More doctors, better health? A generalised synthetic control approach to estimating impacts of increasing doctors under Brazil's Mais Medicos programme.

Worldwide, there are an insufficient number of primary care physicians to provide accessible, high-quality primary care services. Better knowledge on the health impacts of policies aimed at improving access to primary care physicians is important for informing future policies. Using a generalised synthetic control estimator (GSC), we estimate the effect of the increase in primary care physicians from the Programa Mais Médicos in Brazil. The GSC allows us to estimates a continuous treatment effects which are heterogenous by region. We exploit the variation in physicians allocated to each Brazilian microregion to identify the impact of an increasing Mais Médicos primary care physicians. We explore hospitalisations and mortality rates (both total and from ambulatory care sensitive conditions) as outcomes. Our analysis differs from previous work by estimating the impact of the increase in physician numbers, as opposed to the overall impact of programme participation. We examine the impact on hospitalisations and mortality rates and employ a panel dataset with monthly observations of all Brazilian microregion over the period 2008-2017. We find limited effects of an increase in primary care physicians impacting health outcomes - with no significant impact of the Programa Mais Médicos on hospitalisations or mortality rates. Potential explanations include substitution of other health professionals, impacts materialising over the longer-term, and poor within-region allocation of Mais Médicos physicians.

Working practices and integration of primary health care doctors in remote rural areas in Brazil: a qualitative study.

Health care challenges in remote rural municipalities (RRMs) emphasize the importance of primary health care (PHC) and require an expanded scope of practice. Doctors are key actors in this context. The aim of this study was to explore the level of integration of doctors in RRMs and working practices. We conducted a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 46 PHC doctors working in 27 RRMs in Brazil. Content analysis was performed, resulting in the identification of categories of analysis grouped under three core dimensions: doctor training and experience; comprehensive care and timely access; and the community-based approach. Doctors working in RRMs were mainly recent graduates with limited experience who had undertaken their degree outside Brazil, and care was focused on the individual. The findings also revealed weak sociocultural adaptation and a harsh working environment and issues related to social status that reinforced prejudice against rurality and poverty. Practice was limited in scope and care tended to be oriented towards acute problems, disease-centered and focused on the biomedical model of medicine. Barriers to the delivery of comprehensive care include both structural constraints, such as poor facilities and centralization of services in administrative centers, and the lack of professional competencies necessary for PHC in these areas. The findings point to the need to promote an expanded scope of practice in PHC delivery in RRMs, with major public investment in the promotion of training and strengthening career pathways in these areas.

Leprosy knowledge among primary care physicians in Southern Brazil: are we underdiagnosing?

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is a chronic infection with high morbidity in Brazil. Primary care physicians' lack of knowledge about the disease may play a significant role in underdiagnosis. This study aimed to assess primary care physicians' ability to identify typical leprosy skin lesions and their knowledge of the subject. METHODS: This cross-sectional study relied on a questionnaire in which participating doctors chose one main diagnostic hypothesis and two differential diagnoses for each skin lesion presented. Five leprosy lesions were included. Questions regarding management, follow-up, and diagnostic workup for the disease were also included. The questionnaire was sent to primary care physicians working in Curitiba, in the Southern Brazilian state of Paraná, and dermatologists, who constituted the control group. RESULTS: Thirty-two primary care physicians and 26 dermatologists agreed to participate in the study. Primary care physicians accurately identified a mean of 1.8 ± 1.2 of the five leprosy skin lesions, while dermatologists accurately identified 2.5 ± 0.9 (P = 0.009). The main misdiagnosed leprosy forms were the lepromatous and histoid variants. Among primary care physicians, 56.2% claimed to have little knowledge of the subject and a large share of participants was unaware of recent updates in treating paucibacillary forms, even within the dermatologist subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care physicians in Curitiba have little information regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of leprosy. Even dermatologists had difficulties with treatment and patient management, emphasizing the constant need for education on this subject.

Understanding child development and care integrality: Primary Health Care doctors and nurses' view.

