Economic impact of informal care of cancer patients at the end of life.

BACKGROUND: Economic analysis of the incorporation of palliative care (PC) programs allows for assessment of the potential financial impact of shifting activity from secondary care to primary, community and social care sectors. Only 14% of patients in need of PC in Argentina have access to PC services, similar to the world average, as estimated by World Health Organization (WHO). The economic impact of family care, which falls mainly on women, needs to be assessed at the public policy and research levels. We aimed to estimate and make visible the economic impact of unpaid care tasks developing a cost-effectiveness analytic model of a home-based PC program for cancer patients at the end of life from a social perspective (SP) in the province of Río Negro, Argentina. METHODS: A Markov model was developed from a SP to assess the cost-effectiveness of palliative home care compared to the usual care (UC) of cancer patients. The model compares the provision of PC through a home-based program with the UC that patients receive at the end of life. The average cost per patient, percentage of home deaths, days at home in the last year of life and the economic impact of formal and informal care were estimated using the human capital approach for 2019. RESULTS: palliative home care was cost-saving, leading to a 10.32% increase in home deaths, a decrease of 9 days of hospitalisation and an annual saving for society of USD 750 per patient. From a societal perspective, the largest cost-driver corresponds to informal care provided mainly by families, which accounted for 82% and 88% of the total daily cost of PC and UC strategy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of PC can improve the allocation of resources between the different levels of care. The visualisation of care tasks becomes particularly relevant when considering public policies and outcomes. Incorporating palliative home care strategies could alleviate the enormous costs faced by patients' families, especially women, in this stage of care.

Children with cancer at the end of life in a middle-income country: integrated pediatric palliative care improves outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, the Global Cancer Observatory reported 280,000 cases of childhood cancer worldwide, with a higher burden of disease and mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries. In 2022, the National Institute of Health reported 1708 new cases of childhood cancer in Colombia and an overall survival rate of approximately 55%. The aim of this study is to compare outcomes in children with cancer in the hospital setting during the last 72 h of life who received concurrent Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) versus oncology care alone. METHODS: An observational descriptive study was conducted between January 2013 and June 2022 in a center for pediatric patients with oncological diagnoses. In 2017, the PPC team was created. Patients between 28 days and 17 years of age who were hospitalized at least 72 h before death were included. A retrospective review of the medical records of patients in the last 72 h of life was performed. Two cohorts were established: oncology-alone group received exclusive management by oncology, and oncology and PPC received concurrent oncology and PPC management since the diagnosis. RESULTS: We evaluated 257 medical records of deceased pediatric patients with cancer diagnoses. For the first cohort (2013-2017), 136 patients were included; for the second cohort (2018 and 2022), 121 patients were evaluated. The most frequent diagnosis was leukemia [47.1% (n = 121)]. No significant difference was found in either group between dyspnea, pain, and seizures. Dyspnea was the most frequent symptom in both groups. Agitation and anxiety were reported more frequently in children from the oncology-alone group (22.1% and 13.2%, respectively). The oncology and PPC group received more psychology and social work consultation (94.2% and 70.2% vs. 84.6 and 54.4% in the oncology alone group) and had a higher percentage of advance care planning (79.3% vs. 62.5% in the oncology alone group). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study highlights that PPC at the end of life (EoL) offers a holistic approach to the physical and psychosocial symptoms experienced by children with cancer; these patients received more comfort through symptom management and less aggressive treatment at the EoL. The availability of a PPC team may contribute to improvements in the quality of end-of-life care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: retrospectively registered.

Mortalidade por COVID-19 em um município do Oeste Baiano: incidência e fatores de risco / Mortality by COVID-19 in a municipality in Western Bahia: incidence and risk factors

Objetivo: descrever e analisar os fatores de risco associados aos óbitos por COVID-19 no município de Barreiras-BA. Método: estudo de coorte em que foram analisadas as notificações de casos positivos da doença no período de março de 2020 a dezembro de 2022. As variáveis incluídas foram: sexo, idade, raça/cor, sintomas apresentados e condições de saúde. Para verificar a associação entre as variáveis, foi utilizada Regressão de Poisson, com estimativa do risco relativo. Resultados: Ocorreram 348 óbitos no período analisado, sendo estes mais frequentes em homens (60,6%), idosos (58,9%), pretos/pardos (88,1%). Os principais sintomas apresentados pelos indivíduos que vieram a óbito foram a tosse (67,8%), a dispneia (62,9%) e a febre (53,4%), e as principais comorbidades as doenças cardíacas (39,1%) e o diabetes (21,8%). Foram encontrados como fatores de risco associados à ocorrência do óbito ser do sexo masculino e idoso e ter apresentado sintomas como dispneia e febre, além de apresentar comorbidades como doenças respiratórias, cardíacas, diabetes, renais, imunossupressão, doenças cromossômicas e obesidade (p < 0,05). Ter tido sintomas como dor de garganta, dor de cabeça, coriza e distúrbios olfativos demonstraram menor risco de morte (p < 0,05). Conclusão: O número de mortes ocorridas por COVID-19 foi considerado baixo, com risco maior para homens e idosos e indivíduos com outras doenças prévias. Apresentação de sintomas mais graves, como febre e dispneia, também aumentam o risco de morte.

Objective: the objective of this study was to describe and analyze the risk factors associated with deaths from COVID-19 in the city of Barreiras-BA. Methods: a cohort study in which notifications of positive cases of the disease were analyzed from March 2020 to December 2022. The variables included were sex, age, race/color, presented symptoms, and health conditions. Poisson Regression was used to verify the association between variables with relative risk estimation. Results: There were 348 deaths in the period analyzed, these being more frequent in men (60.6%), elderly people (58.9%), black/brown people (88.1%). The main symptoms presented by the individuals who died were cough (67.8%), dyspnea (62.9%) and fever (53.4%), and the main comorbidities were heart disease (39.1%) and diabetes (21.8%). Risk factors associated with the occurrence of death were found to be male and elderly and having symptoms such as dyspnea and fever, in addition to presenting comorbidities such as respiratory, cardiac, diabetes, kidney diseases, immunosuppression, chromosomal diseases and obesity (p < 0 .05). Having had symptoms such as sore throat, headache, runny nose and olfactory disorders demonstrated a lower risk of death (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The number of deaths caused by COVID-19 was considered low, with a higher risk for men and the elderly and individuals with other previous illnesses. Presentation of more serious symptoms, such as fever and dyspnea, also increases the risk of death.

