[Acute myeloid leukemia with mutated RUNX1 at the university hospitals of Strasbourg]. / Étude rétrospective des leucémies aiguës myéloïdes mutées RUNX1 aux hôpitaux ­universitaires de Strasbourg.

RUNX1 is essential during human hematopoiesis. Numerous RUNX1 deregulations have been described, including translocations and germline or somatic mutations. Recurrent de novo RUNX1 mutations in acute myeloid leukemias (AML) prompted the creation of a provisional entity of AML with mutated RUNX1 in the 2016 WHO. In addition, recent genomic studies underlined rare AML patients with plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) expansion and high RUNX1 mutations frequency. To better characterized AML with RUNX1 mutations, we retrospectively investigated a cohort of 32 patients diagnosed at Strasbourg University Hospital. Detailed clinical and biological features were aggregated. The presence of a pDC contingent was assessed by cytology and flow cytometry. In our cohort, no common features were identified either in term of cytology, stage of leukemia arrest or mutational features. Based on our observations, mutated RUNX1 AMLs do not appear to be a distinct AML entity. The new 2022 WHO classification includes AML with mutated RUNX1 within AML myelodysplasia-related category. We also identified within our cohort a patient whose AML fulfilled AML-pDC criteria, a rare and newly included entity in the last WHO classification.

Nurses' perceptions of leadership in Brazilian hospitals during COVID-19 through Kotter's conception.

OBJECTIVE: to understand nurses' leadership perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazilian university hospitals, through the lens of John Kotter's concepts and his eight-step change model. METHOD: a multicenter qualitative research with an analytical design. The sample comprised 139 nurses working in COVID-19 settings, interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were categorized through Bardin's content analysis based on John Kotter's concepts and his eight-step change model. RESULTS: the findings yielded significant insights into nurses' perceptions of leadership during the COVID-19 response, which exhibited characteristics consistent with Kotter's principles. There is evidence of leadership based on the pursuit of knowledge, grounded in polished communication, facilitating teamwork through a relationship of trust and respect. The recognition of the complexity and difficulty of exercising nursing leadership, particularly in crisis contexts, is apparent. CONCLUSION: nurses' perceptions reinforce essential elements for leadership practice, such as the importance of seeking diverse knowledge, polished communication, relationships based on trust and respect, and recognition of the complexity of leadership, thus presenting characteristics in line with Kotter's principles. HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Nurses' perceptions of leadership during COVID-19 were highlighted. (2) COVID-19 intensified the complexity in nurses' leadership roles. (3) Nurses' leadership was consolidated in knowledge, communication, trust. (4) Working in the COVID-19 response as a nurse-leader has become challenging. (5) Kotter's principles assist in reflections on nurses' leadership.

Quality of Care Transition for COVID-19 Patients in a University Hospital in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of care transition from hospital to home for COVID-19 patients. METHOD: A cross-sectional study conducted at a University Hospital in Southern Brazil, involving 78 patients discharged after COVID-19 hospitalization. Data collection was performed via telephone using the Brazilian version of the Care Transitions Measure (CTM-15). Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. RESULTS: The mean quality of care transition was 70.8 on a scale ranging from zero to 100, indicating moderate quality of care transition. The highest score was attributed to factor 1, "Preparation for self-management," and the lowest to factor 4, "Care Plan." CONCLUSIONS: It is important to enhance communication and support provided to patients during the transition process, especially regarding understanding prescribed medications and the development of clear care plans.

Nursing leadership strategies in addressing COVID-19 in light of John Kotter's framework.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the leadership strategies of nurses in university hospitals in response to care management changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, informed by John Kotter's insights. METHODS: This multicentric study utilized qualitative and analytical methods. It was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 139 lead nurses from 10 university hospitals in Brazil. Data analysis included Bardin's content analysis and the webQDA software. RESULTS: The primary category identified was "Nursing Leadership Strategies in the Battle Against COVID-19," encompassing five subcategories. This category underscored the importance of strategic vision in nursing leadership for combating COVID-19 within hospital settings, as well as the necessity of working collaboratively with their teams and other healthcare professionals. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The results highlight the strategies used by lead nurses in confronting COVID-19, which can be associated with John Kotter's theoretical framework and his model of change.

[Digital health progress hubs-data integration beyond university hospitals]. / Die digitalen Fortschrittshubs Gesundheit ­ Gemeinsame Datennutzung über die Universitätsmedizin hinaus.

