le relaciona con la menopausia, existen varios otros elementos involucrados en su génesis. Estos frecuentemente coexisten en diversa proporción y son, por lo general, oligosintomáticos o generan signosintomatología muy inespecífica. Esto hace que su diagnóstico y tratamiento se retrase u omita, aumentando el riesgo de caídas y fracturas, y dificultando los procesos de consolidación ósea. Aunque su nivel de evidencia es aún diverso, frecuentemente son hallados cuando se implementa su búsqueda en pacientes mayores fracturados. Por lo que, con independencia de si su relación con la osteoporosis es o no significativa, conviene buscarlos y manejarlos por el riesgo que constituyen por sí mismos. En esta revisión nos referiremos a cuatro de estas condiciones: Hipoalbuminemia, hiponatremia, anemia y deficiencia de vitamina K.

Osteoporosis is very prevalent in the aged and is seen in both those who have suffered fractures and those who have not. Frequently related to the menopause, there are other elements involved in its pathogenesis. These frequently co-exist and are, generally, oligo-symptomatic or have non-specific symptomatology. This causes delays or omissions in their diagnosis and treatment, thereby increasing the risk of falls and fractures and interfering with bone consolidation. Although their evidence levels are diverse, these factors are frequently to be found once directly looked for in the aged fracture patient. Therefore, even though their relation to the osteoporosis may not be significant, it is best to test for them and treat them for the risk they present. In this review we look at four of these conditions: hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, anemia and vitamin K deficiency

Severe renal failure and thrombotic microangiopathy induced by malignant hypertension successfully treated with spironolactone.

Malignant hypertension can cause thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) characterized by hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. On the other hand, severe hypertension is sometimes associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Distinguishing these entities is important because of therapeutic implications. Plasmapheresis should be initiated as soon as possible if we are dealing with TTP. We describe the case of a 30-year-old man referred to our hospital with malignant hypertension, severe renal failure and TMA: haemoglobin=9g/dL, total bilirubin=0.4mg/dL, haptoglobin≤10mg/dL, platelet count=59,000/µL and schistocytes on peripheral smear. He required initiation of hemodialysis. Additionally, we considered that the possible cause of TMA was malignant hypertension according to the presence of hypertensive retinopathy and thrombocytopenia which remitted only with blood pressure control, hence, plasmapheresis was not given. Renal function did not improve and the patient remained chronic hemodialysis. Intensive therapy for hypertension with a combination of antihypertensive drugs including spironolactone successfully lowered his blood pressure without developing hyperkalemia.

Morbidity and mortality of acute renal failure in the Critical Care Unit of a regional hospital. / Morbimortalidad del fracaso renal agudo en la Unidad de Cuidados Críticos de un hospital comarcal.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the study is to perform an analysis on the incidence, predictive variables, and severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) and its impact on the morbidity and mortality of patients in the Resuscitation and Special Care Unit (RSCU) of a regional hospital. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted that included all patients admitted from 1 January 2012 to 1 January 2015 (1,115 patients). The follow-up was until 15 July 2015. A descriptive statistical analysis of clinical-epidemiological and analytical variables was carried out. An analysis was then performed AKI in RSCU and mortality, as well as the agreement between the RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of Kidney Function, and End-stage Kidney Disease)/AKIN (Acute Kidney Injury Network)/KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) criteria (kappa index). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to select the variables associated with the presentation of AKI in RSCU and a univariate (Kaplan-Meier) and multivariate survival analysis (Cox regression). The statistical analysis was carried out using the statistical package SPSS 21. RESULTS: During admission to RSCU, 486 patients presented with AKI (43.6%), of which 21% were in stage I, 13.8% in stage II, and in stage III 8.7%. A high level of agreement was observed between the RIFLE/AKIN/KDIGO criteria. The variables that were related to the presence of AKI, are male (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.02-2.30), to high Charlson comorbidity index (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.09-1.26), carriers of chronic kidney disease (OR: 5.99; 95% CI: 4.58-8.18), admission due to surgery (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.24-2.30), and shock (OR: 4.70; 95% CI: 3.34-6.61). The probability of survival during admission in RSCU decreases in patients with AKI (HR: 5.44; 95% CI: 1.70-17.39), and as the individual severity index of Liaño increases (HR: 10.29; 95% CI: 3.34-31.76). The probability of survival at the end of follow-up after hospital discharge decreases in patients with AKI (HR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.14-2.61), as the individual severity index of Liaño increases (HR: 9,6; 95% CI: 5.07-18.20), the Charlson comorbidity index>6 (HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03-1.15), low serum albumin<2.5mg/dL (HR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.13-2.53), age by year>70 years (HR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.04), males (HR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.06-1.79) and carriers of previous chronic kidney disease (HR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.02-2.38). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the presentation of an episode of AKI was an independent factor associated both with mortality during admission to RSCU, and later after hospital discharge. It is necessary to know the risk factors of this complication in order to adopt preventive measures.

