Quality of death educational programme in a national reference palliative care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To report the experience of offering the Quality End of Life Care for All (QELCA) Programme, highlighting the distinct methodology for the training of health professionals. DEVELOPMENT: The QELCA Programme, intellectual property of St Christopher's Hospice, was offered to seven health professionals working in the hospital palliative care unit at the National Cancer Institute, between June and December 2022, with the support of Premier Institute. The programme, which originates in the UK, has been evaluated there and is currently being evaluated in Hong Kong, and is delivered in two phases: (1) a 5-day immersion programme; (2) monthly sessions of Action Learning for 6 months. Participants realised that communication between members of the multidisciplinary team, as well as between health professionals and patients/loved ones, was one of the key challenges for achieving quality of death in the hospital palliative care unit. This insight empowered them to drive forward significant changes in practice that promise to improve quality of care. CONCLUSION: The QELCA Programme enabled participants to engage in active problem-solving to promote the relief of suffering of patients and their families in end-of-life care.

Characteristics Associated With Mexican-American Hospice Use: Retrospective Cohort Study Using the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (H-EPESE).

BACKGROUND: Hospice use is lower among ethnic/racial minorities in the United States, though little is known about trends, associated factors and duration of hospice use by Mexican-Americans. AIM: The purpose of this study is to examine Mexican-American characteristics associated with hospice stay, both ≤ and > 7 days. DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study used data from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (H-EPESE) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the ORs and 95% CIs for hospice stay among Mexican-Americans, both ≤ and > 7 days. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The first cohort (N = 970) includes H-EPESE participants who died between 2004 and 2016 who had Medicare parts A and B. The second cohort (N = 403) includes participants who completed the H-EPESE survey within the last 2 years of life. RESULTS: Although hospice use increased among Mexican-Americans between 2004 and 2016 (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.19-2.97), 38% of participants died within the first week of hospice care. Mexican-Americans in New Mexico and Arizona were 2-4 times more likely to use hospice than those in Texas and Colorado. Dementia was associated with hospice use (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.11-1.94). Characteristics, like church attendance and living alone, were not associated with hospice use. CONCLUSIONS: The substantial proportion of Mexican-Americans with 7 days or less of hospice use underscores the need for early palliative/hospice intervention to mitigate variation in use.

Oncologist Peer Comparisons as a Behavioral Science Strategy to Improve Hospice Utilization.

PURPOSE: Hospice utilization metrics are essential for any serious effort to improve end-of-life care in oncology. However, oncologists do not routinely receive these personalized reports. We evaluated whether a behavioral science intervention, using peer comparisons coupled with social norms, was associated with improvements in hospice use. METHODS: Oncologists at two academic practices of Johns Hopkins Medicine were randomly assigned to receive a peer comparison report by e-mail displaying individual hospice utilization metrics compared with top-performing peers or to receive no report. The data accrued for the intervention represented hospice utilization for the previous calendar year. The intervention period was from June 1, 2020, to December 30, 2020, and included oncologists from both the solid and hematologic malignancies programs. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients between groups with short hospice length of stay (LOS; defined as ≤ 7 days) after 6 months. Secondary outcomes included hospice referral rate, enrollment rate, and median LOS. RESULTS: Forty-seven oncologists participated. The percent of patients with a short hospice stay in the intervention group was lower (17.4%) compared with patients treated by physicians in the usual care group (46.3%, difference = 21.8%; 95% CI, 16.0 to 41.6; P < .001). Receipt of peer comparisons was associated with a greater likelihood of enrolling in hospice (73.7% v 42.8%; difference = 31.1%; 95% CI, 20.4 to 41.7; P < .001) and a longer hospice LOS (37.2 v 18.3 days; difference = 17.2; 95% CI, 8.8 to 25.7 days; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Peer comparisons improved hospice utilization metrics among a group of academic oncologists. Behavioral science offers one pragmatic strategy to overcome suboptimal oncologist decision-making biases related to hospice use.

Documentation of Dementia as a Cause of Death Among Mexican-American Decedents Diagnosed with Dementia.