The digital health progress hubs pilot the extensibility of the concepts and solutions of the Medical Informatics Initiative to improve regional healthcare and research. The six funded projects address different diseases, areas in regional healthcare, and methods of cross-institutional data linking and use. Despite the diversity of the scenarios and regional conditions, the technical, regulatory, and organizational challenges and barriers that the progress hubs encounter in the actual implementation of the solutions are often similar. This results in some common approaches to solutions, but also in political demands that go beyond the Health Data Utilization Act, which is considered a welcome improvement by the progress hubs.In this article, we present the digital progress hubs and discuss achievements, challenges, and approaches to solutions that enable the shared use of data from university hospitals and non-academic institutions in the healthcare system and can make a sustainable contribution to improving medical care and research.

Implementing antimicrobial stewardship: lessons and perspectives from a university-affiliated tertiary hospital in Korea.

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) can lower antibiotic use, decrease medical expenses, prevent the emergence of resistant bacteria, and enhance treatment for infectious diseases. This study summarizes the stepwise implementation and effects of ASPs in a single university-affiliated tertiary care hospital in Korea; it also presents future directions and challenges in resource-limited settings. At the study hospital, the core elements of the ASP such as leadership commitment, accountability, and operating system were established in 2000, then strengthened by the formation of the Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Team in 2018. The actions of ASPs entail key components including a computerized restrictive antibiotic prescription system, prospective audit, post-prescription review through quantitative and qualitative intervention, and pharmacy-based interventions to optimize antibiotic usage. The AMS Team regularly tracked antibiotic use, the effects of interventions, and the resistance patterns of pathogens in the hospital. The reporting system was enhanced and standardized by participation in the Korea National Antimicrobial Use Analysis System, and educational efforts are ongoing. Stepwise implementation of the ASP and the efforts of the AMS Team have led to a substantial reduction in the overall consumption of antibiotics, particularly regarding injectables, and optimization of antibiotic use. Our experience highlights the importance of leadership, accountability, institution-specific interventions, and the AMS Team.

Embracing tensions throughout crises: The case of an Italian university hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has identified some tensions that public organizations may encounter during crises. However, there remains a scarcity of research examining how public health care organizations effectively navigate these tensions to reconcile the diverse interests, needs, and demands from various stakeholders. PURPOSES: The study seeks to shed light on the dynamics underlying the tensions experienced by public hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. It illustrates how different hospitals' actors have navigated these tensions, identifying solutions and approaches that fostered collaborative endeavors among internal and external stakeholders. METHODOLOGY: The study draws on qualitative analyses of 49 semistructured interviews and the notes from two focus groups involving key informants at one of the largest university hospitals in Italy. We also rely on the verbatim transcripts from meetings involving the members of the temporary emergency team constituting the taskforce. FINDINGS: The results highlight the tensions that emerged throughout the different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and how various actors have managed them in a way to reconcile opposing forces while unleashing adaptability and creativity. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Hospital managers would benefit from developing a paradoxical mindset for crisis preparedness, allowing them to embrace existing tensions and devise creative solutions to favor resilience and change.

Underfunding of German university-based high-performance medicine exemplified by the treatment of varices in cirrhosis.

Facing increasing economization in the health care sector, clinicians have to adapt not only to the ever-growing economic challenges, but also to a patient-oriented health care. Treatment costs are the most important variable for optimizing success when facing scarce human resources, increasing material- and infrastructure costs in general, as well as low revenue flexibility due to flat rates per case in Germany, the so-called Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG). University hospitals treat many patients with particularly serious illnesses. Therefore, their share of complex and expensive treatments, such as liver cirrhosis, is significantly higher. The resulting costs are not adequately reflected in the DRG flat rate per case, which is based on an average calculation across all hospitals, which increases this economic pressure. Thus, the aim of this manuscript is to review cost and revenue structures of the management of varices in patients with cirrhosis at a university center with a focus on hepatology. For this monocentric study, the data of 851 patients, treated at the Gastroenterology Department of a University Hospital between 2016 and 2020, were evaluated retrospectively and anonymously. Medical services (e.g., endoscopy, radiology, laboratory diagnostics) were analyzed within the framework of activity-based-costing. As part of the cost unit accounting, the individual steps of the treatment pathways of the 851 patients were monetarily evaluated with corresponding applicable service catalogs and compared with the revenue shares of the cost center and cost element matrix of the German (G-) DRG system. This study examines whether university-based high-performance medicine is efficient and cost-covering within the framework of the G-DRG system. We demonstrate a dramatic underfunding of the management of varicose veins in cirrhosis in our university center. It is therefore generally questionable whether and to what extent an adequate care for this patient collective is reflected in the G-DRG system.

Como moldar o modelo de ensino no contexto da administração hospitalar após a implantação do Sistema Único de Saúde? / How to shape the teaching model in the context of hospital administration after the implementation of the Unified Health System?