Trends on deaths from acute pesticide poisoning in Mexico, 2000-2021.

OBJETIVE: To provide a comprehensive analysis of mortality trends from acute pesticide poisoning in Mexico from 2000 through 2021. METHODS: The governmental records of deaths from acute pesticide poisoning were used. The age-standardized years of life lost and aged-standardized mortality rates were estimated. Significant changes in trends of annual percentage change were identified using Joinpoint regression. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2021, mortality was primarily observed in individuals aged 15 to 19 years. Males were the most affected. Self-inflicted pesticide poisoning was the primary registered reason for death. The age-standardized mortality rate from acute pesticide poisoning was reduced from 2012 to 2021 (APC: -4.4; p=0.003). CONCLUSION: This report is the first study about the mortality rate from acute pesticide poisoning in Mexico. The results provided evidence to consider in developing laws to prevent acute pesticide poisoning.

Go Wish card game-exploring end-of-life wishes of patients in oncology palliative care: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Among the methods that promote quality of life and care, discussing and remembering end-of-life (EOL) wishes for future care may contribute to decision-making about care and the promotion of a good death. Our aim was to investigate the most significant EOL desires among Brazilian cancer patients receiving palliative care (PC). METHODS: This was an exploratory, descriptive, and qualitative study conducted in a Palliative Care Oncology Unit. Fifteen patients played the Go Wish card game (GWCG), choosing and categorizing cards into themes as very important, more or less important, and not important at all. The ten most important cards were discussed, and categories were defined for each card. Cards with the highest frequencies of choice were described. Patients were also asked, "What did playing the cards mean to you?". All data were analyzed using Bardin's content analysis and generated a word cloud to interpret the participants' narratives. RESULTS: Out of the 36 cards, card 19, "I want my family and friends close to me", was the most frequently chosen. Out of the 15 patients studied, only one reported that they initially did not enjoy playing the cards. In this study, the GWCG was effective in fulfilling 90% of the patients' wishes, and this was only possible with the support of the researchers, members of the multi-professional team, and patients' families. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the GWCG in the oncology PC setting made an important contribution to open discussions about patients' values and preferences, as well as being an easy-to-use, understandable, and flexible tool. Prioritizing the fulfillment of patients' wishes was one of the main strengths of this study. Our study suggests working with these wishes as a framework for person-centered care.

Frequency of anticancer drug use at the end of life: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: Anticancer drug use at the end of life places potential extra burdens on patients and the healthcare system. Previous articles show variability in methods and outcomes; thus, their results are not directly comparable. This scoping review describes the methods and extent of anticancer drug use at end of life. METHODS: Systematic searches in Medline and Embase were conducted to identify articles reporting anticancer drug use at the end of life. RESULTS: We selected 341 eligible publications, identifying key study features including timing of research, disease status, treatment schedule, treatment type, and treatment characteristics. Among the subset of 69 articles of all cancer types published within the last 5 years, we examined the frequency of anticancer drug use across various end of life periods. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive description of publications on anticancer drug use at end of life underscores the importance of methodological factors when designing studies and comparing outcomes.

End-of-life experiences in the dying process: scoping and mixed-methods systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the current state of understanding about end-of-life experiences (ELEs) and examine evidence concerning prevalence, the impact on the process of dying and the perceptions/explanations of patients, relatives and healthcare professionals (HCPs) with regard to ELEs. METHODS: Scoping review and mixed-methods systematic review (ScR and MMSR). Nine academic databases were searched for a screening of the available scientific literature (ScR). Articles reporting qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods studies were selected (MMSR), the quality of which was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) standardised critical appraisal tools. The quantitative data were synthesised in narrative form while a meta-aggregation approach was adopted for the qualitative results. RESULTS: The ScR identified 115 reports, with 70.4% published after 2010, 55.6% from the USA and the most common terminology for ELE was deathbed visions (29%). The MMSR included 36 papers, describing 35 studies in various settings. The combination of quantitative and qualitative evidence indicated a greater prevalence of ELEs in samples of patients and HCPs compared with relatives. The most common ELEs were visions and dreams of the presence of deceased relatives/friends with references to making ready for a journey. The impact of ELEs was mainly positive, and there was a tendency to interpret them as spiritual experiences inherent to the process of dying. CONCLUSIONS: ELEs are often reported by patients, relatives and HCPs and have a significant, generally positive impact on the process of dying. Guidelines for the furtherance of studies and clinical applications are discussed.

Câncer materno: a compreensão da criança e suas representações / Maternal cancer: the child's understanding and its representations / Cáncer materno: comprensión del niño y sus representaciones

O câncer é uma doença crônico-degenerativa, que tem como uma de suas principais características a capacidade de invadir tecidos e órgãos do corpo, favorecendo o crescimento desordenado de células. É uma doença que impacta fortemente a pessoa enferma e todos à sua volta, incluindo sua família e seus amigos. A partir desse cenário, este trabalho visou compreender a visão da criança e o impacto emocional sofrido diante do diagnóstico de câncer da mãe. Buscou-se avaliar, a partir de ferramentas lúdicas e do desenho-estória, o entendimento da criança em relação ao processo de adoecimento materno, tomando como base o referencial psicanalítico para reconhecer como ela lidou com a situação. Participaram desta pesquisa uma mulher de 39 anos com diagnóstico de câncer em remissão e seu filho de 9 anos. Os resultados demonstraram que o adoecimento materno causou impactos emocionais significativos e assustadores para o infante, gerando fantasias irreais relacionadas ao câncer e a si próprio. Dessa forma, considera-se de fundamental importância o cuidado estendido aos familiares do indivíduo doente, a fim de que se tenha um olhar a todos que sofrem diante desse contexto.(AU)

