Contribuições dos grupos operativos da atenção básica a partir da visão dos usuários / Aportes de los grupos operativos de atención primaria desde la visión de los usuarios / Contributions of primary care operating groups from user perception

Os grupos em saúde nascem para fomentar práticas coletivas de saúde, tendo se expandido para a atenção básica, encontrando ressonância na promoção da saúde e da qualidade de vida. Baseados nas teorias de Pichon-Rivière e de Yalom e Leszcz, esses grupos são capazes de contribuir para mudanças significativas na qualidade de vida de seus usuários participantes. Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as contribuições dos grupos operativos da atenção primária à saúde a partir da visão de seus usuários e compreender a operacionalização desses grupos. Trata-se de pesquisa descritiva e analítica de caráter qualitativo, realizada em quatro grupos operativos em saúde da atenção básica de um município do Rio Grande do Norte, no interior do semiárido nordeste brasileiro. Os dados foram coletados por questionário socioeconômico e grupos focais entre março e agosto de 2023, sendo utilizada estatística descritiva para os questionários e análise temática de conteúdo para os grupos focais. Os questionários revelaram um predomínio de participantes do sexo feminino, com faixa etária acima dos 60 anos e situação socioeconômica de baixa renda. A análise de conteúdo demonstrou a efetividade dos grupos em produzir vetores grupais e fatores terapêuticos, além de seu potencial, como campo para a educação popular em saúde, em fomentar as redes sociais, o apoio, o acolhimento e o bem-estar biopsicossocial. Os grupos em saúde são estratégias eficazes na promoção da saúde e na qualidade de vida. Entretanto, ressalta-se a necessidade de pesquisas que avaliem a eficácia global dos grupos nos processos de morbimortalidade.

Health care groups were created to promote collective health practices and were expanded into Primary Care, helping to promote health and quality of life. Based on the theories of Pichon-Rivière and Yalom and Lezscz, these groups can contribute to significant changes in the quality of life of their participating users. Thus, this article analyzes the contributions of Primary Health Care operating groups from users' perspective and understands their operationalization. A descriptive analytical qualitative research was conducted with four health operating groups in Primary Care from a municipality in Rio Grande do Norte, in the semi-arid northeastern Brazil. Data were collected by means of a socioeconomic questionnaire and focus groups between March and August 2023, and investigated using descriptive statistics (questionnaires) and thematic content analysis (focus groups). The questionnaires revealed a predominance of female participants over 60 years old and with low-income socioeconomic status. Content analysis showed the groups' effectiveness in producing group vectors and therapeutic factors, as well as their potential as a field for popular health education in fostering social networks, support, user embracement, and biopsychosocial well-being. Health groups are effective strategies for promoting health and quality of life, future research should evaluate their global effectiveness in morbidity and mortality.

Los grupos de salud se crearon para promover prácticas de salud colectiva y se expandieron a la atención primaria, repercutiendo en la promoción de la salud y la calidad de vida. Basados en las teorías de Pichon-Rivière y Yalom y Lezscz, los grupos son capaces de contribuir a cambios significativos en la calidad de vida de sus usuarios participantes. Este artículo tuvo por objetivo analizar las contribuciones de los grupos operativos de atención primaria de la salud desde la perspectiva de sus usuarios, así como comprender la operacionalización de estos grupos. Se trata de una investigación cualitativa, descriptiva y analítica, realizada en cuatro grupos operativos de salud en atención primaria de un municipio de Rio Grande do Norte (Brasil), en el interior de la región semiárida del Nordeste de Brasil. Los datos se recogieron de un cuestionario socioeconómico y de grupos focales en el período entre marzo y agosto de 2023, utilizando estadística descriptiva para los cuestionarios y análisis de contenido temático para los grupos focales. Los cuestionarios revelaron un predominio de los participantes del sexo femenino, mayores de 60 años y con nivel socioeconómico de bajos ingresos. El análisis de contenido demostró la eficacia de los grupos en la producción de vectores grupales y factores terapéuticos, además de su potencial como campo de educación popular en salud para fomentar redes sociales, apoyo, acogida y bienestar biopsicosocial. Los grupos de salud son estrategias efectivas para promover la salud y la calidad de vida. Sin embargo, se destaca la necesidad de investigaciones que evalúen la efectividad global de los grupos en los procesos de morbimortalidad.

The lived experiences and perceptions of middle-aged adults in Dominica who have survived severe storms-a qualitative exploration.

Introduction: The Eastern Caribbean island of Dominica has experienced diverse negative effects from the North Atlantic hurricane season, including deadly storms like Hurricane Maria in 2017. Vulnerability is increased by geographic location, small island developing state (SIDS) status, and ecosystem characteristics. A variety of negative health effects including stress and anxiety are caused by powerful storms. The perspectives of middle-aged (the "sandwich generation") survivors in this post-storm milieu are understudied. Methods: This phenomenological qualitative study describes the perceptions of middle-aged (35-55 years) Dominicans, purposively recruited with gatekeeper assistance from communities stratified according to four natural hazard vulnerability categories designated by the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD), regarding their lived experiences in the context of severe storms. Data was collected between June and August 2022, using primarily Zoom-based semi-structured, individual interviews (12 of 13), guided by the principles of saturation and maximum variation. Verbatim interview transcripts were thematically analyzed with constant comparison using an ATLAS.ti-supported hybrid deductive-inductive coding frame. Reflexivity and contact summary sheets were used to minimize bias. Results: Ten women and three men from diverse CREAD vulnerability and sociodemographic backgrounds were recruited. Data condensation yielded three organizing themes: (i) "The diverse health effects of severe storms", (ii) "Response to and recovery from severe storms", and (iii) "Preparedness and precaution for severe storms". These themes encapsulated the health impacts of severe storms on Dominicans and elucidated the role of facilitating and barricading resilience factors. Discussion: Severe storms produced direct and indirect mental, social, and physical health impacts on middle-aged Dominicans, including anxiety and burnout. Participants used faith-based, tangible community-based support, and emotional mechanisms to cope with and demonstrate resilience. Better risk communication and early warning systems would improve population readiness. Persistent dispirited attitudes toward storm preparedness among some participants suggest the need for targeted methods to enhance community involvement in disaster planning, including traditional approaches like "coup-de-main" (self-help).