O ensino médico e os programas de residência médica no Brasil sofreram grandes mudanças após a implantação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Historicamente, eles eram programados para serem desenvolvidos quase que exclusivamente dentro de um hospital-escola ligado à sua universidade de origem. Os hospitais universitários (HUs) até então eram completamente desvinculados do sistema público de saúde e cada um estabelecia as suas regras de funcionamento. Seus pacientes mesclavam-se entre os de alta, média e baixa complexidade, de acordo com uma agenda regulada pelos departamentos clínicos e a administração do hospital. O SUS deu lugar a uma descentralização da assistência, com regulação hierarquizada do fluxo de pacientes e muita ênfase na promoção da saúde, prevenção de doenças e atenção primária, com foco importante nos Programas de Saúde da Família (PSF). Por conta da hierarquização da assistência no SUS, os pacientes de menor grau de complexidade passaram a ficar "retidos" na rede assistencial de nível primário e secundário, e os HUs públicos, por força da lei, passaram a fazer parte integrante do sistema público de saúde como referência para pacientes em nível terciário de complexidade. Os gestores dos HUs viram-se diante de um dilema: como ensinar Medicina para a graduação e residência médica se os pacientes de níveis primário e secundário de complexidade passaram a não mais fazer parte da clientela desses hospitais?

Síntesis Rápida de Evidencia: ¿Cuál es el efecto de la actividad docente asistencial en establecimientos formadores en comparación con establecimientos no formadores sobre la productividad asistencial y la satisfacción usuaria? / Rapid Summary of Evidence: What is the effect of teaching assistance activity in training establishments in comparison with establishments in non-training establishments on care productivity and user satisfaction?

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los centros asistenciales docentes cumplen un rol relevante en los sistemas de salud, aportando experticia a los cuidados clínicos a través de la educación y la investigación (2). En Chile, la relación asistencial docente (RAD) se encuentra regulada por la Norma Técnica General N°254 (1). La RAD es un vínculo estratégico y de largo plazo que une al sector público de salud con centros formadores, que tiene como objetivo formar y disponer de profesionales y técnicos competentes para satisfacer las necesidades de salud de la población, generando un beneficio sobre la calidad de atención que reciben los usuarios del SNSS (1). En este sentido, la formación de profesionales y técnicos del sector salud constituye un eje estratégico en el desarrollo del sistema. Esta norma detalla el alcance de los centros formadores y docentes, y de las actividades de colaboración entre profesionales y estudiantes (1). En este sentido, en la literatura se ha reportado el posible impacto que pudiera tener este tipo de relación en el tiempo de espera, calidad de la atención, satisfacción usuaria y otros temas relacionados en la atención a personas en contextos hospitalarios y ambulatorios, tanto para usuarios, estudiantes e instituciones asistenciales (hospitales, clínicas o centros ambulatorios docentes) que se vinculan con centros formadores (3­7). En este contexto, y con el objetivo de entregar justificación actualizada y relevante para el proyecto de ley que regula la RAD, la Jefatura del Dpto. de Formación, Capacitación y Educación Continua, junto con la Oficina del Gabinete de la Subsecretaría de Redes Asistenciales, han solicitado una síntesis rápida de la evidencia sobre el efecto de la formación académica en establecimientos asistenciales de estudiantes de pre y postgrado, en la productividad asistencial. METODOLOGIA: Se identificaron inicialmente 634 revisiones sistemáticas (RS). De éstas, se excluyeron 632 por disenso o duplicados, y se utilizaron 2 RS (3,4) publicadas en 2002 y 2015. A los estudios primarios incluidos en las RS utilizadas, se les aplicaron los mismos criterios de inclusión y exclusión que los aplicados en las RS (cuadro de metodología). Con estos criterios, se consideraron finalmente 10 estudios primarios, la totalidad de ellos fueron de tipo observacional (8­17). Para estimar el efecto de los hallazgos de esta SRE, se utilizaron los 10 estudios referidos en las 2 RS (3,4), en los cuales la comparación se realizó con centros asistenciales no docentes. RESULTADOS: Los hallazgos aquí presentados se han separado de acuerdo a tres desenlaces de interés: 1. Productividad clínica medida como tiempo de atención (8,10,11,13); 2. Productividad clínica medida como la cantidad de tareas realizadas por rango de tiempo (número de usuarios o trámites administrativos)(8,9,11­13) y 3. Satisfacción Usuaria (14­17). Cada hallazgo contiene además una tabla resumen con los resultados, mostrando la certeza en la evidencia de cada uno de los desenlaces reportados. CONSIDERACIONES DE IMPLEMENTACIÓN: Para el análisis de las consideraciones de implementación, durante la selección de títulos, resúmenes y texto completo de esta síntesis, se realizó una selección de revisiones sistemáticas que pudieran entregar antecedentes para el análisis de la aplicabilidad de la evidencia al contexto local, consideraciones económicas, equidad y de monitoreo y evaluación.