Cancer is a chronic-degenerative disease that has as one of its main characteristics the ability to invade tissues and organs of the body, favoring the disordered cell growth. It is a disease that strongly impacts the sick person and everyone around them, including their family and friends. Based on this scenario, this work aimed to understand the child's view and the emotional impact suffered in the face of the mother's cancer diagnosis. It sought to evaluate, with ludic tools and drawing history, the child's understanding about the mother's illness process, based on the psychoanalytic framework to recognize how they deal with the situation. A 39-year-old woman diagnosed with cancer, in remission, and her 9-year-old son participated in this research. The results showed that the maternal illness caused significant and frightening emotional impacts for the infant, creating unrealistic fantasies related to cancer and to himself. Thus, the care extended to the sick individual's family and to the relatives is considered of fundamental importance, to give a complete care for all those who suffer in this context.(AU)

El cáncer es una enfermedad crónico-degenerativa, que tiene como una de sus principales características la capacidad de invadir tejidos y órganos, favoreciendo un crecimiento desordenado de las células. Enfermedades como esta impactan fuertemente a la persona que está enferma y a todos los que la rodean, incluidos familiares y amigos. Considerando esta situación, este estudio tuvo como objetivo comprender la percepción de un niño y el impacto emocional que sufrió ante el diagnóstico del cáncer vivido por su madre. Se pretendió evaluar, utilizando herramientas lúdicas y de dibujo-cuento, la comprensión del niño al proceso de enfermedad materna, buscando reconocer cómo el niño manejó este proceso a partir del referencial teórico psicoanalítico. En esta investigación participaron una mujer de 39 años diagnosticada de cáncer en remisión y su hijo de 9 años. Los resultados mostraron que los impactos emocionales de la enfermedad materna fueron significativos y aterradores para el infante, generando fantasías irreales relacionadas con el cáncer y él mismo. De esta forma, el cuidado extendido a la familia del individuo que está enfrentando esta enfermedad es importante para promover una atención integral a quienes la padecen en este contexto.(AU)

Análise da tendência da mortalidade por causas externas em pessoas idosas no Brasil, 2000 a 2022 / Analysis of the trend of mortality from external causes in older adults in Brazil, 2000 to 2022

Resumo Objetivo analisar a tendência de mortalidade por causas externas em pessoas idosas no Brasil no intervalo temporal entre os anos 2000 e 2022 e identificar o perfil sociodemográfico de mortalidade. Método estudo ecológico de série temporal utilizando dados secundários, envolvendo a mortalidade em pessoas idosas por causas externas no Brasil, no período de 2000 a 2022. Os dados foram coletados a partir das bases de dados do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde, das estimativas da população residente e de dados populacionais censitários disponibilizados pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. A frequência absoluta e relativa dos dados foi analisada a partir do software Excel 2010. As análises das tendências das taxas de mortalidade e regressão linear segmentada foram realizadas por meio do Joinpoint, com significância estatística avaliada por meio do teste de Monte Carl Resultados No período investigado, foram identificados 572.608 óbitos por causas externas em pessoas idosas com 60 anos ou mais. Em relação ao comportamento da mortalidade por causas externas em pessoas idosas, observou-se tendência de aumento nas taxas de mortalidade na maior parte do período estudado (2000 a 2013) com uma variação percentual anual (VPA: 1,86; IC95%: 1,5-2,2). Conclusão os resultados indicam uma tendência de crescimento da mortalidade de pessoas idosas por causas externas, refletindo a necessidade de priorização de políticas públicas que intervenham sobre esse evento.

Abstract Objective To analyze the trend of mortality due to external causes in older adults in Brazil within the temporal interval spanning from 2000 to 2022 and to identify the sociodemographic profile of mortality. Method Ecological time-series study utilizing secondary data, encompassing mortality in older adults due to external causes in Brazil, spanning the period from 2000 to 2022. The data were collected from the databases of the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System, population estimates, and census population data provided by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The absolute and relative frequency of the data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 software. The analysis of trends in mortality rates and segmented linear regression was conducted using Joinpoint, with statistical significance assessed through the Monte Carlo test. Results During the investigated period, 572,608 deaths due to external causes were identified in individuals aged 60 years or older. Regarding the mortality pattern due to external causes in older adults, an increasing trend in mortality rates was observed for the majority of the studied period (2000 to 2013) with an annual percent change (APC) of 1.86 (95% CI: 1.5-2.2). Conclusion The results indicate a growing trend in mortality among older individuals due to external causes, highlighting the need for prioritizing public policies that address this issue.

Impacto psicossocial da pandemia de covid-19 em pacientes com transtornos alimentares / Psychosocial impact of the covid-19 pandemic on patients with eating disorders / Impacto psicossocial de la pandemia de la covid-19 en pacientes con trastornos alimentarios

Pacientes com transtornos alimentares (TAs) são considerados mais vulneráveis ao sofrimento psíquico induzido pela pandemia de Covid-19. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as repercussões do isolamento social na saúde física e mental de pacientes com diagnóstico de TAs durante o primeiro ano da pandemia de Covid-19 e investigar suas reações à mudança do atendimento presencial para o online. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória, com delineamento longitudinal. Participaram 13 pacientes do sexo feminino, com idades entre 13 e 66 anos, em seguimento ambulatorial em um serviço vinculado ao Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Os dados foram colhidos de forma remota, por meio de um formulário aplicado e reaplicado em um intervalo de seis meses. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise temática reflexiva e agrupados em quatro categorias centrais: adaptação às condições de isolamento social; repercussões emocionais ao escutar o persistente rumor da morte; qualidade da alimentação, gestão das emoções e nível de insatisfação corporal; e facilidades e barreiras percebidas na transição para o atendimento online. Os achados evidenciam marcada vulnerabilidade psicossocial, que se reflete na piora de sintomas preexistentes e no aparecimento de novos sofrimentos psíquicos, indicando a necessidade de intensificar o acompanhamento terapêutico no período pandêmico, de acordo com as adaptações requeridas.(AU)