BACKGROUND: Hispanic older adults are a high-risk population for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) but are less likely than non-Hispanic White older adults to have ADRD documented as a cause of death on a death certificate. OBJECTIVE: To investigate characteristics associated with ADRD as a cause of death among Mexican-American decedents diagnosed with ADRD. METHODS: Data came from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly, Medicare claims, and National Death Index. RESULTS: The final sample included 853 decedents diagnosed with ADRD of which 242 had ADRD documented as a cause of death. More health comorbidities (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.28-0.58), older age at death (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03-1.36), and longer ADRD duration (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.03-1.14) were associated with ADRD as a cause of death. In the last year of life, any ER admission without a hospitalization (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.22-0.92), more physician visits (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93-0.98), and seeing a medical specialist (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.29-0.75) were associated with lower odds for ADRD as a cause of death. In the last 30 days of life, any hospitalization with an ICU stay (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.36-0.82) and ER admission with a hospitalization (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.48-0.94) were associated with lower odds for ADRD as a cause of death. Receiving hospice care in the last 30 days of life was associated with 1.98 (95% CI = 1.37-2.87) higher odds for ADRD as a cause of death. CONCLUSION: Under-documentation of ADRD as a cause of death may reflect an underestimation of resource needs for Mexican-Americans with ADRD.

Mistrust Reported by US Mexicans With Cancer at End of Life and Hospice Enrollment.

Hospice research with Hispanics mostly focuses on cultural barriers. Mindful of social justice and structural violence, we used critical grounded theory in a postcolonial theory framework to develop a grounded theory of hospice decision making in US Mexicans with terminal cancer. Findings suggest that hospice avoidance is predicted by mistrust, rather than culture, whereas hospice enrollers felt a sense of belonging. Cultural accommodation may do little to mitigate hospice avoidance rooted in discrimination-fueled mistrust. Future research with nondominant populations should employ research designs mitigating Eurocentric biases. Policy makers should consider concurrent therapy for nondominant populations with low trust in the health care system.

Programa "Buenos Aires, Ciudad Compasiva, Todos con vos" Instituto Pallium Latinoamérica / Program "Buenos Aires, Compassionate City, All with you" Instituto Pallium Latinoamérica

El modelo de atención de los cuidados paliativos ha demostrado evidencia prometedora de efectividad en la salud pública. El enfoque responde a la necesidad de equidad de atención independientemente de la edad, los antecedentes, el diagnóstico o la causa de muerte. El aumento de la población que requiere atención paliativa ha generado en el mundo nuevos desafíos para responder a las múltiples necesidades actuales. En esta nueva realidad surge una propuesta basada en la integración sin fisuras de cuatro componentes que interactúen en forma coordinada: cuidado paliativo especializado, cuidado paliativo generalista, comunidades compasivas y el enfoque cívico de la atención al final de la vida. En este marco Pallium Latinoamérica en convenio con la Fundación New Health desarrolla el programa "Buenos Aires, Ciudad Compasiva, Todos con vos". Somos una ONG conformada por un grupo interdisciplinario de la salud, que con la dirección del Dr. Gustavo De Simone ha inaugurado el primer pabellón compasivo de los hospitales del Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, ubicado en el Pabellón C, del Hospital de Gastroenterología "Dr. Carlos Bonorino Udaondo". Se ha adherido a la carta orgánica de propósitos de las Comunidades Compasivas con la "Declaración de principios de Ciudades que cuidan con compasión". Ha creado una Comisión de referentes expertos de la comunidad y diversas actividades que dan respuesta a las necesidades de su organización local y comunitaria. Entre otras: el Espacio Vital, dispositivo complementario de los tratamientos médicos, ¿y otros talleres como "Le dieron el alta… y ahora qué?", y "Reciclo con amor" con la inclusión de alumnos de primer grado de un establecimiento educativo de la comunidad, actividades que se reseñan a continuación

Diagnóstico de enfermagem síndrome de terminalidade em idosos com demência avançada: mapeamento cruzado / Nursing diagnosis of terminal syndrome in elderly with advanced dementia: cross mapping / Diagnóstico de enfermería del síndrome terminal en ancianos con demencia avanzada: mapeo cruzado