Elaboração de guia para Núcleos de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde da Rede Ebserh: relato de experiência / Elaboration of a guide for Health Technology Assessment Centers in the Ebserh network: an experience report

Introdução: A Empresa Brasileira de Serviços Hospitalares (Ebserh) gere 41 hospitais universitários federais (HUFs), atualmente com 36 Núcleos de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde (NATS). No contexto hospitalar, o NATS desenvolve produtos de avaliação de tecnologias em saúde (ATS) para subsidiar o gestor na tomada de decisões, sendo essencial para a sustentabilidade do Sistema Único de Saúde. A implantação efetiva dos NATS ainda é desafiadora, devido à insuficiência de diretrizes específicas para ATS hospitalar. Objetivo: Relatar atuação do Grupo de Trabalho em ATS (GT-ATS) da Ebserh na elaboração de guia para orientar a estruturação e fortalecimento dos NATS dos HUFs.Relato de Experiência: O GT-ATS foi instituído por portaria, composto por representantes de NATS dos HUFs e da administração central da Ebserh. Inicialmente, fez-se levantamento dos processos envolvendo os NATS, da prática de ATS na Ebserh e foi realizado diagnóstico situacional dos NATS. Em seguida, elaborou-se o guia a partir da expertise dos membros do GT-ATS e das melhores práticas e recomendações sobre ATS hospitalar, identificadas em revisão da literatura. O "Guia para organização e funcionamento dos NATS na Rede Ebserh" foi publicado em março de 2023 no portal eletrônico da Ebserh e inclui contextualização da ATS hospitalar no Brasil, objetivos e escopo de atuação dos NATS da Ebserh, orientações para organização e funcionamento dos núcleos e modelo de regulamento interno. Também foram elaborados modelos de nota técnica, declaração de conflito de interesses, formulário de solicitação e termo de compromisso de confidencialidade. Conclusão: O GT-ATS, por meio do Guia e dos documentos elaborados, contribuiu para institucionalização, harmonização e implementação dos processos de ATS nos hospitais da Ebserh, respeitando a heterogeneidade dos contextos e níveis de maturidade dos NATS. O trabalho colaborativo dentro do GT-ATS permitiu articulação de saberes interdisciplinares e práticas interinstitucionais, ampliando a dimensão, alcance e efetividade das ações de ATS.

Introduction: The Brazilian Hospital Services Company (Ebserh) manages 41 federal university hospitals (HUFs), currently with 36 Health Technology Assessment Centers (NATS). In the hospital context, NATS develop health technology assessment (HTA) products to help managers make decisions and are essential for the sustainability of the Unified Health System. The effective implementation of NATS is still a challenge, due to the lack of specific guidelines for hospital HTA. Objective: To report on the work of Ebserh's HTA Working Group (GT-ATS) in drawing up a guide for structuring and strengthening NATS HUFs. Experience Report: The GT-ATS was set up by ordinance, made up of representatives from NATS of HUFs and from Ebserh's central administration. Initially, a survey about the processes involving the NATS and the practice of HTA at Ebserh was carried out to make a situational diagnosis. The guide was then drawn up based on the expertise of the GT-ATS members and the best practices and recommendations on hospital HTA identified in literature review. The "Guide for the organization and operation of NATS in the Ebserh network" was published in March 2023 on Ebserh's electronic portal and includes a contextualization of hospital HTA in Brazil, the objectives and scope of action of Ebserh's NATS, guidelines for the organization and operation of the centers and a model of internal regulations. Templates have also been drawn up for technical note, declaration of conflict of interests, application form and confidentiality agreement. Conclusion: Through the Guide and the documents produced, the GT-ATS contributed to the institutionalization, harmonization and implementation of HTA processes in Ebserh hospitals, while respecting the heterogeneous contexts and maturity levels of the NATS. The collaborative work within the GT-ATS has allowed interdisciplinary knowledge and inter-institutional practices to be brought together, expanding the dimension, scope and effectiveness of HTA actions.