Evaluation of an Online Educational Program for Parents and Caregivers of Children With Food Allergies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The increasing prevalence of food allergy affects both patients and their families. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an online educational program designed for parents and caregivers of children with food allergies. The program was developed by a multidisciplinary group comprising health care professionals, researchers, and expert patients under the participatory medicine model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants took a 2-week online educational program covering major topics in food allergy management. General knowledge about the disease, symptoms, treatment, and topics relevant to families' daily lives were evaluated. The contents included educational videos, online forums, and live video chats. A pretest/posttest questionnaire survey was used to evaluate the impact of the program. RESULTS: A total of 207 participants enrolled in the educational program, which was completed by 130 (62.8%). Knowledge acquisition improved significantly following participation in the program in 15 out of 30 items (50%), reaching P<.001 for 8 items (26.7%). Of the 207 participants who started the program, 139 (67.1%) visited online forums, and 27.5% attended video chats. Average overall satisfaction with the educational program was 8.78 (on a scale of 0 to 10). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained show that parents improved their knowledge in all areas of food allergy. The high level of satisfaction among participants suggests that digital learning tools are effective and motivational, enabling patients to acquire appropriate knowledge and thus increasing their quality of life.

A new classification system for the restoration of root filled teeth.

The aim of this report is to (i) review the current literature on the status of root filled teeth, (ii) analyse the most important factors in decision-making, (iii) discuss the current restorative concepts, and (iv) classify both the evidence and clinical practice in a way that seeks to be clear, understandable and helpful for clinicians. Restoration of root filled teeth represents a challenge for the clinician and remains a controversial subject. The guidelines describe a new classification that is drawn from evidence presented in the literature and also from clinical expertise-based reviews. It describes five categories of teeth.

Evaluation of an online educational program for parents and caregivers of children with food allergies

Background: The increasing prevalence of food allergy affects both patients and their families. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an online educational program designed for parents and caregivers of children with food allergies. The program was developed by a multidisciplinary group comprising health care professionals, researchers, and expert patients under the participatory medicine model. Material and Methods: Participants took a 2-week online educational program covering major topics in food allergy management. General knowledge about the disease, symptoms, treatment, and topics relevant to families’ daily lives were evaluated. The contents included educational videos, online forums, and live video chats. A pretest/posttest questionnaire survey was used to evaluate the impact of the program. Results: A total of 207 participants enrolled in the educational program, which was completed by 130 (62.8%). Knowledge acquisition improved significantly following participation in the program in 15 out of 30 items (50%), reaching P<.001 for 8 items (26.7%). Of the 207 participants who started the program, 139 (67.1%) visited online forums, and 27.5% attended video chats. Average overall satisfaction with the educational program was 8.78 (on a scale of 0 to 10). Conclusions: The results obtained show that parents improved their knowledge in all areas of food allergy. The high level of satisfaction among participants suggests that digital learning tools are effective and motivational, enabling patients to acquire appropriate knowledge and thus increasing their quality of life (AU)

Introducción: El aumento de la prevalencia de la alergia alimentaria afecta no solo a los pacientes, sino también a sus familias. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de un programa educativo online, diseñado para padres y cuidadores de niños con alergia alimentaria. El programa fue desarrollado por un grupo multidisciplinario de profesionales sanitarios, investigadores y pacientes expertos, bajo el modelo de la medicina participativa. Material y métodos: Los participantes tomaron parte en un programa educativo online de dos semanas que cubría los principales temas relacionados con la alergia a alimentos. Se evaluó el conocimiento general acerca de la enfermedad y aspectos relevantes para la vida diaria de la familia. Los contenidos incluyeron: videos educativos, foros online y videoconferencias en directo. Para evaluar el impacto del programa se utilizó un cuestionario pre y post-intervención. Resultados: Un total de 207 participantes se inscribieron en el programa. De éstos 130 (62,8%) lo completaron. En 15 (50%) de los 30 aspectos evaluados se observó mejoría en el conocimiento previo, alcanzando una significación de <0,001 en 8 ítems (26,7%). De los 207 participantes que iniciaron el programa, 139 (67,1%) visitaron los foros online y 27,5% asistieron a las videoconferencias. La satisfacción media con el programa fue de 8,78 (escala 0 a 10). Conclusión: Los resultados demuestran la mejoría del conocimiento de los padres en los temas incluidos en el programa. La alta satisfacción obtenida sugiere que las herramientas de aprendizaje digital son eficaces y motivadoras para adquirir conocimientos y habilidades que permitan mejorar la calidad de vida (AU)