Objetivo: identificar elementos da Síndrome de terminalidade a partir do cruzamento de termos registrados pelos enfermeiros no cuidado ao fim de vida em idosos com demência avançada. Método: estudo observacional, retrospectivo, da ferramenta metodológica mapeamento cruzado. Foram coletados registros dos últimos 10 dias de vida de 38 prontuários de pessoas com demência avançada. Resultados: foram identificados 97 termos de respostas humanas, e através do mapeamento cruzado, foram elencados 22 diagnósticos de enfermagem, desses 11 diagnósticos de enfermagem apresentaram relevância estatística em 50% ou mais dos pacientes e oito diagnósticos de enfermagem apresentaram-se relevantes estatisticamente quando avaliados de acordo com a prevalência nas 380 observações. A Síndrome de terminalidade foi verificada em todas 380 avaliações, em média 7,5 diagnósticos da síndrome foram observados. Conclusão: a alta prevalência da Síndrome de terminalidade sustenta a inclusão do diagnóstico de enfermagem na Taxonomia II da NANDA-I, dado que os enfermeiros já a observam e a registram em sua prática(AU)

Objective: to identify elements of Terminal Syndrome by cross-referencing terms recorded by nurses providing end-of-life care for elderly people with advanced dementia. Method: in this retrospective, observational study, using a cross-mapping methodological tool, records of the last 10 days of life were collected from 38 medical records of people with advanced dementia. Results: 97 human-response terms were identified, and by cross-mapping, 22 nursing diagnoses were listed; of these, 11 nursing diagnoses displayed statistical importance in 50% or more of the patients, while eight nursing diagnoses were statistically important when assessed by prevalence in the 380 observations. Terminal Syndrome was found in all 380 evaluations, averaging 7.5 diagnoses of the syndrome. Cases were observed Conclusion: the high prevalence of Terminal Syndrome supports the inclusion of this nursing diagnosis in the NANDA-I Taxonomy II, as nurses already observe and record in practice(AU)

Objetivo: identificar elementos del síndrome terminal mediante términos de referencia cruzada registrados por enfermeras que brindan atención al final de la vida a personas mayores con demencia avanzada. Método: en este estudio observacional retrospectivo, utilizando una herramienta metodológica de mapeo cruzado, se recolectaron registros de los últimos 10 días de vida de 38 historias clínicas de personas con demencia avanzada. Resultados: Se identificaron 97 términos de respuesta humana y, mediante mapeo cruzado, se enumeraron 22 diagnósticos de enfermería; de estos, 11 diagnósticos de enfermería mostraron importancia estadística en el 50% o más de los pacientes, mientras que ocho diagnósticos de enfermería fueron estadísticamente importantes cuando se evaluaron por prevalencia en las 380 observaciones. El síndrome terminal se encontró en las 380 evaluaciones, con un promedio de 7,5 diagnósticos del síndrome. Se observaron casos Conclusión: la alta prevalencia de Síndrome Terminal apoya la inclusión de este diagnóstico de enfermería en la Taxonomía II de NANDA-I, ya que las enfermeras ya observan y registran en la práctica(AU)

Challenges and facilitators of hospice decision-making: a retrospective review of family caregivers of home hospice patients in a rural US-Mexico border region-a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Hospice care (HC) is seen as a comprehensive approach, that enhances quality of end-of-life (EOL) care, for terminally ill patients. Despite its positive aspects, HC enrolment is disproportionate for rural patients, who are less likely to use HC in comparison to their urban counterparts. The purpose of this study was to explore decision-making experiences, related to utilisation of HC programmes from a retrospective perspective, with family caregivers (FCGs) in a rural US-Mexico border region. DESIGN: This qualitative study was conducted from May 2017 to January 2018 using semistructured face to face interviews with FCGs. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. SETTING: The HC programme was situated at a local home health agency, located in rural Southern California, USA. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-eight informal FCGs of patients who were actively enrolled in the HC programme agreed to participate in the study. RESULTS: Conversation about HC as an option was initiated by home healthcare staff (39.3%), followed by physicians (32.1%). Emerging themes related to challenges in utilisation of HC and decision-making included: (1) communication barriers; (2) lack of knowledge/misperception about HC; (3) emotional difficulties, including fear of losing their patient, doubt and uncertainty about the decision, denial and (4) patients are not ready for HC. Facilitators included: (1) patient's known EOL wishes; (2) FCG-physician EOL communication; (3) the patient's deteriorating health and (4) home as the place for death. CONCLUSIONS: HC patients' FCGs in this rural region reported a lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of HC. It is recommended that healthcare providers need to actively engage family members in patient's EOL care planning. Optimal transition to an HC programme can be facilitated when FCGs are informed and have a clear understanding about patients' medical status along with information about HC.