Competências gerenciais: conhecimento de enfermeiros / Managerial competencies: knowledge of nurses / Competencias de gestión: conocimiento de las enfermeras

Introdução: A enfermagem é considerada uma das ocupações mais versáteis dentro da força de trabalho de saúde. A gestão dos serviços de enfermagem é essencial para o sucesso da instituição de saúde e para a qualidade e segurança da assistência ao paciente. O enfermeiro gestor precisa ser apto a trabalhar e conduzir com cooperação e dinamismo a sua equipe, com respaldo em conhecimento técnico e valores éticos. Objetivo: Investigar o conhecimento dos enfermeiros quanto às competências gerenciais. Método: Estudo descritivo, exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa, realizado com enfermeiros, de um hospital universitário de pequeno porte, situado na região noroeste do estado do Paraná. As entrevistas foram pautadas na seguinte questão norteadora "Fale-me sobre as competências gerenciais executadas pelo enfermeiro?", após coleta dos dados, os mesmos foram transcritos e analisados segundo análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: Participaram do estudo sete enfermeiros, com idades entre 22 a 35 anos, a maioria desses profissionais terminaram a graduação em menos de três anos e atuavam naquela unidade de saúde, há menos de menos de um ano. A partir da análise das entrevistas emergiram três categorias, sendo elas: Habilidades para gestão; Dificuldades para gerenciar; e, Potencialidades/Facilidades para gerenciar. Principais resultados: por meio deste estudo foi possível notar que as percepções acerca das atribuições dos enfermeiros foram bem esclarecidas, demonstrando que a gerência está ligada às questões técnicas e burocráticas, e da sua relevância na condução eficiente da equipe sob sua liderança. Conclusão: Observa-se que há a necessidade de os profissionais de enfermagem compreenderem que a formação teórica e prática das atividades de educação continuada devem ser buscadas com afinco e não devem somente aguardar que os serviços de saúde as ofereçam.

Objective: To investigate nurses' knowledge of managerial skills. Method: Descriptive, exploratory study, with a qualitative approach, carried out with nurses from a small university hospital, located in the northwest region of the state of Paraná. The interviews were guided by the following guiding question "Tell me about the managerial competences performed by the nurse?", after collecting the data, they were transcribed and analyzed according to Bardin's content analysis. Results: Seven nurses participated in the study, aged between 22 and 35 years, most of these professionals finished their graduation in less than three years and worked in that health unit for less than less than a year. From the analysis of the interviews, three categories emerged, namely: Management skills; Difficulties to manage; and, Potential/Facilities to manage. Main results: through this study, it was possible to notice that the perceptions about the nurses' attributions were well clarified, demonstrating that the management is linked to technical and bureaucratic issues, and their relevance in the efficient management of the team under their leadership. Conclusion: It is observed that there is a need for nursing professionals to understand that the theoretical and practical training of continuing education activities should be pursued diligently and should not just wait for the health services to offer them.

Introducción: La enfermería se considera una de las ocupaciones más versátiles dentro del personal sanitario. La gestión de los servicios de enfermería es esencial para el éxito de la institución sanitaria y para la calidad y seguridad de la atención al paciente. El enfermero gestor debe ser capaz de trabajar y dirigir a su equipo con cooperación y dinamismo, apoyándose en conocimientos técnicos y valores éticos. Objetivo: Investigar los conocimientos de las enfermeras sobre las competencias de gestión. Método: Estudio descriptivo, exploratorio, de abordaje cualitativo, realizado con enfermeros, de un hospital universitario de pequeño porte, situado en la región noroeste del estado de Paraná. Las entrevistas se basaron en la siguiente pregunta orientadora: "Háblame de las competencias directivas que desempeñan las enfermeras". Tras la recogida de datos, se transcribieron y analizaron según el análisis de contenido de Bardin. Resultados: Participaron en el estudio siete enfermeros, con edades comprendidas entre los 22 y los 35 años, la mayoría de estos profesionales terminaron el grado en menos de tres años y permanecieron en la unidad de salud, por lo menos un año. Del análisis de las entrevistas surgieron tres categorías, a saber Habilidades para la gestión; Dificultades para la gestión; y, Potencialidades/Facilidades para la gestión. Principales resultados: a través de este estudio se ha podido constatar que las percepciones sobre las atribuciones de los enfermeros se han esclarecido, demostrando que la gerencia está ligada a las cuestiones técnicas y brocráticas, y a su relevancia en la conducción eficiente del equipo bajo su liderazgo. Conclusión: Se observa que existe la necesidad de que los profesionales de la enfermería comprendan que la formación teórica y práctica de las actividades de educación continuada debe ser buscada con afán y no debe aguantar que los servicios de salud los ofrezcan.