Patients with eating disorders (EDs) are considered more vulnerable to pandemic-induced psychological distress due to COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the repercussions of social isolation on the physical and mental health of patients diagnosed with EDs during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate their reactions to the shift from face-to-face to online care. This is a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory research with a longitudinal design. In total, 13 female patients aged from 13 to 66 years and who were in outpatient follow-up participated in this research. Data were remotely collected using a form applied and reapplied at a six-month interval. Results were subjected to thematic reflective analysis and grouped into four central categories: Adaptation to conditions of social isolation; Emotional repercussions: listening to the persistent rumor of death; Quality of food, management of emotions, and level of body dissatisfaction; Transition to online care: perceived facilities and barriers. Results show marked psychosocial vulnerability, which is reflected in the worsening of preexisting symptoms and the emergence of new psychological suffering, indicating the need to intensify the monitoring in this period, according to the adaptations required by the pandemic scenario.(AU)

Los pacientes con trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) están más vulnerables al sufrimiento psíquico inducido por la pandemia de la Covid-19. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar las repercusiones del aislamiento social en la salud física y mental de pacientes con diagnóstico de TCA durante el primer año de la pandemia de Covid-19 e investigar sus reacciones al cambio de la atención presencial a la online. Se trata de una investigación cualitativa, descriptiva y exploratoria, con diseño longitudinal. Participaron 13 pacientes mujeres, con edades de entre 13 y 66 años, en seguimiento en un servicio vinculado al Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). Los datos se recogieron de manera remota mediante un formulario aplicado y reaplicado en un intervalo de seis meses. Los resultados se sometieron a análisis temático reflexivo y se agruparon en cuatro categorías centrales: Adaptación a las condiciones de aislamiento social; Repercusiones emocionales en la escucha del persistente rumor de la muerte; calidad de la alimentación, gestión de las emociones y nivel de insatisfacción corporal; y facilidades y obstáculos percibidos en la transición a la atención en línea. Los resultados muestran una marcada vulnerabilidad psicosocial, que se refleja en el empeoramiento de los síntomas preexistentes y en la aparición de nuevos sufrimientos psicológicos, lo que indica la necesidad de intensificar el seguimiento, de acuerdo con las adaptaciones requeridas.(AU)

Características clínicas e fatores de risco que afetam a mortalidade de crianças e adolescentes com COVID-19: um estudo de coorte retrospectivo de âmbito nacional utilizando aprendizado de máquina / Clinical characteristics and risk factors affecting mortality of children and adolescents with COVID-19: a nationwide retrospective cohort study using machine learning

A pandemia de COVID-19 impulsionou a aplicação de tecnologias digitais avançadas, como a inteligência artificial (IA), para prever a mortalidade em pacientes adultos. No entanto, o desenvolvimento de modelos de aprendizado de máquina (ML) para prever desfechos em crianças e adolescentes com COVID-19 ainda é limitado. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de múltiplos modelos de aprendizado de máquina na previsão de mortalidade entre pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados com COVID-19 e analisar sua viabilidade quando aplicados a grandes bases de dados. Neste estudo de coorte, utilizamos o banco de dados SIVEP-Gripe, um recurso público mantido pelo Ministério da Saúde, para monitorar a síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) no Brasil. Para criar subconjuntos destinados ao treinamento e teste dos modelos de aprendizado de máquina (ML), dividimos o banco de dados primário em três partes. Com esses subconjuntos, desenvolvemos e treinamos 12 algoritmos de ML para prever os desfechos. Avaliamos o desempenho desses modelos utilizando diversas métricas, como acurácia, precisão, sensibilidade, revocação e a área sob a curva característica de operação do receptor (AUC). Entre as 37 variáveis examinadas, 24 foram identificadas como potenciais indicadoras de mortalidade, conforme determinado pelo teste de independência do qui-quadrado. O algoritmo de regressão logística (LR) obteve o maior desempenho, com uma acurácia de 92,5% e uma AUC de 80,1% no conjunto de dados otimizado. Os algoritmos de Gradient Boosting Classifier (GBC) e Adaptive Boosting (ADA) apresentaram resultados semelhantes aos do algoritmo LR. Nosso estudo também revelou que a saturação de oxigênio reduzida na linha de base, a presença de comorbidades e a idade avançada foram os fatores mais relevantes na previsão de mortalidade em crianças e adolescentes hospitalizados. O uso de modelos de ML pode ser uma ferramenta valiosa na tomada de decisões clínicas e na implementação de estratégias de gestão de pacientes baseadas em evidências, o que pode melhorar os desfechos dos pacientes e a qualidade geral dos cuidados médicos. Os modelos LR, GBC e ADA demonstraram eficiência na previsão precisa de mortalidade em pacientes pediátricos com COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed the application of advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to predict mortality in adult patients. However, the development of machine learning (ML) models for predicting outcomes in children and adolescents with COVID-19 remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of multiple machine learning models in forecasting mortality among hospitalized pediatric COVID-19 patients and assess their feasibility when applied to large-scale datasets. In this cohort study, we used the SIVEP-Gripe dataset, a public resource maintained by the Ministry of Health, to track severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Brazil. To create subsets for training and testing the machine learning (ML) models, we divided the primary dataset into three parts. Using these subsets, we developed and trained 12 ML algorithms to predict the outcomes. We assessed the performance of these models using various metrics such as accuracy, precision, sensitivity, recall, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Among the 37 variables examined, 24 were found to be potential indicators of mortality, as determined by the chi-square test of independence. The LR algorithm achieved the highest performance, with an accuracy of 92.5% and an AUC of 80.1%, on the optimized dataset. GBC and ADA closely followed the LR algorithm, producing similar results. Our study also revealed that baseline reduced oxygen saturation, presence of comorbidities, and older age were the most relevant factors in predicting mortality in hospitalized children and adolescents. The use of ML models can be an asset in making clinical decisions and implementing evidence-based patient management strategies, which can enhance patient outcomes and overall quality of medical care. LR, GBC, and ADA models have demonstrated efficiency in accurately predicting mortality in COVID-19 pediatric patients.