Guided web app intervention for reducing symptoms of depression in postpartum women: Results of a feasibility randomized controlled trial.

Background: Chile faces a significant postpartum depression prevalence and treatment gap, necessitating accessible interventions. While cognitive-behavioral internet-based interventions have proven effective in high-income countries, this field is underdeveloped in Chile. Based on the country's widespread use of digital technology, a guided 8-week cognitive-behavioral web app intervention named "Mamá, te entiendo" was developed. Objective: This study aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of "Mamá, te entiendo", for reducing depressive symptomatology in postpartum women. Methods: Sixty-five postpartum women with minor or major depression were randomly assigned to either intervention or waitlist. Primary outcomes centered on study feasibility, intervention feasibility, and acceptability. Semi-structured interviews with a sub-sample enriched the understanding of participants' experiences. Secondary outcomes included mental health variables assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. Results: Chilean women displayed great interest in the intervention. 44.8 % of participants completed the intervention. Participants reported high satisfaction and engagement levels, with interviewees highlighting the value of the intervention's content, exercises, and therapist's feedback. However, preliminary efficacy analysis didn't reveal a significant interaction between group and time for outcome measures. Discussion: This research represents a pioneering effort in Chile to evaluate an internet-based intervention for postpartum depression symptoms. The demonstrated feasibility and acceptability highlight the potential of integrating technology-driven approaches into mental health interventions. However, the intervention did not demonstrate superiority, as both groups exhibited similar positive progress in several outcomes. Therefore, the following research phase should involve a larger and more diverse sample to assess the intervention's effectiveness, identify influencing factors, and determine the individuals who benefit the most.

Support Groups Versus Primary Mental Healthcare on Disability and Continuity of Care: Community Trial [Support Groups for Recovery].

Based on the need to implement strategies to reduce recovery gaps in mental health with the community as axes of recovery, the objective of the present study was to assess the impact on psychosocial disability and care continuity in individuals with suicidal behavior, of the clinical and community components of the Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP), versus exclusive psychiatric care. For this, a controlled community trial carried out in 2023 was conducted, comprising intervention groups: Support Group (SG), mhGAP Group (mhGAPG) and a Control Group (CG). Self-report measurements were collected pretest and posttest, utilizing the Psychosocial Disability Scale and the Alberta Continuity of Care Scale. The study involved the participation of 94 individuals with a history of suicidal behavior, with 30 individuals in the SG, 34 in the mhGAP group, and 30 in the CG. Categorical variables were summarized using frequency distribution tables. Descriptive statistics were used to examine participants' characteristics at the study outcome and estimate treatment compliance. The Mann-Whitney U Test examined differences in sociodemographic variable frequencies. The Jarque-Bera test confirmed a normal distribution for psychological variables, warranting the use of parametric tests. Differences in mean values across groups, each with two measurements per individual, were assessed using a type II repeated measures ANOVA. There were significant differences based on the intervention, with the effect being greater in the SG across all domains. Significant improvement was observed in all domains of the disability and continuity of care scale within the intervention groups. Both groups showed improvement, with better results for the SG. In conclusion, a methodology is proposed for implementing support groups based on core components, which effectively enhances psychosocial disability and the continuity of mental health care, especially in suicidal behavior.

Design and validation of a scale of core components of community interventions in mental health.

AIMS: To develop and validate an instrument to identify the core components of community strategies for mental health, especially mutual aid groups: The Mutual Aid Scale . METHODS: 135 community strategies leaders participated in the study. The core components are active agency, coping strategies, recognition, and management of emotions, problem-solving strategies, supportive interaction, trust, self-identity construction, and strengthening of social networks. With these components a scale was designed. Content validity was carried out in addition to an exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS: Two dimensions resulted, strengthening of agency capacity and Coping strategies, and the internal consistency of both factors was acceptable, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.722 and 0.727, respectively. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) statistic was used with a score of 0.831 and the Barlett Sphericity Test, with a significant value of 265.175. CONCLUSION: This scale identifies the components of community interventions for mental health and can contribute to a better implementation of these strategies. It also articulates autonomous community processes with strategies developed in health services.

Estratégias de autoajuda para pacientes em cuidados paliativos e seus familiares: revisão integrativa

Objetivo: Identificar as estratégias disponíveis na literatura internacional que forneça métodos de autoajuda para pacientes em cuidados paliativos e seus familiares. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada entre abril e maio de 2022, utilizando as bases de dados e bibliotecas online Medline, Scielo, Scopus, CINAHL e Web of Science. Os estudos foram selecionados de forma rigorosa, através da utilização de diferentes combinações dos MESH's e palavras chaves self-help, groups, palliative care, medicine in literature, literature, health, disease com o operador booleano AND. Foi utilizado um aplicativo online de gerenciamento de revisões, Rayyan - Intelligent Systematic Review, sendo realizada a dupla verificação cega. Na busca primária foram encontrados 3259 estudos, após a aplicação dos critérios de exclusão 16 artigos compuseram o corpus de análise que usou como forma de apreciação a metodologia descritiva. Resultados: Obteve-se como principais achados a utilização de grupos de autoajuda como uma importante estratégia para auxiliar pacientes e familiares em situações desafiadoras que cernem o final de vida, outras estratégias foram vislumbradas como o uso de cartilhas, espaços e programas, que tendem a auxiliar nos momentos em que é necessário a comunicação de más notícias ou passar por situações de perda antecipatória e luto. Houve a predominância de estudos de abordagem qualitativa, e em maioria realizados na Suécia. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que a estratégia dominante foi os grupos de autoajuda, que demonstraram ser um espaço de troca de conhecimento e experiências pessoais, entre os indivíduos participantes.