Hyperactive Terminal Delirium in Hospice Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Terminal delirium is a common occurrence in patients at the end of life, and its presence is widely accepted as a poor prognostic indicator. The hyperactive subtype is characterized by psychomotor agitation that is distressing to patients, caregivers, and providers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether physical, psychosocial, or spiritual data collected at hospice admission are associated with development of hyperactive terminal delirium. In this retrospective cohort study, 154 patients were assigned to one of two cohorts depending on whether or not they had signs of hyperactive terminal delirium. Hospice admission data from the Hospice Item Set, psychosocial assessment, and spiritual assessment were analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and logistic regression. Although there were no statistically significant relationships among the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual variables and hyperactive terminal delirium, there were some findings that are clinically significant for nurses caring for patients at the end of life. Specifically, this study highlights the importance of ongoing physical, psychosocial, and spiritual assessment throughout the end-of-life trajectory, as well as prompt management of symptoms.

"Thou Shalt Not Die in This Place": An Ethnomethodological Approach to an Ecuadorian Hospice Through Symbolic Interactionism.

Ecuador, located in South America, has a population of 16 million people. According to the National Institution of Statistics in Ecuador, every year 8 out of a 1000 individuals die due to various causes. Palliative care and hospice are relatively new concepts for the Ecuadorian society. In Ecuador people usually die at home, in hospitals, or in nursing homes. In 2012, the first Ecuadorian hospice was created. According to symbolic interactionism theory, research needs to study participants' world in order to understand the dynamic nature of human behavior. Symbolic interactionism proposes that human beings cannot be understood without the context of their interactions. Through an ethnomethodological approach, the following research aims to understand the way that individuals understand and describe death while in the local hospice in Ecuador. Results emerge from the introspection of real stories, field notes, participant observation, and informal conversations at the hospice. Based on a thematic analysis, the following study presents major themes that emphasize the dynamic process of creating meaning of death.

[From the Hospício de Pedro II to the Hospital Nacional de Alienados: a hundred years of records (1841-1944)]. / Del Hospício de Pedro II al Hospital Nacional de Alienados: cien años de historias (1841-1944).

This research note lays out methodological approaches, documentary sources, historiographical inscription and reflections that arose from an ongoing research study entitled "From the Hospício de Pedro II to the Hospital Nacional de Alienados: a hundred years of records (1841-1944)." A group of researchers and students involved in the project have analyzed the history of the first psychiatric institution in Brazil for the period from the second half of the nineteenth century through the mid-twentieth century. They are also committed to the ideal of contributing to the organization and conservation of the documentary sources of this institution. Here we present the innovative nature of the project, especially due to its methodological approaches in combination with its focus on preserving historical documents.

Esta nota de investigación expone perspectivas metodológicas, fuentes documentales, inscripción historiográfica y reflexiones que surgen de la investigación en curso, titulada "Del Hospício de Pedro II al Hospital Nacional de Alienados: cien años de historias (1841-1944)". Un grupo de investigadores y estudiantes asociados al proyecto han analizado la historia de la primera institución psiquiátrica de Brasil en el periodo comprendido entre la segunda mitad del siglo XIX y mediados del siglo XX. También están comprometidos con el ideal de contribuir a la organización y conservación de los fondos documentales de esta institución. Aquí presentamos el carácter innovador del proyecto, especialmente por sus perspectivas metodológicas en combinación con enfoques de preservación de documentos históricos.