Knowledge of asthma and anaphylaxis among teachers in Spanish schools

Introduction: Allergic diseases affect 15-20% of the paediatric population in the industrialised world. Most educational centres in Spain do not have health professionals among their staff, and the teachers are in charge of child care in school. The advisability of specific training of the teaching staff should be considered, with the introduction of concrete intervention plans in the event of life-threatening emergencies in schools. Material and methods: Evaluation of the training needs constitutes the first step in planning an educational project. In this regard, the Health Education Group of the Spanish Society of Clinical Immunology, Allergology and Paediatric Asthma (Grupo de Educación Sanitaria de la Sociedad Española de Inmunología Clínica, Alergología y Asma Pediátrica [SEICAAP]) assessed the knowledge of teachers in five Spanish Autonomous Communities, using a self-administered questionnaire specifically developed for this study. The data obtained were analysed using the SPSS statistical package. Results: A total of 2479 teachers completed the questionnaire. Most of them claimed to know what asthma is, and almost one half considered that they would know how to act in the event of an asthma attack. This proportion was higher among physical education teachers. Most would not know how to act in the case of anaphylaxis or be able to administer the required medication. In general, the teachers expressed interest in receiving training and in having an interventional protocol applicable to situations of this kind. Discussion: It is important to know what the training requirements are in order to develop plans for intervention in the event of an emergency in school. Teachers admit a lack of knowledge on how to deal with these disorders, but express a wish to receive training (AU)

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Knowledge of asthma and anaphylaxis among teachers in Spanish schools.

INTRODUCTION: Allergic diseases affect 15-20% of the paediatric population in the industrialised world. Most educational centres in Spain do not have health professionals among their staff, and the teachers are in charge of child care in school. The advisability of specific training of the teaching staff should be considered, with the introduction of concrete intervention plans in the event of life-threatening emergencies in schools. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Evaluation of the training needs constitutes the first step in planning an educational project. In this regard, the Health Education Group of the Spanish Society of Clinical Immunology, Allergology and Paediatric Asthma (Grupo de Educación Sanitaria de la Sociedad Española de Inmunología Clínica, Alergología y Asma Pediátrica [SEICAAP]) assessed the knowledge of teachers in five Spanish Autonomous Communities, using a self-administered questionnaire specifically developed for this study. The data obtained were analysed using the SPSS statistical package. RESULTS: A total of 2479 teachers completed the questionnaire. Most of them claimed to know what asthma is, and almost one half considered that they would know how to act in the event of an asthma attack. This proportion was higher among physical education teachers. Most would not know how to act in the case of anaphylaxis or be able to administer the required medication. In general, the teachers expressed interest in receiving training and in having an interventional protocol applicable to situations of this kind. DISCUSSION: It is important to know what the training requirements are in order to develop plans for intervention in the event of an emergency in school. Teachers admit a lack of knowledge on how to deal with these disorders, but express a wish to receive training.

Evaluation of an educational programme with workshops for families of children with food allergies

BACKGROUND: When a child is diagnosed with a food allergy, prevention and patient education are the key interventions for maintaining the child's health and quality of life and that of his or her whole family. However, health education activities for the families of children with food allergies are very limited, and most of these activities have not been evaluated. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to develop an educational programme, to empower its participants through workshops, and to evaluate its results. METHODS: Several types of educational materials were created specifically for the programme, called "Proyecto CESA" ("STOP-FAR Project: Stop Food-Induced Allergic Reactions"). The programme was carried out in seven Spanish cities and was attended by parents and caregivers. The workshops were led by physicians specialising in allergies and by expert patients. Afterwards, participant learning and satisfaction were evaluated based on questionnaires that were completed both before and after the workshops. RESULTS: A significant improvement was observed in 29 items out of 40 (McNemar's test). Participant satisfaction with the programme was also very high: 90% rated the course between 8 and 10 points out of a possible 10 (41% rated it as a 10). CONCLUSION: The face-to-face workshops, which included utilisation of educational materials, had positive results in terms of learning as well as in levels of satisfaction in participating families

No disponible

Evaluation of an educational programme with workshops for families of children with food allergies.

BACKGROUND: When a child is diagnosed with a food allergy, prevention and patient education are the key interventions for maintaining the child's health and quality of life and that of his or her whole family. However, health education activities for the families of children with food allergies are very limited, and most of these activities have not been evaluated. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to develop an educational programme, to empower its participants through workshops, and to evaluate its results. METHODS: Several types of educational materials were created specifically for the programme, called "Proyecto CESA" ("STOP-FAR Project: Stop Food-Induced Allergic Reactions"). The programme was carried out in seven Spanish cities and was attended by parents and caregivers. The workshops were led by physicians specialising in allergies and by expert patients. Afterwards, participant learning and satisfaction were evaluated based on questionnaires that were completed both before and after the workshops. RESULTS: A significant improvement was observed in 29 items out of 40 (McNemar's test). Participant satisfaction with the programme was also very high: 90% rated the course between 8 and 10 points out of a possible 10 (41% rated it as a 10). CONCLUSION: The face-to-face workshops, which included utilisation of educational materials, had positive results in terms of learning as well as in levels of satisfaction in participating families.