Objetivo: Identificar las estrategias disponibles en la literatura internacional que brindan métodos de autoayuda para pacientes de cuidados paliativos y sus familias. Método: Se trata de una revisión bibliográfica integrativa, realizada entre abril y mayo de 2022, utilizando las bases de datos y bibliotecas en línea Medline, Scielo, Scopus, CINAHL y Web of Science. Los estudios fueron seleccionados rigurosamente, utilizando diferentes combinaciones de MESH y las palabras clave autoayuda, grupos, cuidados paliativos, medicina en la literatura, literatura, salud, enfermedad, con el operador booleano AND. Se utilizó una aplicación en línea de gestión de revisiones. Rayyan - Intelligent Systematic Review, con verificación doble ciego. En la búsqueda primaria se encontraron 3259 estudios; tras aplicar los criterios de exclusión 16 artículos compusieron el corpus de análisis. Resultados: Los principales hallazgos fueron el uso de grupos de autoayuda como estrategia importante para asistir a pacientes y familiares en situaciones desafiantes al final de la vida. Se vislumbraron otras estrategias como el uso de cartillas, espacios y programas, que tienden a asistir en momentos en que es necesario comunicar malas noticias o atravesar situaciones de pérdida anticipada y duelo. Hubo un predominio de estudios con enfoque cualitativo, y la mayoría de ellos realizados en Suecia. Conclusión: Se evidenció que la estrategia dominante fueron los grupos de autoayuda, que demostraron ser un espacio para el intercambio de información conocimientos y experiencias personales entre las personas participantes.

Objective: To identify the strategies available in the international literature that provide self-help methods for palliative care patients and their family members. Method: This is an integrative literature review conducted between April and May 2022 in the following online databases and libraries: Medline, Scielo, Scopus, CINAHL and Web of Science. The studies were selected rigorously using different combinations of MESH terms and keywords self-help, groups, palliative care, medicine in literature, literature, health, disease; with the AND Boolean operator. An online review management app was used, Rayyan - Intelligent Systematic Review, performing a double-blind check. A total of 3,250 studies were found in the primary search; after applying the exclusion criteria, 16 articles comprised the analysis corpus. Results: Conclusion:

Criação e desenvolvimento de grupos de apoio para o autocuidado em hanseníase em um estado do Nordeste brasileiro / Creation and development of support groups for leprosy self-care in a state in the northeast of Brazil

Resumo Objetivo Compreender a criação e desenvolvimento de grupos de apoio para o autocuidado em hanseníase em um estado do Nordeste brasileiro. Métodos Estudo qualitativo realizado em três grupos no Nordeste do Brasil, entre fevereiro e dezembro de 2019. A coleta de dados englobou entrevistas, observação participante e análise documental. Os dados foram analisados segundo a técnica de análise de conteúdo a partir dos temas preestabelecidos: implantação, organização e continuidade dos grupos. Resultados A implantação dos grupos apresentou como motivos comuns a necessidade de ampliação dos cuidados, e de otimização do tempo de trabalho. O estigma e questões da organização dos serviços foram obstáculos para a implantação. O fator mais relevante para a continuidade dos grupos foi o envolvimento dos coordenadores nas atividades. O apoio de atores externos como ONG e universidades foram relevantes para a implantação e continuidade. Considerações finais As similaridades e diferenças dos grupos relacionam-se aos participantes, à indução e apoio da política de saúde e às interferências de atores externos. Grupos de apoio para o autocuidado em hanseníase são espaços que potencializam a prática de cuidado. O estudo contribui com a implantação ou reorganização de grupos de apoio ao autocuidado.

Abstract Objective To understand the creation and development of support groups for leprosy in a state in the northeast of Brazil. Methods Qualitative study conducted with three groups in northeast Brazil, from February to December 2019. Data collection included interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Data were analyzed using the content analysis technique, considering preestablished topics: implementation, organization, and continuity of the groups. Results The most common reasons presented by the groups for the implementation were the needs to expand care and optimize working time. The stigma and service organization issues were obstacles to implementation. The most relevant factor for the continuity of groups was the involvement of the coordinators in the activities. Support from external actors, such NGOs and universities, was relevant to implementation and continuity. Final considerations Similarities and differences among groups are related to participants, actions to foster the groups, health policy support, and interference from external actors. Support groups for leprosy self-care are spaces that strengthen the practice of care. This study contributed to implement or reorganize self-care support groups.

Assisted technology in Parkinson's disease gait: what's up? / Tecnologia assistida na marcha da doença de Parkinson: o que há de novo?

Abstract Background Gait disturbances are prevalent and debilitating symptoms, diminishing mobility and quality of life for Parkinson's disease (PD) individuals. While traditional treatments offer partial relief, there is a growing interest in alternative interventions to address this challenge. Recently, a remarkable surge in assisted technology (AT) development was witnessed to aid individuals with PD. Objective To explore the burgeoning landscape of AT interventions tailored to alleviate PD-related gait impairments and describe current research related to such aim. Methods In this review, we searched on PubMed for papers published in English (2018-2023). Additionally, the abstract of each study was read to ensure inclusion. Four researchers searched independently, including studies according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results We included studies that met all inclusion criteria. We identified key trends in assistive technology of gait parameters analysis in PD. These encompass wearable sensors, gait analysis, real-time feedback and cueing techniques, virtual reality, and robotics. Conclusion This review provides a resource for guiding future research, informing clinical decisions, and fostering collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and policymakers. By delineating this rapidly evolving field's contours, it aims to inspire further innovation, ultimately improving the lives of PD patients through more effective and personalized interventions.