Consultorio de Salud Ambiental en un Hospital Privado de Comunidad de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Environmental Health consulting office in a Private Community Hospital of the Buenos Aires City

En los últimos años surge el concepto de Una Sola Salud que reconoce la interdependencia sistémica al observar que los cambios en la salud humana se expresan de manera sincrónica e indivisible de la salud del ambiente. Nuevas enfermedades y daños crónicos inespecíficos ocurren a la par de la pérdida de biodiversidad y vitalidad. En las últimas décadas venimos observando el surgimiento de "adaptaciones sistémicas" que requieren un abordaje desde la clínica y la toxicología a nivel individual y desde la epidemiología de la complejidad a nivel poblacional. Luego de un largo recorrido de investigaciones, el Hospital Italiano formalizó el consultorio de Salud Ambiental con la intención de brindar respuesta a la demanda de pacientes que atribuyen síntomas y signos a la polución ambiental. (AU)

In recent years, the concept of One Health has emerged, recognizing the systemic interdependence and the changes in human health that are expressed synchronously and indivisible from the environment. New diseases and nonspecific chronic damage are occuring in parallel with the loss of biodiversity and vitality.In recent decades we have observed the appearance of "systemic adaptations" that require a clinical and toxicological approach at the individual level, and address the population level from an epidemiological and complexity science paradigm. After many years of research, the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires formalized the Environmental Health consulting office and the measurement of glyphosate levels, giving answer to the demand of patients who associate their signs and symptoms to environmental pollution. (AU)

Identification and assessment of a comprehensive set of structural factors associated with hospital costs in Switzerland.

Structural factors can influence hospital costs beyond case-mix differences. However, accepted measures on how to distinguish hospitals with regard to cost-related organizational and regional differences are lacking in Switzerland. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify and assess a comprehensive set of hospital attributes in relation to average case-mix adjusted costs of hospitals. Using detailed hospital and patient-level data enriched with regional information, we derived a list of 23 cost predictors, examined how they are associated with costs, each other, and with different hospital types, and identified principal components within them. Our results showed that attributes describing size, complexity, and teaching-intensity of hospitals (number of beds, discharges, departments, and rate of residents) were positively related to costs and showed the largest values in university (i.e., academic teaching) and central general hospitals. Attributes related to rarity and financial risk of patient mix (ratio of rare DRGs, ratio of children, and expected loss potential based on DRG mix) were positively associated with costs and showed the largest values in children's and university hospitals. Attributes characterizing the provision of essential healthcare functions in the service area (ratio of emergency/ ambulance admissions, admissions during weekends/ nights, and admissions from nursing homes) were positively related to costs and showed the largest values in central and regional general hospitals. Regional attributes describing the location of hospitals in large agglomerations (in contrast to smaller agglomerations and rural areas) were positively associated with costs and showed the largest values in university hospitals. Furthermore, the four principal components identified within the hospital attributes fully explained the observed cost variations across different hospital types. These uncovered relationships may serve as a foundation for objectifying discussions about cost-related heterogeneity in Swiss hospitals and support policymakers to include structural characteristics into cost benchmarking and hospital reimbursement.

[Adaptation of headache units in Andalusia to the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of the Andalusian Neurology Society's Headache Study Group]. / Adaptación de las unidades de cefalea de Andalucía a la pandemia por COVID-19. Análisis del Grupo de Estudio de Cefaleas de la Sociedad Andaluza de Neurología.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has given rise to a major change in healthcare and brought teleconsultation to the forefront. In neurology, headaches are the most frequent reason for visits. AIM: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the structure of headache units in Andalusia and the adaptations made to healthcare that are potentially useful innovations that can continue to be developed when the pandemic is over. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study using an online survey of neurologists responsible for headache units and specialised consultations in Andalusia. RESULTS: During the state of alarm, all respondents used teleconsultation. The vast majority (92.8%) maintained some face-to-face activity, mostly for invasive techniques and new patients, using individual protection measures and as a way to avoid crowds. Half of them (50%) maintained botulinum toxin administrations at the scheduled times and 78.6% continued to prescribe monoclonal antibodies against calcitonin gene-related peptide. Altogether 78.5% are generally satisfied with the use of teleconsultation and 57.1% think it could be quite useful in the future. The main advantages reported were avoiding the need for the patient to travel and time savings; the disadvantages were the absence of physical examinations and difficulties in communicating. The most frequently expressed need for improvement was the use of video-calls. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the changes adopted during this time could continue to be useful in the future and, in the case of headaches, teleconsultation could be used as an option for following up patients who have already been diagnosed and do not require any invasive techniques.