Del Hospício de Pedro II al Hospital Nacional de Alienados: cien años de historias (1841-1944) / From the Hospício de Pedro II to the Hospital Nacional de Alienados: a hundred years of records (1841-1944)

Resumen Esta nota de investigación expone perspectivas metodológicas, fuentes documentales, inscripción historiográfica y reflexiones que surgen de la investigación en curso, titulada "Del Hospício de Pedro II al Hospital Nacional de Alienados: cien años de historias (1841-1944)". Un grupo de investigadores y estudiantes asociados al proyecto han analizado la historia de la primera institución psiquiátrica de Brasil en el periodo comprendido entre la segunda mitad del siglo XIX y mediados del siglo XX. También están comprometidos con el ideal de contribuir a la organización y conservación de los fondos documentales de esta institución. Aquí presentamos el carácter innovador del proyecto, especialmente por sus perspectivas metodológicas en combinación con enfoques de preservación de documentos históricos.

Abstract This research note lays out methodological approaches, documentary sources, historiographical inscription and reflections that arose from an ongoing research study entitled "From the Hospício de Pedro II to the Hospital Nacional de Alienados: a hundred years of records (1841-1944)." A group of researchers and students involved in the project have analyzed the history of the first psychiatric institution in Brazil for the period from the second half of the nineteenth century through the mid-twentieth century. They are also committed to the ideal of contributing to the organization and conservation of the documentary sources of this institution. Here we present the innovative nature of the project, especially due to its methodological approaches in combination with its focus on preserving historical documents.

Determining the Association Between End-of-Life Care Resources and Patient Outcomes in Pennsylvania ICUs.

OBJECTIVES: As ICUs are increasingly a site of end-of-life care, many have adopted end-of-life care resources. We sought to determine the association of such resources with outcomes of ICU patients. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Pennsylvania ICUs. PATIENTS: Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. INTERVENTIONS: Availability of any of one hospital-based resource (palliative care consultants) or four ICU-based resources (protocol for withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy, triggers for automated palliative care consultation, protocol for family meetings, and palliative care clinicians embedded in ICU rounds). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In mixed-effects regression analyses, admission to a hospital with end-of-life resources was not associated with mortality, length of stay, or treatment intensity (mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, tracheostomy, gastrostomy, artificial nutrition, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation); however, it was associated with a higher likelihood of discharge to hospice (odds ratio, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.11-2.24), an effect that was driven by ICU-based resources (odds ratio, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.04-1.81) rather than hospital-based resources (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.83-1.71). Instrumental variable analysis using differential distance (defined as the additional travel distance beyond the hospital closest to a patient's home needed to reach a hospital with end-of-life resources) demonstrated that among those for whom differential distance would influence receipt of end-of-life resources, admission to a hospital with such resources was not associated with any outcome. CONCLUSIONS: ICU-based end-of-life care resources do not appear to change mortality but are associated with increased hospice utilization. Given that this finding was not confirmed by the instrumental variable analysis, future studies should attempt to verify this finding, and identify specific resources or processes of care that impact the care of ICU patients at the end of life.

A Theoretical Model of Resource-Oriented Music Therapy with Informal Hospice Caregivers during Pre-Bereavement.

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, caregiver pre-bereavement has received increased scholarly and clinical attention across multiple healthcare fields. Pre-bereavement represents a nascent area for music therapy to develop best practices in and an opportunity to establish clinical relevancy in the interdisciplinary team. OBJECTIVE: This study was an exploratory inquiry into the role of music therapy with pre-bereaved informal hospice caregivers. This study intended to articulate (a) what pre-bereavement needs are present for informal hospice caregivers, (b) which of those needs were addressed in music, and (c) the process by which music therapy addressed those needs. METHODS: A constructivist grounded theory methodology using situational analysis was used. We interviewed 14 currently bereaved informal hospice caregivers who had participated in music therapy with the care recipient. RESULTS: Analysis resulted in a theoretical model of resource-oriented music therapy promoting caregiver resilience. The resource, caregivers' stable caring relationships with care recipients through their pre-illness identities (i.e., spouse, parent, or child), is amplified through music therapy. Engagement with this resource mediates the risk of increased care burden and results in resilience fostering purposefulness and value in caregiving. CONCLUSIONS: Resource-oriented music therapy provides a unique clinical avenue for supporting caregivers through pre-bereavement, and was acknowledged by caregivers as a unique and integral hospice service. Within this model, caregivers are better positioned to develop meaning from the experience of providing care through the death of a loved one.