Resumo Antecedentes Os distúrbios da marcha são sintomas prevalentes e debilitantes, diminuindo muito a mobilidade e a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos com doença de Parkinson (DP). Embora os tratamentos tradicionais ofereçam alívio parcial, há um interesse crescente em intervenções alternativas para enfrentar esse desafio. Recentemente, um aumento notável no desenvolvimento de tecnologia assistida (TA) foi testemunhado para ajudar indivíduos com DP. Objetivo Explorar o cenário crescente de intervenções de TA adaptadas para aliviar deficiências de marcha relacionadas à DP e descrever as pesquisas atuais para esse fim. Métodos Nessa revisão, pesquisamos artigos em inglês publicados no PubMed de 2018 a 2023. Além disso, os resumos de cada trabalho foram lidos para assegurar a sua inclusão. Quatro pesquisadores buscaram independentemente os artigos de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Resultados Incluímos trabalhos que preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Identificamos as tendências em tecnologia assistiva na análise dos parâmetros da marcha em DP. Esses compreendem os sensores portáteis, análise da marcha, retroalimentação em tempo real e técnicas de pista, realidade virtual e robótica. Conclusão Essa revisão é um recurso para orientar pesquisas futuras, informar decisões clínicas e promover a colaboração entre pesquisadores, médicos e formuladores de políticas. Ao delinear os contornos deste campo em rápida evolução, pretende inspirar mais inovação, melhorando em última análise a vida dos pacientes com DP através de intervenções mais eficazes e personalizadas.

Beneficios de pertenecer a un grupo de apoyo de cuidadoras de niños con discapacidad múltiple: un estudio cualitativo / Benefits of being part of a support group for caregivers of children with multiple disabilities: a qualitative study

RESUMEN Objetivo. Explorar la percepción de los beneficios de participar en un grupo de apoyo de cuidadoras de niños con discapacidad múltiple. Materiales y métodos. Estudio cualitativo, enfoque etnográfico focalizado, realizado de octubre del 2022 a febrero del 2023, muestreo por conveniencia, participaron 20 cuidadoras de niños con discapacidad múltiple. La información se recolectó mediante observación participante, grupos de discusión y entrevistas semiestructuradas. Se realizó análisis temático aplicando las propuestas por Braun y Clark. Resultados. Los temas emergentes fueron: red de apoyo social: integrarse, informarse y ayudarse mutuamente; espacio de aprendizaje: se aprende a cuidar y a cuidarse; promueve el empoderamiento: identificar y enfrentar barreras de acceso. Conclusiones. El grupo de apoyo funciona como una red de apoyo social, proporciona información, reduce la incertidumbre, facilita el afrontamiento y la resiliencia tras el nacimiento y crianza de un hijo con discapacidad múltiple. Espacio donde se aprende a cuidar y a cuidarse a sí mismo y donde se promueve el empoderamiento para la defensa de los derechos de los niños con discapacidad.

ABSTRACT Objective . To explore the perceived benefits of participating in a support group of caregivers of children with multiple disabilities. Materials and methods. A qualitative study with a focused ethnographic approach was conducted from October 2022 to February 2023, in which we applied convenience sampling. We included 20 caregivers of children with multiple disabilities. Information was collected through participant observation, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was performed by applying Braun and Clark's proposals. Results. The emerging themes were: social support network: integrating, informing, and helping each other; learning space: learning to take care and to take care of oneself; promoting empowerment: identifying and facing access barriers. Conclusions. We found that the support group functions as a social support network provides information, reduces uncertainty, and facilitates coping and resilience after the birth and upbringing of a child with multiple disabilities. It is a space where one learns to care for and take care of oneself and where empowerment for the defense of the rights of children with disabilities is promoted.

Associação entre desempenho funcional de crianças com paralisia cerebral e tempo de espera pela provisão de órteses em serviço de reabilitação / Association between functional performance of children with cerebral palsy and waiting time for the splint provision in rehabilitation services

Crianças com paralisia cerebral usualmente necessitam de órtese no polegar para função manual. Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre tempo de espera para recebimento de órtese para polegar, habilidade manual e dificuldade de desempenho em atividades cotidianas de crianças com paralisia cerebral. Método: Estudo de métodos mistos, com uma coorte retrospectiva e avaliação transversal de crianças com paralisia cerebral e indicação de confecção de órtese para polegar. Foram coletadas informações socioeconômicas, mensuração das dificuldades para realizar atividades do cotidiano, função manual pelo Sistema de Classificação da Habilidade Manual (MACS) e tempo de espera pela órtese. Análises descritivas, coeficiente de correlação de Spearman e Teste Kruskal Wallis foram realizadas no software IBM SPSS®. Resultados: 17 crianças e seus pais/responsáveis foram avaliados, sendo a maioria menino (76,5%), com paralisia cerebral do tipo hemiparética (52,9%). O tempo médio de espera pela órtese foi 34,12 dias (DP= 39,01). Crianças com comprometimento motor mais severo (p= 0,038) e pior habilidade manual (p= 0,012) receberam órtese em menor tempo de espera. Não houve diferença estatística entre tempo de espera pela órtese e dificuldade para desempenhar atividades cotidianas. Conclusão: A correlação entre habilidade manual e tempo de espera reforça a importância da avaliação funcional para priorizar concessão de um dispositivo de Tecnologia Assistiva em um serviço público de reabilitação, direcionando o cuidado às necessidades mais específicas das crianças.

Children with cerebral palsy usually need orthoses in their thumbs for manual functions. Objective: Analyzing the association between the waiting time for receiving a thumb orthosis, the manual ability, and the difficulty in performing daily tasks of children with cerebral palsy. Method: Mixed-methods study, with a retrospective cohort and cross-sectional evaluation of children with cerebral palsy and the indication and confection of thumb orthoses. Data collection included socioeconomic information, waiting time for the orthoses, and assessments of the difficulty to carry out daily activities and of manual functioning according to the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). Descriptive analysis, Spearman's coefficient and the Kruskal-Wallis test were calculated in the IBM software SPSS®. Results: 17 children and their parents/guardians were evaluated. Most were male (76.5%) with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (52.9%). Their mean time waiting for the orthosis was 34.12 days (SD= 39.01). Children with a more severe motor impairment (p= 0.038) or worse manual abilities (p= 0.012) waited to receive the orthosis for a shorter period. There was no statistical difference between the waiting time for the orthosis and the difficulty to perform daily tasks. Conclusion: The correlation between manual ability and the waiting time reiterates the importance of functional evaluations to prioritize the concession of Assistive Technology devices in public rehabilitation services, focusing the care on the more specific needs of each child.