TITLE: Adaptación de las unidades de cefalea de Andalucía a la pandemia por COVID-19. Análisis del Grupo de Estudio de Cefaleas de la Sociedad Andaluza de Neurología.Introducción. La pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 ha supuesto un gran cambio en la atención sanitaria y ha dado protagonismo a la teleconsulta. En neurología, las cefaleas constituyen el motivo más frecuente de consulta. Objetivo. Evaluar el impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en la estructura de las unidades de cefaleas de Andalucía y las adaptaciones asistenciales potencialmente útiles tras ella. Materiales y métodos. Estudio observacional transversal mediante encuesta en línea a los neurólogos responsables de las unidades y consultas monográficas de cefaleas de Andalucía. Resultados. Durante el estado de alarma, todos los encuestados usaron teleconsulta. El 92,8% mantuvo alguna actividad presencial, fundamentalmente para técnicas invasivas y pacientes nuevos, utilizando medidas de protección individual y para evitar aglomeraciones. El 50% mantuvo las administraciones de toxina botulínica en los tiempos adecuados y el 78,6% siguió prescribiendo anticuerpos monoclonales frente al péptido relacionado con el gen de la calcitonina. El 78,5% se encuentra globalmente satisfecho con el uso de la teleconsulta y el 57,1% considera que podría ser bastante útil de cara al futuro. Las principales ventajas expresadas fueron evitar el desplazamiento de los pacientes y el ahorro de tiempo; los inconvenientes, la ausencia de exploración física y la dificultad de comunicación. La necesidad de mejora más expresada fue el uso de videollamada. Conclusiones. Algunos de los cambios adoptados en este tiempo podrían seguir siendo útiles en el futuro y, en el caso de las cefaleas, la teleconsulta se podría emplear como opción para el seguimiento de pacientes ya diagnosticados y que no requieran técnicas invasivas.

Estratégias para o enfrentamento da pandemia de COVID-19 em hospitais universitários: estudo descritivo / Strategies for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic in university hospitals: a descriptive study / Estrategias para enfrentar la pandemia de COVID-19 en hospitales universitarios: estudio descriptivo

OBJETIVO: Descrever estratégias desenvolvidas para o enfrentamento da pandemia de COVID-19 em hospitais universitários. MÉTODO: Pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem quanti-qualitativa, desenvolvida a partir de um survey online com 104 enfermeiros de três hospitais universitários brasileiros. O processamento dos dados foi realizado por meio de análise textual com auxílio do software IRAMUTEQ®. RESULTADOS: Foram obtidas seis classes semânticas que representam as principais estratégias desenvolvidas para o enfrentamento da pandemia de COVID-19 no ambiente hospitalar: 1) Fornecimento de Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (17,2%); 2) Capacitações da equipe para o cuidado (18,8%); 3) Treinamento da equipe de apoio (15,6%); 4) Aquisição de equipamentos com boa qualidade (14,1%); 5) Definição de fluxos institucionais (20,5%) e 6) Promoção de apoio psicológico (14,1%). CONCLUSÃO: As estratégias elencadas pelos enfermeiros têm contribuído para a qualidade da assistência prestada aos pacientes, bem como a manutenção da saúde do trabalhador.

OBJECTIVE: To describe strategies developed to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic in university hospitals. METHOD: A descriptive research study with a quantitative and qualitative approach, developed from an online survey with 104 nurses from three Brazilian university hospitals. Data processing was performed through textual analysis with the aid of the IRAMUTEQ® software. RESULTS: Six semantic classes were obtained that represent the main strategies developed to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic in the hospital environment: 1) Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (17.2%); 2) Training of the team for the care to be provided (18.8%); 3) Training of the support team (15.6%); 4) Acquisition of good quality equipment (14.1%); 5) Definition of institutional flows (20.5%); and 6) Promotion of psychological support (14.1%). CONCLUSION: The strategies listed by the nurses have contributed to the quality of the care provided to the patients, as well as to preserving the workers' health.

OBJETIVO: Describir las estrategias que se desarrollaron en los hospitales universitarios para enfrentar la pandemia de COVID-19. MÉTODO: Investigación descriptiva, con enfoque cuantitativo y cualitativo, desarrollada a partir de survey online con 104 enfermeros de tres hospitales universitarios brasileños. El procesamiento de datos se realizó mediante análisis textual con la ayuda del software IRAMUTEQ®. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron seis clases semánticas que representan las principales estrategias desarrolladas para enfrentar la pandemia de COVID-19 en el ámbito hospitalario: 1) Suministro de Equipos de Protección Personal (17,2%); 2) Capacitación del equipo para la atención (18,8%); 3) Entrenamiento del equipo de apoyo (15,6%); 4) Adquisición de equipos de buena calidad (14,1%); 5) Definición de flujos institucionales (20,5%) y 6) Promoción de apoyo psicológico (14,1%). CONCLUSIÓN: Las estrategias enumeradas por los enfermeros han contribuido a la calidad de la atención que se les prestó a los pacientes y a mantener la salud de los trabajadores.

"I need to have a fulfilling job": A qualitative study of surgeon well-being and professional fulfillment.