Hospice or community network? Choices in end-of-life care in Jamaica.

AIM: Now considered a subspecialty of medicine and nursing, palliative care is a critical aspect of healthcare at the end of life. National and international healthcare agencies typically attribute its slow or haphazard growth in developing countries to various resource constraints. However, this study provides evidence of the substantial and widening gap between policy advocacy and patient choices in end-of-life care. It does so by establishing the incentives and risks that underlie decision-making by patients and providers against the relative scarcity of palliative care and hospices in these countries. METHODS: Jamaica offers an illustrative case. It shares the socioeconomic conditions and isolated provision of hospice and palliative care that remain prevalent in many developing countries. Empirical information was collected from all Jamaican hospices, along with agency and media reports, for comparative institutional analysis. RESULTS: Financial and infrastructural challenges hamper hospice expansion and integration into formal healthcare systems in developing countries. Yet, other equally vital considerations are too often neglected. These include the high transaction costs of decision-making, which account for limited hospice accessibility, affordability, and efficiency, particularly to underserved populations. Risk and payoff calculations by patients and their families as well as hospices and their providers lead to two strategic options in maximizing hospice value and/or minimizing transaction costs in end-of-life care. CONCLUSION: Policy formulation and advocacy for hospice and palliative care should match aggregate demand. The socio-cultural milieu of care is critical and should be equally considered. Otherwise, providing and expanding free or subsidized palliative care at the end-of-life stage can become cost-inefficient relative to robust family and grassroots community networks.

Ciência, caridade e redes de sociabilidade: o Hospício de Pedro II em outras perspectivas / Science, charity, and social networks: Hospício de Pedro II from different perspectives

Resumo Este artigo é parte do esforço de compilação das análises elaboradas em dissertação de mestrado, defendida em 2012. Apresentamos novas perspectivas sobre o Hospício de Pedro II entre 1883 e 1889, a partir de pesquisa empreendida com as fichas de entrada e os anexos de pacientes internados na instituição, fundada em 1852, no Rio de Janeiro. Buscamos destacar a participação de atores diversos e as imbricações de diferentes interesses e demandas em relação ao hospício. Assim, além do olhar médico-científico, apontamos a importância de ampliar o debate sobre a instituição, considerando sua importância, tanto pelo viés caritativo quanto pelo papel central nas relações políticas e sociais do Império.

Abstract This article is part of an effort to compile the analyses made for my master’s dissertation from 2012. It contains new perspectives on Hospício de Pedro II (Pedro II Hospice) between 1883 and 1889, drawing on research of admissions records and files of patients staying at the institution, founded in 1852 in Rio de Janeiro. The involvement of different players and the interplay of different interests and demands with regard to the hospice are highlighted. It is important to expand the debate concerning the institution beyond medical and scientific aspects, considering its importance both as a charity and for its key role in the political and social relations of the empire.

[Science, charity, and social networks: Hospício de Pedro II from different perspectives]. / Ciência, caridade e redes de sociabilidade: o Hospício de Pedro II em outras perspectivas.

This article is part of an effort to compile the analyses made for my master's dissertation from 2012. It contains new perspectives on Hospício de Pedro II (Pedro II Hospice) between 1883 and 1889, drawing on research of admissions records and files of patients staying at the institution, founded in 1852 in Rio de Janeiro. The involvement of different players and the interplay of different interests and demands with regard to the hospice are highlighted. It is important to expand the debate concerning the institution beyond medical and scientific aspects, considering its importance both as a charity and for its key role in the political and social relations of the empire.