[Assistive technologies for elderly patients with dementia: perspectives from the bioethics of health care.] / Tecnologías asistivas para pacientes ancianos con demencia: perspectivas desde la bioética de los cuidados en salud.

Dementia is currently one of the most common diseases affecting elderly people, ranking seventh among leading causes of death. As it causes memory loss, difficulties in reasoning, and resulting difficulties in making and executing decisions, assistive technologies and cognitive stimulation are valuable resources in the care process. Based on a theoretical inquiry into the bioethics of health care, and drawing on the work of Aline Albuquerque and Victor Montori, this article focuses on three main issues: first, the concept of bioethics in health care, patient-centered care, and the idea of clinical empathy. Second, it looks at the use of assistive technologies in caring for elderly patients with dementia. Lastly, we offer a discussion of whether the care process could be considered a health technology.

La demencia es actualmente una de las enfermedades más comunes que afecta a las personas mayores, siendo la séptima causa principal de muerte. Provoca pérdida de memoria, dificultad para razonar y, por consiguiente, dificultades para tomar y ejecutar decisiones, por lo que las tecnologías de asistencia y estimulación cognitiva son valiosos recursos en el proceso de cuidado. Desde una investigación teórica basada en la bioética de los cuidados en salud y en las investigaciones de Aline Albuquerque y Victor Montori, este artículo aborda, en primer lugar, el concepto de bioética en el cuidado de la salud, la atención centrada en el paciente y la idea de empatía clínica; en segundo lugar, se centra en el empleo de tecnologías asistivas para el cuidado de adultos mayores con demencia y, por último, plantea la discusión sobre si el proceso de atención podría ser considerado como una tecnología sanitaria.

Grupo de apoio diante das necessidades da família do dependente químico / Support group for the needs of the chemical dependent's family

Objetivou-se identificar as necessidades dos participantes de um Grupo de Apoio à Família no tocante à convivência com o familiar dependente químico. Tratou-se de um estudo qualitativo, desenvolvido com seis familiares que frequentam o Grupo de Apoio à Família em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial para usuários de Álcool e outras Drogas, em uma cidade do Sul do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados em junho de 2020, mediante entrevista semiestruturada; e, posteriormente, foram analisados por meio de análise temática de conteúdo. Após a observação, emergiram três categorias: Necessidades dos familiares em relação às perspectivas do Grupo de Apoio à Família; Vivência dos familiares em relação ao suporte do Grupo de Apoio à Família e Aspectos a serem reconsiderados no Grupo de Apoio à Família. Nesse contexto, o estudo possibilitou reflexões sobre a elaboração de estratégias mais efetivas a fim de proporcionar um processo terapêutico mais eficaz e resultados mais positivos.

The objective was to identify the needs of participants of a Family Support Group regarding coexistence with the family member who is chemically dependent. This was a qualitative study, developed with six family members who attend the Family Support Group in a Psychosocial Care Center for users of Alcohol and other Drugs in a city in southern Brazil. The data were collected in June 2020 in a semi-structured interview and subsequently analyzed through thematic content analysis. After observation, three categories emerged: Needs of family members in relation to the perspectives of the Family Support Group; Experience of family members in relation to the support of the Family Support Group; and Aspects to be reconsidered in the Family Support Group. In this context, the study enabled reflections on the development of more effective strategies in order to provide a more effective therapeutic process and more positive results.

App-based intervention for reducing depressive symptoms in postpartum women: Protocol for a feasibility randomized controlled trial.

Background: Chile has a high prevalence of postpartum depression and a significant treatment gap. Some barriers to postpartum depression care uncover the need for more easily accessible and lower-cost interventions. Chile's high utilization of digital technologies across all social strata and the increased use of pregnancy and parenting apps open the possibility of delivering interventions through mobile devices. Cognitive-behavioral internet-based interventions have proven to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression in high-income countries. However, in Chile, this is an underdeveloped field. This manuscript describes a randomized controlled trial protocol that will examine the feasibility and acceptability of a guided 8-week cognitive-behavioral app-based intervention for Chilean postpartum women with depressive symptoms. Method: A small-scale parallel 2-arms trial will be conducted. Postpartum women with minor or major depression will be randomized to the app-based intervention or waitlist. The primary outcomes are feasibility and acceptability variables, mainly; recruitment and eligibility rates, intervention and study adherence, and participants' intervention satisfaction, use, and engagement. Semi-structured interviews with a sub-sample will provide more information about the participants' experience with the intervention. Women's depression status will be assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up. Other secondary outcomes will include participants' perceived social support, mother-infant bonding, and maternal satisfaction and self-efficacy. Discussion: This will be the first internet-based intervention aimed at reducing postpartum depression symptoms developed and studied in Chile. If the intervention and procedures prove feasible and acceptable, we plan to study its efficacy in a definitive controlled trial. If the intervention demonstrates to be effective, the aim is to implement it within the Chilean healthcare setting.