BACKGROUND: Burnout, often regarded as an individual failing, rather than a systemic one, negatively impacts quality of care, patient safety and healthcare costs. Focusing on improving well-being can help mitigate burnout. This study examined protective factors that promote well-being and professional fulfillment in surgeons. METHODS: Using a purposive sample, 32 semi-structured 30-60-min interviews were conducted with surgeons of varying sub-specialties and rank. Abductive exploratory analysis was used to code and interpret interview transcripts and to build a conceptual model of surgeon well-being. RESULTS: Emergent protective factors were placed into one of three levels of implementation: individual, team-level, and institutional (figure). Individual factors for well-being included autonomy and adequate time to pursue non-clinical endeavors. Team-level factors consisted of adaptability, boundaries, and cohesion. Institutional factors related to diversifying performance evaluations and celebrating and recognizing individual value and contributions. CONCLUSIONS: The conceptual model developed from the results of this study highlights factors important to surgeons' professional well-being. This model can be used to guide quality improvement efforts.

Analysis of potential drug interactions in medical clinic sector in a Hospital of João Pessoa - PB

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate drug interactions based on medical records of patients hospitalized in University Hospital Lauro Wanderley (UHLW) in João Pessoa-PB, Brazil. This was a quantitative, descriptive study with a cross-sectional design. This research was conducted in the medical clinic of the above hospital by analyzing pharmaceutical intervention in medical records. The investigated samples consisted of all medical profiles with drug interaction information of patients hospitalized from June 2016 to June 2017. Most of these drug interactions were determined and classified by Micromedex® Solutions database. This research was approved by the Ethics Committee in Institutional Human Research, protocol number 2.460.206. In total, 331 drug interactions were found in 131 medical profiles. Dipyrone, enoxaparin, sertraline, ondansetron, quetiapine, tramadol, bromopride, amitriptyline, and simvastatin were medications that showed highest interactions. According to Anatomical Therapy Classification (ATC), drugs that act on the central nervous system result in more interactions. The most prevalent interaction was between dipyrone and enoxaparin. Some limitations of this study are the lack of notifications and data on drug interactions.

[Implementation of the "Best Practice Spotlight Organization" Program at the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital.] / Implantación del programa "Centros Comprometidos con la Excelencia en Cuidados" en el Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves. Rev Esp Salud Pública.

The objective of this work was to describe the implantation project presented by the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital (Granada, Spain) to be selected as a candidate for "Best Practice Spotlight Organization"® (in Spain CCEC®) program in the cohort (2015-2017) to implement three guidelines for Nurses Association of Canada Ontario (RNAO) clinical practice of care. The methodology used was the model called "knowledge for action" and the actions developed for each of the phases of the action cycle for applying knowledge to practice were described: 1) identification of the problem, 2) adaptation to the local context, 3) evaluation of facilitators and barriers, 4) adaptation and implementation of interventions, 5) monitoring and evaluation of results and 6) sustainability. This work adds to the set of studies that address the improvement and maintenance of evidence-based practice programs in nursing, and in health services in general. It shows the application of a framework for the implementation of clinical practice guidelines for care in a specific health environment for its replication in other different health settings. It has been shown that it is essential to dedicate efforts to planning the implementation of this type of programs, taking into account the context in which they are developed, the specific characteristics of the population being served, identifying the different barriers and facilitators that may affect during the course of the program. process and defining actions to make the changes in practice sustainable.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir el proyecto de implantación presentado por el Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (Granada, España) para ser seleccionado candidato del programa "Centros Comprometidos con la Excelencia en Cuidados" (CCEC)® en la cohorte (2015-2017) para implantar tres guías de práctica clínica de cuidados de la Asociación de Enfermeras de Ontario de Canadá (RNAO). La metodología utilizada fue el modelo denominado "conocimiento para la acción" y se describieron las actuaciones desarrollas para cada una de las fases de las que consta el ciclo de acción para la aplicación de conocimientos a la práctica: 1) identificación del problema, 2) adaptación al contexto local, 3) evaluación de los facilitadores y barreras, 4) adaptación e implantación de las intervenciones, 5) monitorización y evaluación de resultados y 6) sostenibilidad. Este trabajo se suma al conjunto de estudios que abordan la mejora y el mantenimiento de programas de prácticas basadas en la evidencia en enfermería, y en los servicios de salud en general. Muestra la aplicación de un marco de implantación de guías de práctica clínica de cuidados en un entorno sanitario específico para su replicación en otros escenarios de salud diferentes. Se ha demostrado que resulta esencial dedicar esfuerzos en planificar la implantación de este tipo de programas atendiendo al contexto en el que se desarrollan, a las características específicas de la población a la que se atiende, identificando las diferentes barreras y facilitadores que pueden afectar durante el proceso y definiendo acciones para hacer sostenible los cambios en la práctica.