Significados atribuídos por mulheres com câncer de mama ao grupo de apoio / Meanings attributed by women with breast cancer to a support group / Significados atribuidos por las mujeres con cáncer de mama al grupo de apoyo

A sobrevivência ao câncer de mama é um problema de saúde pública que demanda serviços especializados com foco na reabilitação psicossocial. Entre as necessidades identificadas nesse contexto está o incentivo à adoção de estratégias de promoção de autocuidados pelas mulheres. Uma das estratégias adotadas consiste no grupo de apoio psicológico, que auxilia as pacientes a enfrentar a longa jornada do tratamento. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo é compreender os significados produzidos por mulheres com câncer de mama sobre sua participação em um grupo de apoio. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório realizado com dez mulheres com câncer de mama usuárias de um serviço de reabilitação para mastectomizadas. Como referencial metodológico foi utilizada a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista aberta em profundidade e os conteúdos foram transcritos e codificados. A análise indutiva e o método de comparação constante foram aplicados nos processos de codificação aberta, axial e seletiva, que permitiram identificar três categorias nucleares: percepção das atividades realizadas no grupo, identificação de benefícios e barreiras do convívio no grupo e transformações decorrentes da participação. As participantes significaram sua presença no grupo como fonte de acolhimento, apoio, desenvolvimento de recursos pessoais e amizades, contribuindo para promover sua qualidade de sobrevida. Além dos potenciais benefícios, também foram identificadas barreiras que podem dificultar a adesão e continuidade da participação no grupo, o que sugere a necessidade de incorporar no cuidado um olhar para as dimensões subjetivas da saúde da mulher.(AU)

Surviving breast cancer is a public health problem and depends on services focused on psychosocial rehabilitation. Healthcare providers must encourage women to adopt strategies to promote their self-care. The psychological support group is a resource that helps women to face the long journey of treatment. This study aimed to understand the meanings women with breast cancer produced about their participation in a support group. This exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out with 10 women with breast cancer who use a rehabilitation service for mastectomized patients. Grounded Theory was used as a methodological reference. An open in-depth interview was applied for data collection. The contents were transcribed and coded. Inductive analysis and the constant comparison method were applied in the open, axial, and selective coding processes, which enabled the identification of three core categories: perception of the activities carried out in the group, identification of benefits and barriers of living in the group, and transformations resulting from participation. Participants denote their involvement with the group as a source of shelter, support, development of personal resources and friendships that helps promoting quality of life. Besides these potential benefits, participants also evinced barriers that can hinder adherence and continuity of participation in the group, suggesting the importance of incorporating a look at the subjective dimensions of women's health into care.(AU)

Sobrevivir al cáncer de mama es un problema de salud pública que depende de los servicios centrados en la rehabilitación psicosocial. Entre las necesidades identificadas en esta materia se encuentra el uso de estrategias para promover el autocuidado. Uno de los recursos que ayuda a afrontar el largo camino del tratamiento es el grupo de apoyo psicológico. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer los significados que producen las mujeres con cáncer de mama sobre su participación en un grupo de apoyo. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio, realizado con diez mujeres con cáncer de mama usuarias de un servicio de rehabilitación para mastectomizadas. Como referencia metodológica se utilizó la teoría fundamentada en los datos. Se aplicó una entrevista abierta en profundidad para la recogida de datos, cuyos contenidos fueron transcritos y codificados. El análisis inductivo y el método de comparación constante se aplicaron en los procesos de codificación abierta, axial y selectiva, lo que permitió identificar tres categorías centrales: percepción de las actividades realizadas en el grupo, identificación de los beneficios y las barreras de vivir en el grupo y transformaciones resultantes de la participación. Las mujeres denotan su participación en el grupo como una fuente de acogida, apoyo, desarrollo de recursos personales y amistades, que ayuda a promover la calidad de vida. Además de los beneficios potenciales, también se identificaron barreras que pueden dificultar la adherencia y continuidad de la participación en el grupo, lo que sugiere la necesidad de incorporar en la atención una mirada centrada en las dimensiones subjetivas de la salud de las mujeres.(AU)

Revisão bioética sobre a legalidade da morte assistida no Equador / Bioethical review on the legality of assisted dying in Ecuador / Revisión bioética acerca de la legalidad de la muerte asistida en el Ecuador

Resumo A legalidade da morte assistida é controversa em todo o mundo devido a aspectos bioéticos. Em países como Luxemburgo e Canadá, a eutanásia foi aprovada, gerando impactos positivos na qualidade de vida de pacientes; entretanto, há aspectos negativos, como o abandono de opções paliativas. Esta revisão bibliográfica descritiva considerou publicações dos últimos cinco anos com enfoques bioéticos a favor da morte assistida, com base na importância de aliviar definitivamente a sintomatologia do paciente, além de proporcionar qualidade de vida, mas referiu também que a longo prazo a legalidade desse procedimento pode acarretar desumanização médica. O Código Orgânico Integral Penal Integral do Equador apresenta artigos ambíguos a favor e contra a morte assistida, com brechas legais que não permitem sua aplicação no sistema de saúde. Embora haja argumentos sólidos a favor e contra a eutanásia, a decisão deve ser adaptada ao contexto do paciente e do sistema de saúde.

Abstract The legality of assisted dying is a controversial matter worldwide due to bioethical aspects. In countries such as Luxembourg and Canada, euthanasia was approved, with positive impacts on the quality of life of patients; however, there are negative aspects, such as not taking palliative options into consideration. This descriptive literature review considered publications from the last five years with bioethical approaches in favor of assisted dying, based on the importance of definitively alleviating patient symptomatology, in addition to providing quality of life, but also noting that in the long term the legality of this procedure may lead to medical dehumanization. Ecuador's Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code presents ambiguous articles for and against assisted dying, with legal loopholes that preclude its application in the health care system. Despite solid arguments for and against euthanasia, the decision must be adapted to the context of the patient and health care system.