As vozes são muito mais que um sintoma / Las voces son mucho más que un síntoma (resumen: p. 15) / Voices are much more than a symptom

O Movimento Internacional de Ouvidores de Vozes, surgido nos anos 1980, entende o fenômeno de ouvir vozes não apenas como um sintoma, mas auxilia o desenvolvimento de estratégias para lidar com essas vozes. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender como pessoas que participaram de grupos de ouvidores de vozes no SUS lidaram com tais experiências. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, realizada em 2020, coletando dados de entrevistas em profundidade e diário de campo, examinados utilizando-se análise de conteúdo. Os participantes adultos (4) frequentaram o grupo por mais de um mês. Foi possível explorar as estratégias de enfrentamento individuais desenvolvidas pelas vivências de cada um com as suas vozes. O grupo também foi instrumento de socialização, por meio da normalização da experiência, de maior autoaceitação e de redução do estigma.(AU)

El Movimiento Internacional de Oidores de Voces, surgido en la década de 1980, entiende el fenómeno de oír voces no solo como un síntoma, sino que auxilia en el desarrollo de estrategias para enfrentarlas. El objetivo de este estudio fue comprender cómo personas que participaron en grupos de oidores de voces en el SUS enfrentaron tales experiencias. Se trata de una investigación cualitativa, realizada en 2020, con colecta de datos, a partir de entrevistas en profundidad y diario de campo, analizadas utilizándose análisis de contenido. Los participantes adultos (4) frecuentaron el grupo durante más de un mes. Fue posible explorar las estrategias de enfrentamiento individuales desarrolladas a partir de las vivencias de cada uno con sus voces. El grupo también fue un instrumento de socialización y, a partir de la normalización de la experiencia, de mayor autoaceptación y reducción del estigma.(AU)

Abstract The international Hearing Voices Movement, which emerged in the 1980s, understands the phenomenon of hearing voices not just as a symptom, but helps in the development of strategies to deal with these voices. The objective of this study was to understand how people who participated in groups of voice hearers in the Brazilian health system dealt with such experiences. This was a qualitative research study, carried out in 2020, with data collection from in-depth interviews and field diary, analyzed using content analysis. Adult participants (4) attended the group for more than a month. It was possible to explore the individual coping strategies developed from the experiences of each one with their voices. The group was also an instrument of socialization and, from the normalization of the experience, of greater self-acceptance and reduction of stigma.(AU)

Ações em tecnologia assistiva com mulheres hospitalizadas / Actions in assistive technology with hospitalized women

Resumo Introdução A saúde da mulher pode se tornar mais frágil durante a internação hospitalar por diversos motivos, o que pode afetar sua autonomia e independência. Nesse contexto, intervenções em tecnologia assistiva podem ser realizadas para favorecer o desempenho ocupacional da mulher. Objetivo Identificar quais ações em tecnologia assistiva são realizadas por terapeutas ocupacionais com mulheres no contexto hospitalar. Método Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e exploratório, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado de agosto a dezembro de 2021, por meio de dados secundários extraídos de 155 prontuários de mulheres que foram assistidas em terapia ocupacional nas enfermarias de Neurologia, Oncologia e Saúde Mental em um hospital universitário do Recife, PE, Brasil. Foram utilizados como instrumentos um questionário estruturado de caracterização e um checklist de rastreamento de ações em tecnologia assistiva. Para análise dos dados, foi utilizada estatística descritiva por meio da planilha eletrônica do Microsoft Excel. Resultados 48 pacientes receberam intervenções dos terapeutas ocupacionais em tecnologia assistiva, contemplando os serviços de avaliação, prescrição, confecção, orientação de uso e treino, tendo como principais dispositivos órteses de membros superiores e de auxílio para atividades de vida diária no setor de neurologia e o coxim no setor de oncologia, apresentando como predominância nos objetivos o favorecimento do desempenho ocupacional. Conclusão Foi identificado o predomínio das ações de tecnologia assistiva nas enfermarias de oncologia e neurologia com produtos de baixo custo; necessidade de melhorar o processo de acompanhamento de uso da tecnologia assistiva e de se investir no serviço de Tecnologia Assistiva; aumento de estudos sobre essa temática para gerar evidências.

Abstract Introduction Hospitalization can render women's health more fragile for a variety of reasons, potentially impacting their autonomy and independence. Within this scenario, interventions using assistive technology can enhance women's occupational performance. Objective To discern the assistive technology actions undertaken by occupational therapists for women in hospital settings. Method This descriptive, retrospective, and exploratory study with a quantitative approach was conducted from August to December 2021. It utilized secondary data from 155 medical records of women who received occupational therapy in neurology, oncology, and mental health wards at a university hospital in Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Instruments included a structured questionnaire for characterization and a checklist to trace assistive technology actions. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. Results Out of 155, 48 patients benefited from assistive technology interventions by occupational therapists. These interventions included evaluation services, prescription, manufacturing, use guidance, and training. The primary devices were orthoses for upper limbs and aids for activities of daily living in the neurology sector, with cushions being prominent in the oncology sector. A common goal was the enhancement of occupational performance. Conclusion Most assistive technology actions occurred in the oncology and neurology wards, focusing on low-cost products. There is a recognized need to refine the monitoring process for assistive technology use, invest more in assistive technology services, and promote research in this field to generate further evidence.

Tecnologías asistivas para pacientes ancianos con demencia: perspectivas desde la bioética de los cuidados en salud / Assistive technologies for elderly patients with dementia: perspectives from the bioethics of health care

RESUMEN La demencia es actualmente una de las enfermedades más comunes que afecta a las personas mayores, siendo la séptima causa principal de muerte. Provoca pérdida de memoria, dificultad para razonar y, por consiguiente, dificultades para tomar y ejecutar decisiones, por lo que las tecnologías de asistencia y estimulación cognitiva son valiosos recursos en el proceso de cuidado. Desde una investigación teórica basada en la bioética de los cuidados en salud y en las investigaciones de Aline Albuquerque y Victor Montori, este artículo aborda, en primer lugar, el concepto de bioética en el cuidado de la salud, la atención centrada en el paciente y la idea de empatía clínica; en segundo lugar, se centra en el empleo de tecnologías asistivas para el cuidado de adultos mayores con demencia y, por último, plantea la discusión sobre si el proceso de atención podría ser considerado como una tecnología sanitaria.