OBJECTIVE: To identify perceptions of primary care health professionals regarding the conceptual aspects of child development and propose strategies to address difficulties. METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in a small municipality in the countryside of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The primary health care in this region is comprised of Family Health Units and Basic Health Units. The sample included 52 participants, consisting of doctors and primary care nurses. A questionnaire with open and closed questions was utilized, covering knowledge and practices related to child development. For this study, the first question of the questionnaire, which asked for a descriptive response about participants' understanding of child development, was employed. The responses were transcribed, and content analysis using the thematic approach was conducted. RESULTS: Among the participants, 54% were nurses, and the average duration of working with the pediatric population was ten years. 80% reported never having undergone training in child development. The analysis of the responses revealed heterogeneity in the professionals' understanding of the conceptual dimension of child development. Additionally, there was an insufficient grasp of the theoretical and practical aspects and a scarcity of resources to support comprehensive care for children. A predominant biomedical model focusing on disease and biological aspects of child health was evident in defining the understanding of the subject. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the necessity of implementing health education initiatives and service projects in primary care settings. It is crucial to strengthen a comprehensive perspective of child health within the biopsychosocial model of the health-disease process.

Clinical features of patients with hands arthralgia referred from primary care physicians to rheumatologists: A cohort study.

PURPOSE: Early referral of patients with suspicious of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has an impact on prognosis. Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with hands arthralgia who were referred from primary care physicians (PCP) to the rheumatologist. METHODS: A descriptive, observational, prospective cohort study was performed. We included patients who visited a PCP for the first time for hands arthralgia. Demographics and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology criteria for arthralgia suspicious for progression to RA plus seven complementary questions, the time to referral, the pressure needed to provoke pain with an automatic squeeze test machine in the metacarpophalangeal joints of both hands, and the diagnoses established at the last review of medical charts from patients on follow-up were documented. The primary outcome was the referral to a rheumatologist. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients were included. The mean age was 49.9 years, 81.6% were women. 30.3% were referred to the rheumatologist. The time to referral was a median of 38 days. The main clinical characteristics associated with referral to the rheumatologist were the "most severe symptoms are present after midnight" (OR=6.29) and the "difficulty with making a fist" (OR=3.67). An isolated "positive squeeze test of metacarpophalangeal joints" was not associated with a referral to the rheumatologist. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with hands arthralgia who attended PCP, those with most severe symptoms after midnight and difficulty making a fist were more likely to be referred to the rheumatology clinic. Isolated positive squeeze tests are not a parameter for referral, it should only be performed if arthralgia is clinically suspected.

Diagnostic Hesitancy of Primary Care Physicians in Puerto Rico Toward Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: Opportunities for Transformation.

OBJECTIVE: Migration of physicians in Puerto Rico makes it difficult to obtain specialized care for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Primary care physicians (PCPs) can fill this gap, but there is limited information on how their beliefs and behaviors towards ADRD affect early diagnostic practices. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), we addressed salient beliefs of PCPs that affect their intention to diagnose ADRD early, defined as "performing the recommended clinical testing to diagnose ADRD within 3 months from the patient's first subjective memory complaint". METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 103 Puerto Rican PCPs, surveyed at CME activities and online. We measured PCPs salient beliefs in terms of attitudes, pressure they feel from others, self-perception of ability to diagnose ADRD early, and intention to perform early diagnosis. Questionnaire measures were psychometrically acceptable. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis showed that, combined, framework constructs explained 35.7% of the variance, reflecting a moderate-to-strong intention of PCPs to diagnose early (R2 = 0.357, p < 0.001). Self-perception of skills was the strongest predictor of intention (ß= 0.378, p < 0.001). Hours in ADRD training and years of experience in medical practice were strongly correlated with the percentage of total diagnoses performed by PCPs. CONCLUSION: Training and years of experience may be key for PCPs to have a positive outlook of their skills for early ADRD diagnosis. Findings could be useful to design interventions to dispel myths about ADRD, reduce stigma, and reduce diagnostic hesitancy toward ADRD among PCPs.

Perspectiva de los médicos de atención primaria sobre el manejo de la dislipemia en pacientes sin enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica: estudio transversal / Perspective of primary care physicians on the management of dyslipidaemia in patients without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a cross-sectional study