Resumen La legalidad de la muerte asistida es controvertida en todo el mundo debido a aspectos bioéticos. En países como Luxemburgo y Canadá, la eutanasia ha sido aprobada, generando impactos positivos en la calidad de vida de pacientes; sin embargo, hay aspectos negativos, como el abandono de opciones paliativas. Esta revisión bibliográfica descriptiva consideró publicaciones de los últimos cinco años con enfoques bioéticos a favor de la muerte asistida, con base en la importancia de aliviar definitivamente la sintomatología del paciente, además de proporcionar calidad de vida, pero refirió también que, a largo plazo, la legalidad de este procedimiento puede acarrear la deshumanización médica. El Código Orgánico Integral Penal del Ecuador presenta artículos ambiguos a favor y en contra de la muerte asistida, con brechas legales que no permiten su aplicación en el sistema de salud. Aunque existan argumentos sólidos a favor y en contra de la eutanasia, la decisión debe ser adaptada al contexto del paciente y del sistema de salud.

Suicídio e luto por suicídio no Twitter: postagens sobre mortes de figuras públicas / Suicide and grief by suicide on Twitter: posts about deaths of public figures / Suicidio y duelo por suicidio en Twitter: publicaciones sobre muertes de figuras públicas

Estudo de abordagem qualitativa desenvolvido com o objetivo de analisar temas de postagens brasileiras sobre o suicídio e o luto, relacionadas à morte de figuras públicas por suicídio. A coleta dos dados foi realizada no Twitter por meio da ferramenta busca avançada, resultando em 368 postagens elegíveis publicadas entre 2009 e 2018, e subsequente Análise Temática dos conteúdos. Os resultados foram discutidos em cinco categorias: "Reações e sentimentos expressos", "Representações das figuras públicas e riscos para comportamentos imitativos", "O luto por personagens fictícios", "A necessidade de prevenção e posvenção no Twitter" e "O luto por suicídio na Internet". O estudo produziu conhecimento sobre padrões e variações relacionadas às reações emocionais, crenças, atitudes, julgamentos, fatores de risco e protetores da cultura digital sobre suicídio, bem como a compreensão de contradições e características inusitadas e relevantes para a prevenção e posvenção do suicídio na internet

Qualitative approach study developed with the aim of analyze themes of Brazilian posts about suicide and grief related to the death of public figures by suicide. Data collection was performed on Twitter using the advanced search tool, resulting in 368 eligible posts published from 2009 to 2018. The contents of the posts were analyzed through Thematic Analysis. The results obtained were discussed through five categories: "Reactions and feelings expressed", "Representations of public figures and risks for imitative behaviors", "Grief over fictional characters", "The need of prevention and postvention on Twitter" and "Grief over suicide on the Internet". The study produced knowledge about patterns and variations related to emotional reactions, beliefs, attitudes, judgments, risks and protectives factors of the digital culture about suicide as well as the understanding of contradictions and unusual and relevant characteristics for the prevention and postvention of suicide on the Internet

Estudio de enfoque cualitativo com el objetivo de analizar temas de publicaciones brasileñas sobre suicidio y duelo relacionado con la muerte de personas famosas por suicidio. La recolección de datos se realizó en Twitter utilizando la herramienta de búsqueda avanzada, resultando en 368 publicaciones elegibles publicadas entre 2009 y 2018. Se realizo Análisis Temático de los contenidos. Los resultados se discutieron en cinco categorías: Reacciones y sentimientos expresados, Representaciones de personas famosas y riscos para conductas imitativas, El duelo por personajes de ficción, La necesidad de prevención y posvención en Twitter y El duelo por suicidio en Internet. El estudio produjo conocimiento sobre patrones y variaciones relacionados com reacciones, creencias, actitudes, juicios, factores de riesgo y protectores de la cultura digital, así como la comprensión de las contradicciones y características inusuales y relevantes para la prevención y posvención del suicidio en Internet

Expresiones de continuidad de vínculos en personas que experimentan el duelo por la muerte de un ser querido / Expressions of Continuity of Ties in People Experiencing Mourning for the Death of a Loved Being

Introducción: La continuidad de vínculos es una perspectiva del duelo reciente que ha sido estudiada para evidenciar de qué forma se expresa en las personas dolientes y su función ante la pérdida de un ser querido. Objetivo: Identificar expresiones de continuidad de vínculos en personas que experimentan duelo por la muerte de un ser querido. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión integrativa en cinco etapas, que incluyó estudios publicados en revistas de acceso abierto y texto completo, en inglés, español o portugués, de 1997 a 2021. Excluyó información contenida en libros, tesis, editoriales u opiniones, y estudios desvinculados a la muerte de una persona. La pregunta de investigación utilizó el acrónimo PICo. Se ejecutó una estrategia de búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed, SciELO, Science Direct, Scopus, y Web of Sciences durante el 2022. Se identificaron 303 documentos. La muestra final fue de 28 artículos, que se evaluaron con las herramientas de evaluación crítica propuestas por JBI, se redujeron y se analizaron por el método comparativo constante. Conclusiones: Las expresiones de continuidad de vínculos son lazos referentes a la persona fallecida, que podrían manifestarse por pensamientos y sentimientos, percepciones alteradas, imitación, negociación del estatus, experiencias paranormales o ritos sobre la muerte. Tienen distintos roles y funciones en las personas dolientes. Para la Enfermería de Salud Mental, su estudio supone una visión más amplia en el cuidado de las personas en duelo que favorece el abordaje centrado en la persona al validar la propia historia y sus significados(AU)