ABSTRACT Dementia is currently one of the most common diseases affecting elderly people, ranking seventh among leading causes of death. As it causes memory loss, difficulties in reasoning, and resulting difficulties in making and executing decisions, assistive technologies and cognitive stimulation are valuable resources in the care process. Based on a theoretical inquiry into the bioethics of health care, and drawing on the work of Aline Albuquerque and Victor Montori, this article focuses on three main issues: first, the concept of bioethics in health care, patient-centered care, and the idea of clinical empathy. Second, it looks at the use of assistive technologies in caring for elderly patients with dementia. Lastly, we offer a discussion of whether the care process could be considered a health technology.

Avaliação dos alunos deficientes visuais e videntes do Instituto de Cegos Padre Chico / Evaluation of the visually impaired and sighted students at the Instituto de Cegos Padre Chico

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o perfil dos alunos concluintes, deficientes visuais e videntes do Instituto de Cegos Padre Chico entre os anos 2011 e 2020. Métodos Entre janeiro e março de 2021, foi realizada uma análise documental dos alunos concluintes entre os anos de 2011 e 2020. Foram coletados dados relacionados à situação social, educacional, socioeconômica e oftalmológica. Os dados foram tratados no programa Microsoft Excel 2013 da Microsoft e analisados no software livre Bioestat, versão 5.0. Resultados Foram coletados os dados de 110 concluintes cegos, com baixa visão e videntes. Mais de 90% dos alunos declararam rendimento familiar equivalente a um salário-mínimo e meio. Do total da amostra, 52 alunos eram cegos; 38 tinham baixa visão, e 20 eram videntes. Dentre as 36 patologias identificadas entre os alunos, 57,78% levaram à cegueira e 42,22%, à baixa visão. Em alunos cegos, as patologias mais frequentes foram glaucoma congênito (32,69%) e amaurose congênita de Leber (11,53%); em alunos com baixa visão, foram glaucoma congênito e distrofias de retina (ambas em 10,53% da amostra). Conclusão É de suma importância a avaliação da saúde ocular para que o professor realize de forma mais rápida as práticas de ensino e alcance resultados satisfatórios na alfabetização de crianças com deficiência visual.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the profile of visually impaired and sighted students at the Instituto de Cegos Padre Chico (ICPC) between 2011 and 2020. Methods Between January and March 2021, a document analysis of the students who completed the undergraduate course between 2011 and 2020. Data related to social, educational, socioeconomic, and ophthalmological situation were collected. The data were treated in Microsoft Excel 2013 and analyzed in the free software Bioestat, version 5.0. Results Retrospective data were collected from 110 blind, low-vision and sighted students who were graduating. More than 90% of the students declared family income equivalent to one and a half minimum wages. Of the total sample, 52 students were blind; 38 had low vision, and 20 were sighted students. Among the 36 pathologies identified among the students, 57.78% led to blindness, and 42.22%, to low vision. In blind students, the most frequent diagnosis was congenital glaucoma (32.69%) and Leber congenital amaurosis (11.53%); in low vision students, congenital glaucoma and retinal dystrophies (both in 11.53% of the population of this study). Conclusion The evaluation of the eye health is of vital importance for the teacher to perform teaching practices faster and achieve satisfactory results in the literacy of visually impaired children.

Development of communication skills in an adolescent with autism, using alternative communication: a case report / Desenvolvimento das habilidades comunicacionais em adolescente autista com uso de comunicação alternativa: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Alternative communication has been successfully used in interventions to develop communication skills in children with ASD. However, few studies in Brazil have approached nonverbal adolescents with autism. This article aimed to demonstrate the impact of using an alternative communication system on the development of communication skills in a nonverbal adolescent presented with ASD. This is a single-case study with longitudinal intervention. Skills were assessed with the Communication Assessment in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ACOTEA). There was progress in communicative and behavioral skills. Receptive communications had a greater variation between the first, second, and third applications, increasing from 50% to 66.60% and then 83.30%, followed by social behavior, which increased from 45.80% to 70.80% and then 75%. The use of alternative communication with a robust communication system indicated evidence of the development of communication skills and social behavior in the adolescent with ASD that received the treatment.

RESUMO O uso da Comunicação Alternativa para o desenvolvimento de habilidades comunicacionais de crianças com TEA tem sido aplicado com êxito nas intervenções. Entretanto, no Brasil, são escassos os estudos na faixa etária da adolescência e autistas não verbais. Este artigo tem como objetivo demonstrar o impacto do uso de um sistema de comunicação alternativa no desenvolvimento das habilidades comunicacionais em um adolescente não-verbal com TEA. Trata-se de estudo de intervenção longitudinal do tipo estudo de caso único. As habilidades foram avaliadas pelo protocolo de Avaliação da Comunicação no Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo - ACOTEA. Constatou-se que houve avanço nas habilidades comunicativas e comportamentais. A comunicação receptiva apresentou maior variação entre a primeira, segunda e terceira aplicação, evoluindo de 50% para 66,60% e, no final, para 83,30%, seguida do comportamento social 45,80% para 70,80% e depois para 75%. O uso da Comunicação Alternativa com um sistema robusto de comunicação apontou evidências do desenvolvimento de habilidades comunicativas bem como no comportamento social no adolescente com TEA assistido.