De los hospitales u hospicios a los modernos institutos nacionales de salud / From the medieval hospitals hospices to modern National public Health Institutes

Resumen: Desde las épocas más antiguas la instalación de hospitales y progresos de la clínica avanzaron pari passu. Hallamos ejemplos de tal aserto tanto en regiones propiamente griegas como en ciudades griegas de ultramar. Así, pues, en el periodo renacentista convergieron en Italia grandes figuras de aquel tiempo: el genial Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) y León Battista Alberti (1404-1472), humanista e innovador de la arquitectura. Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) y los artistas, sus contemporáneos, efectuaron disecciones anatómicas para perfeccionar su arte con el estudio de las formas del cuerpo humano. Los estudios anatómicos florecieron en la Universidad de Padua, impulsados por el flamenco Andreas Wesel, quién enseñó ahí esta disciplina desde 1437 hasta 1543. Los grandes anatomistas italianos del siglo XVI fueron discípulos directos o indirectos del maestro flamenco. Preparados por el estudio riguroso del sustrato anatómico resplandecieron, en el siglo XVII, los estudios concernientes a la función de las estructuras orgánicas ya conocidas. Dicho siglo se inició con la revelación de la circulación sanguínea mayor, por el médico inglés William Harvey, egresado de la Universidad de Padua, y se continuaron con la descripción de la circulación menor o pulmonar por autores antiguos o contemporáneos y de las conexiones periféricas entre el sistema arterial y el venoso (Marcello Malpigni, 1661). Todos estos investigadores, y otros más, eran miembros de la universidad patavina, en donde persistía la influencia benéfica de las enseñanzas de Galileo. En los siglos siguientes, junto con la anatomía normal y la embriología, la anatomía patológica, sistematizada por G.B. Morgagni, se impuso como piedra de toque de la clínica. Y el modelo de los antiguos hospitales evolucionó hacia el de los Institutos nacionales de salud, auspiciados por el maestro Ignacio Chávez.

Abstract: Since the most ancient times, hospital constructions and progresses in the clinical practice advanced pari passu. We can find exampless of this statement in Greek regions as well as in Greek citie overseas. Thus, during the renaissance, great figures ot that time converged in Italy: The genius Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) and Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472), a humanist and innovator of architecture. Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) and his contemporany artists performed anatomical dissection to perfect their art by studying the human body. Anatomical studies flourished at the University of Padua, driven by the Flemish Master. Based on the rigorous study of the anatomical substrate, the studies on the function of the already known organic structures excelled in the XVII century. That century started with the revelation of the major blood circulation by the British physician William Harvey, alumni of the University of Padua, and continued with the description of the minior or pulmonary circulation by ancient or contemporany authors and of the peripheral connections between the arterial and the venous system (Marcelo Malpighi, 1661). All these researchers, and others, were membres of the University of Padua, were the beneficial influence of the teachings of Galileo persisted. In the following centuries, together with the embryological and normal anatomy, the pathological anatomy, systematized by G.B. Morgani, became the cornerstone of the clinical practice. The model of the ancient hospitals evolved to ward the National Institutes of Health in Mexico fostered by Dr. Ignacio Chávez.

[From the medieval hospitals hospices to modern National public Health Institutes]. / De los hospitales u hospicios a los modernos institutos nacionales de salud.

Since the most ancient times, hospital constructions and progresses in the clinical practice advanced pari passu. We can find exampless of this statement in Greek regions as well as in Greek citie overseas. Thus, during the renaissance, great figures ot that time converged in Italy: The genius Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) and Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472), a humanist and innovator of architecture. Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) and his contemporany artists performed anatomical dissection to perfect their art by studying the human body. Anatomical studies flourished at the University of Padua, driven by the Flemish Master. Based on the rigorous study of the anatomical substrate, the studies on the function of the already known organic structures excelled in the xvii century. That century started with the revelation of the major blood circulation by the British physician William Harvey, alumni of the University of Padua, and continued with the description of the minior or pulmonary circulation by ancient or contemporany authors and of the peripheral connections between the arterial and the venous system (Marcelo Malpighi, 1661). All these researchers, and others, were membres of the University of Padua, were the beneficial influence of the teachings of Galileo persisted. In the following centuries, together with the embryological and normal anatomy, the pathological anatomy, systematized by G.B. Morgani, became the cornerstone of the clinical practice. The model of the ancient hospitals evolved to ward the National Institutes of Health in Mexico fostered by Dr. Ignacio Chávez.