Introduction: The continuity of ties is a perspective of any recent grief that has been studied to show how it is expressed in grieving people and its function in the face of the loss of a loved one. Objective: To identify expressions of continuity of ties in people who experience grief over the death of a loved one. Methods: An integrative review was carried out in five stages, which included full-text studies published in open access journals, in English, Spanish or Portuguese, from 1997 to 2021. It excluded information contained in books, theses, editorials or opinions, and studies unrelated to the death of a person. The research question used the PICo acronym. A search strategy was performed in the PubMed, SciELO, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Sciences databases during 2022. An amount of 303 documents were identified. The final sample was 28 articles, which were evaluated with the critical appraisal tools proposed by Joanna Briggs Institute, reduced and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Conclusions: Expressions of continuity of ties are links referring to the deceased person, which could be manifested by thoughts and feelings, altered perceptions, imitation, status negotiation, paranormal experiences or rites about death. They have different roles and functions in grieving people. For mental health nursing, its study represents a broader vision in the care of people in mourning that favors a person-centered approach by validating their own history and its meaning(AU)

Psicoterapia breve operacionalizada na adaptação de mulheres com câncer de mama: coletânea de casos / Brief psychotherapy operationalized in adaptation of women with breast cancer: case selection / Psicoterapia breve operacionalizada en la adaptación de mujeres con cáncer de mama: recopilación de casos

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos terapêuticos da Psicoterapia Breve Operacionalizada (PBO) na adaptação de mulheres diagnosticadas com câncer de mama e em tratamento oncológico. O câncer de mama mostra-se mobilizador de sofrimento psíquico para as mulheres tanto no diagnóstico quanto no tratamento, o que justifica identificar intervenções psicológicas adequadas para essa população. As participantes foram 17 mulheres com idade entre 30 e 65 anos. A Escala Diagnóstica Adaptativa Operacionalizada (EDAO) foi o instrumento utilizado para avaliação da adaptação em quatro setores: afetivo-relacional, produtividade, orgânico e sociocultural. Referida avaliação foi feita em três momentos: antes e após a intervenção breve, e no follow-up . A PBO foi a intervenção breve utilizada. Os resultados mostraram que o setor orgânico foi o mais comprometido, seguido do afetivo-relacional, com soluções pouquíssimo adequadas. Como foco da psicoterapia breve, a situação-problema mais recorrente se relacionava ao câncer de mama, que, na compreensão psicodinâmica, mostrou-se associada ao intenso desamparo egóico diante do adoecimento e tratamento oncológico. Na avaliação adaptativa final e follow-up , 82,4% das participantes apresentaram evolução de grupo adaptativo. Concluímos que, neste estudo, a intervenção com a PBO possibilitou efeitos terapêuticos na adaptação, reverberando na solução das situações-problema e na crise adaptativa por perda.(AU)

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Operationalized Brief Psychotherapy (PBO) so women diagnosed with breast cancer could adapt to treatment. Breast cancer has mobilized psychological suffering for women during diagnosis and treatment, justifying the identification of the appropriate psychological interventions for this population. Participants included 17 women aged 30 to 65 years. Adaptative Operational Diagnostic Scale (EDAO) was used to evaluated adaptation in four sectors: affective-relational, productivity, organic, and sociocultural before and after a brief psychological intervention and follow-up. The PBO was used as the brief intervention. Results showed that the organic sector was the most compromised, followed by the affective-relational one, which showed very little adequate solutions. As a focus of brief psychotherapy, the most recurring problem-situation was related to breast cancer, which, in yjr psychodynamic understanding, was associated with the intense helplessness of the ego in the face of illness and treatment. In the final adaptative evaluation and follow-up, 82.4% of participants showed evolution in the adaptive group. This study concluded that the intervention with PBO enabled therapeutic effects in these participants' adaptation, reverberating in the solution of problem-situation and in the adaptive crisis by loss.(AU)

El propósito de este estudio fue investigar los efectos terapéuticos de la psicoterapia breve operacionalizada (PBO) en la adaptación de mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer de mama y en tratamiento oncológico. El cáncer de mama moviliza sufrimiento psicológico para las mujeres tanto en el diagnóstico como en el tratamiento, lo que justifica identificar intervenciones psicológicas adecuadas para esta población. Participaron 17 mujeres de entre 30 y 65 años. El instrumento utilizado fue la Escala de Diagnóstico Adaptativo Operacionalizada (EDAO) para la evaluación adaptativa en cuatro sectores: afectivo-relacional, productividad, orgánico y sociocultural. La evaluación se realizó en tres momentos: antes, después de la intervención breve y en el seguimiento. La PBO fue la intervención breve utilizada. Los resultados mostraron que el sector orgánico fue el más comprometido, seguido por el afectivo-relacional con soluciones poquísimas adecuadas. Como foco de la psicoterapia breve, la situación-problema más recurrente estuvo relacionada con el cáncer de mama, que en la comprensión psicodinámica resultó estar asociada a un intenso desamparo ante la enfermedad y el tratamiento oncológico. En la evaluación adaptativa final y el seguimiento, el 82,4% de las participantes tuvieron evolución grupal adaptativa. Se concluye que la intervención con PBO permitió efectos terapéuticos en la adaptación de estos participantes, repercutiendo en la solución de situaciones-problema y en la crisis adaptativa por pérdida.(AU)

Estudo epidemiológico descritivo dos casos notificados de Leishmaniose visceral no estado de Goiás no período de 2011 a 2020 / Descriptive epidemiological study of notified cases of visceral Leishmaniasis in the state of Goiás in the period from 2011 to 2020 / Estudio epidemiológico descriptivo de los casos notificados de Leishmaniasis visceral en el estado de Goiás en el período de 2011 a 2020

A leishmaniose visceral, conhecida também como calazar, trata-se da forma mais grave das leishmanioses por ser uma enfermidade sistêmica e com um grande espectro clínico e um caráter irregular. Desse modo, objetivou-se avaliar a situação epidemiológica da leishmaniose visceral no Estado de Goiás, bem como o caráter dessa doença e o perfil mais atingido. Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa retrospectiva compreendendo o período de 2012 a 2021, com os casos notificados de leishmaniose visceral no Estado de Goiás. A busca pelos dados ocorreu por meio dos SINAN/DATASUS do Ministério da Saúde. Os dados encontrados foram tabulados e analisados por meio do programa Excel da Microsoft®. No período avaliado, foram notificados 388 casos de LV em Goiás, distribuídos em 47 municípios goianos. 66,23% das ocorrências pertenciam ao sexo masculino; 25,51% eram adultos com idade entre 20- 39 anos; 74,48% eram moradores da zona urbana; além disso, 9,27% do total de casos notificados em Goiás evoluíram para óbito. Há ainda uma a taxa de coinfecção LV/HIV de 12,11% do total de casos notificados. Constatou-se, portanto, que algumas localidades possuem registros consequentes de LV, levando a existência de áreas endêmicas no estado. Existe um perfil de acometimento em Goiás, no período de análise, direcionado para o sexo masculino, de cor parda, jovens adultos, com baixa escolaridade, vivendo nas cidades e grandes centros urbanos. Destaca-se o elevado quantitativo de dados identificados como ignorado/branco, que podem interferir significativmente em análises epidemiológicas.

Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, is the most serious form of leishmaniasis because it is a systemic disease with a wide clinical spectrum and an irregular character. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the epidemiological situation of visceral leishmaniasis in the State of Goiás, as well as the character of this disease and the most affected profile. For this, a retrospective survey was carried out covering the period from 2012 to 2021, with reported cases of visceral leishmaniasis in the State of Goiás. The search for data took place through the SINAN/DATASUS of the Ministry of Health. The data found were tabulated and analyzed using the Microsoft® Excel program. In the period evaluated, 388 cases of VL were reported in Goiás, distributed in 47 munic- ipalities in Goiás. 66.23% of the occurrences were male; 25.51% were adults aged be- tween 20-39 years; 74.48% were residents of the urban area; in addition, 9.27% of the total cases reported in Goiás evolved to death. There is also a LV/HIV co-infection rate of 12.11% of the total reported cases. It was found, therefore, that some localities have consequent records of VL, leading to the existence of endemic areas in the state. There is a profile of involvement directed towards males, of mixed race, young adults, with low education, living in cities and large urban centers. The high quantity of data identified as ignored/white stands out, which can significantly interfere in epidemiological analyses. KEYWORDS: Epidemiology; Leishmania; Notification.

La leishmaniasis visceral, también conocida como kala-azar, es la forma más grave de leishmaniasis por tratarse de una enfermedad sistémica de amplio espectro clínico y carácter irregular. Así, el objetivo fue evaluar la situación epidemiológica de la leishmaniasis visceral en el Estado de Goiás, así como el carácter de esta enfermedad y el perfil más afectado. Para ello, se realizó una encuesta retrospectiva que abarcó el período de 2012 a 2021, con los casos notificados de leishmaniasis visceral en el Estado de Goiás. La búsqueda de datos se realizó a través del SINAN/DATASUS del Ministerio de Salud. Los datos encontrados fueron tabulados y analizados utilizando el programa Microsoft® Excel. En el período evaluado, fueron notificados 388 casos de LV en Goiás, distribuidos en 47 municipios de Goiás. 66,23% de las ocurrencias fueron del sexo masculino; 25,51% eran adultos con edad entre 20-39 años; 74,48% eran residentes del área urbana; además, 9,27% del total de casos notificados en Goiás evolucionaron a muerte. Existe también una tasa de coinfección LV/VIH de 12,11% del total de casos notificados. Se constató, por lo tanto, que algunas localidades tienen registros consecuentes de LV, llevando a la existencia de áreas endémicas en el estado. Existe un perfil de envolvimiento dirigido a hombres, mestizos, adultos jóvenes, con baja escolaridad, residentes en ciudades y grandes centros urbanos. Se destaca la elevada cantidad de datos identificados como ignorados/blancos, lo que puede interferir significativamente en los análisis epidemiológicos.

Ethical dilemmas at the end of life: a reflection from the Philosophical Perspective of Luigina Mortari.

OBJECTIVES: to reflect on the ethical dilemmas involved in the care of patients at the end of their lives. METHODS: this is a theoretical-reflective study based on the ethics of care proposed by Luigina Mortari. RESULTS: discussing care involves addressing the ways of being inherent to human existence and understanding the unique characteristics of this condition. Ethical care constitutes an action driven by interest in the other and by the perception of their need. Ethical dilemmas are a part of end-of-life care, making it essential to maintain respectful assistance that considers the patient's autonomy, using strategies for expressing their wishes, and ensuring continuous clear and empathetic communication among all those involved in providing care. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: issues related to being, stemming from one's reality of dependency and vulnerability, contribute to the emergence of ethical dilemmas present in care actions.

Guidance provided by pharmacists to customers regarding to destination of unused household medications: disposal of household medications.

BACKGROUND: Discarding pharmaceuticals in the garbage or into the sewage system are still the most common methods in many countries. This study aims to investigate the guidance provided by pharmacists to customers on the disposal of unused and expired household medications in São Paulo State, Brazil. METHOD: The study population consisted of 630 pharmacists from the State of São Paulo, who work in community pharmacies. They answered an online questionnaire with questions composed in three blocks: demographic, work, and academic information on the pharmacist; guidance about the disposal of household medications; and knowledge regarding the reverse logistics of these medications. An invitation to participate in the questionnaire was made via WhatsApp, individually and collectively. Inferential statistics were performed using the chi-square test and were considered significant when p < 0.05%. RESULTS: Among the participating pharmacists, the majority were women under 60 years old,56 (8.89%) stated that they never orient the customer regarding the disposal of unused and expired household medications, while 574 (91,12%) indicated that they almost provide guidance. The frequency with which they provided guidance was influenced by the number of years since graduation (p = 0.0047), the time they had worked in pharmacies and drugstores (p = 0.0007), and whether or not they had a graduate degree (p = 0.0181). Regarding the disposal of medications, among the 643 responses provided by the pharmacists,516 (80.25%) indicated that they oriented customers to return them to a pharmacy. CONCLUSION: A small number of pharmacists always orient customers on the proper disposal that should be followed for unused and expired household medications, prioritizing their return to a pharmacy. In general, these pharmacists have longer periods of work experience and higher academic qualifications. Thus, it is important to increase knowledge through professional training and further education programs.