General Demographics and Behavioral Patterns of Visitors Using a Self-help Website for Identification of and Intervention in Alcoholism and Common Mental Disorders in Suriname: Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND: Digital health applications have been shown to be an accepted means to provide mental health information and advice in various high- and middle-income countries. Started in 2015, ehealth.sr was the first website to offer preventive information, self-tests, and unguided digital self-help for depression, anxiety symptoms, and problematic alcohol use in Suriname, an upper middle-income country in South America. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the general demographics and behavioral patterns of the visitors of ehealth.sr, as well as to evaluate different promotional channels to attract the target audience to the website. METHODS: Data collection for this study took place between August 2015 and December 2020. Conventional promotion channels such as newspaper and radio advertisements as well as social media advertisements were used to attract users to the website. The number of visits and activity on the website was registered using Google analytics and the website's internal activity log. RESULTS: On average, about 115 unique visitors accessed the website per month. The average number of visits to the website increased notably when social media advertisement campaigns were conducted (266 per month in 2018) compared to when traditional advertisements campaigns through papers, radio, and television were used (34 per month in 2019). Of the 1908 new visitors, 1418 (74.32%) were female. On average, visitors accessed 2 (SD 0.3) pages of the website and a session lasted 2.6 (SD 0.9) minutes. The most popular pages for intervention on the website were those for the mood or anxiety screening (731/942, 77.6%) as opposed to those for alcohol screening (211/942, 22.4%). People aged <45 years (on average, 2.2 pages per session for 3.2 minutes) made more use of the website than people aged ≥45 years (on average, 1.7 pages per session for 2 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: Promotion via social media led to more visitors to the website than newspaper or radio advertisements. Younger age groups and females visited the website more often. The pages on preventive information and brief self-tests were visited more frequently than the self-help modules. In general, user adherence to the website in terms of the average session duration and number of viewed pages per session is low and is a key point of concern for the successful implementation of digital mental health websites.

Estresse e burnout em trabalhadores de enfermagem de Unidade de Cirurgia Geral / Estrés y burnout en los trabajadores de enfermería de una unidad de cirugía general / Stress and burnout in nursing workers at a General Surgery Unit

Objetivo: avaliar os níveis de estresse e burnout dos trabalhadores de enfermagem de clínica cirúrgica antes e após a participação em grupo de apoio. Materiais e método: estudo quase-experimental, realizado em um hospital público com 16 trabalhadores. Os dados foram coletados entre maio e junho de 2015, e no mesmo período em 2016, por meio de instrumento de características biossociais e laborais, da Escala de Estresse no Trabalho e do Inventário Maslach de Burnout. Resultados: antes da participação no grupo de apoio em 2015, houve predomínio de médio nível de estresse (50 %). Quanto ao burnout, evidenciaram-se níveis de baixo desgaste emocional (43,8 %), baixa despersonalização (56,3 %), baixa realização profissional (43,8 %) e nenhum caso de burnout. Em 2016, após a participação no grupo de apoio, o nível médio de estresse manteve-se prevalente (56,6 %). Para o burnout, houve aumento dos níveis de desgaste emocional e despersonalização, e diminuição da realização profissional. Apesar disso, também não foram identificados casos da síndrome. Conclusões: a participação no grupo de apoio mobilizou o aumento do alto nível de estresse, apesar da manutenção da prevalência de nível médio. Quanto ao burnout, notaram-se piora na avaliação do desgaste emocional, despersonalização e, consequentemente, diminuição da realização profissional. Situação que sinaliza atenção, pois mostra condição favorável para o surgimento de casos da síndrome. Contudo, ainda são necessárias intervenções com foco no enfrentamento desses estressores ocupacionais.

Objetivo: evaluar los niveles de estrés y burnout de los trabajadores de enfermería de una clínica quirúrgica antes y después de participar en un grupo de apoyo. Materiales y método: estudio cuasiexperimental realizado en un hospital público sobre una muestra de 16 trabajadores. Los datos fueron recopilados entre mayo y junio de 2015, y durante el mismo periodo de 2016, a través de un instrumento de características biosociales y laborales, la Escala de Estrés Laboral y el Inventario de Burnout de Maslach. Resultados: antes de la participación en el grupo de apoyo, en 2015, los participantes reportaron un nivel medio de estrés (50 %). En cuanto al burnout, se evidenciaron niveles de baja angustia emocional (43,8 %), baja despersonalización (56,3 %), baja realización profesional (43,8 %) y ningún caso específico de burnout. En 2016, tras la participación en el grupo de apoyo, el nivel medio de estrés siguió siendo prevalente (56,6 %). En el caso del burnout, se observó un aumento de los niveles de malestar emocional y despersonalización, así como una disminución de los logros profesionales. A pesar de eso, tampoco fueron identificados casos del síndrome. Conclusiones: la participación en el grupo de apoyo generó un aumento del nivel alto de estrés, a pesar de que se mantuvo la prevalencia del nivel medio. En cuanto al burnout, se evidenció un incremento en la evaluación del malestar emocional, la despersonalización y, en consecuencia, una disminución en la realización profesional. Esta situación llama la atención, puesto que muestra una condición favorable para la aparición de casos del síndrome. Por lo anterior, las intervenciones centradas en el afrontamiento de estos factores de estrés laboral continúan siendo necesarias.

Objective: To evaluate the levels of stress and burnout among nursing workers at a surgical clinic before and after their participation in a support group. Materials and method: Quasi-experimental study conducted in a public hospital over a sample of 16 workers. Data were collected between May and June 2015 and in the same period of 2016, through a biosocial and work characteristics instrument, the Work Stress Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results: Prior to participation in the support group, in 2015, there was a predominance of medium level of stress (50 %). As for burnout, low emotional distress (43.8 %), low depersonalization (56.3 %), low professional fulfillment (43.8 %), and no cases of burnout were observed. In 2016, after participating in the support group, the average level of stress among individuals remained stable (56.6 %). Regarding burnout, there was an increase in the levels of emotional distress and depersonalization, as well as decreased professional achievement. Despite this, no cases of the burnout syndrome were identified. Conclusions: Participating in the support group mobilized an increase in the high level of stress, despite the steady prevalence of the medium level. As for burnout, we noticed a worsening in the evaluation of emotional distress, depersonalization, and, consequently, a decrease in professional fulfillment. This situation is particularly important, since it shows favorable conditions for the emergence of cases of the syndrome. Therefore, interventions focused on coping with these occupational stressors are still necessary.