ANTECEDENTES: un alto porcentaje de pacientes con dislipemia no alcanza los objetivos terapéuticos de colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (C-LDL) en el nivel primario de atención. Objetivo: Describir el manejo terapéutico de la dislipemia en pacientes sin enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica (ECA) establecida, desde la perspectiva del médico de atención primaria en España. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal mediante encuesta electrónica dirigida a médicos de atención primaria para explorar su manejo terapéutico farmacológico de la dislipemia en pacientes sin ECA, que se centraba en su conocimiento y adherencia a las guías de la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología/Sociedad Europea de Aterosclerosis (ESC/AES) de 2019 y su perspectiva con respecto a las barreras para alcanzar los objetivos de C-LDL. RESULTADOS: Un total de 279 médicos de atención primaria completaron la encuesta. La mayoría (80,65%) afirmaron que ya habían adoptado las guías de la ESC/EAS de 2019 en su práctica. Sin embargo, alrededor del 30% seguía los objetivos terapéuticos de las guías anteriores (2016) y muchos trataban a sus pacientes con estatinas en monoterapia y dosis menores a la máxima tolerada. Adicionalmente un 50,18% era poco adherente a las guías de la ESC/EAS de 2019, especialmente al algoritmo de tratamiento. Las barreras más importantes para alcanzar los objetivos de C-LDL eran la subestimación del riesgo cardiovascular y la reticencia a aumentar la dosis o a utilizar terapia combinada. Conclusiones: Aunque los médicos de atención primaria afirman que seguían las guías ESC/EAS de 2019, los resultados indican que no las habían integrado completamente en su práctica clínica.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests many dyslipidemic patients do not reach target low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in primary health care. OBJETIVE: We aimed to describe the pharmacologic therapeutic management of dyslipidemia in patients without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) from the primary care physician's perspective in Spain. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study through an online survey directed to primary care physicians to explore their therapeutic management of dyslipidemia in patients without ASCVD, focusing on their knowledge and adherence to the 2019 European Society of Cardiology/ European Atherosclerosis Society (ESC/EAS) guidelines and their perspective concerning the barriers to achieving LDL-C therapeutic targets. RESULTS: In total, 279 primary care physicians completed the survey. Most interviewees (80.65%) stated they had already adopted the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines in their clinical practice. Nevertheless, around 30% adhered to therapeutic targets by previous ESC/EAS guidelines (2016), and most treated their patients mainly with statins in monotherapy, prescribing doses below the maximum tolerated. Additionally, 50.18% were classified as low adherence to the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines, especially to the treatment algorithm. According to the physicians, the underestimation of patients' cardiovascular risk and the reluctance to increase doses or use combined therapy were the most critical barriers to achieving LDL-C targets. Conclusions: Although primary care physicians in our survey reported adherence to the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines recommendations, our observations indicate they need to integrate them better into their clinical practice.

Effects of individual and organizational factors on job tenure of primary care physicians: A multilevel analysis from Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The short tenure of primary care physicians undermines the continuity of care, compromising health outcomes in low-, middle and in high-income countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contextual and individual factors associated with the tenure of physician in Primary Health Care (PHC) services. We consider individual-level sociodemographic variables such as education and work-related variables, as well as the characteristics of employers and services. METHODS: This study is a retrospective cohort study of 2,335 physicians in 284 Primary Health Care Units across the São Paulo, Brazil, public health care system from 2016 to 2020. A multivariate hierarchical model was selected, and an adjusted Cox regression with multilevel analysis was employed. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist was used to report the findings from the study. RESULTS: The average physician tenure was 14.54 ± 12.89 months, and the median was 10.94 months. Differences between Primary Health Care Units accounted for 10.83% of the variance observed in the outcome, while the employing organizations were responsible for only 2.30%. The physician characteristics associated with higher tenure in PHC were age at hire, i.e., being between 30 and 60 years old, [HR: 0.84, 95% CI: (0.75-0.95)] and professional experience over five years [HR: 0.76, 95% CI: (0.59-0.96)]. Specialties not related to PHC practices were associated with a short tenure [HR: 1.25, 95% CI: (1.02-1.54)]. CONCLUSION: Differences between Primary Health Care Units and in the individual characteristics, such as specializations and experience, are related to the low tenure of professionals, but such characteristics can be changed through investments in PHC infrastructure and changes in work conditions, policies, training, and human resource policies. Finding a remedy for the short tenure of physicians is essential for guaranteeing a robust PHC system that can contribute to universal, resilient, and proactive health care.

The management of infertility for primary care physicians.

To conduct this review of primary care, we looked for related papers in PubMed from the last 15 years. WHO's initial concept of Health defined a condition of physical, mental, and social well-being, nowadays extended to quality of life. Infertility or not being able to form a family fits perfectly into the definition. Primary care is responsible for mandatory discussions about fertility as part of a broader aspect regarding reproductive health issues. Having children is a decision taken by heterosexual couples, same sex couples, or single individuals. Understanding factors associated with infertility help guiding propedeutic. Although woman's age is one of the main factors to influence treatment success rates, multifactorial male factor may contribute to 50 percent. Infertility consultations should include partners, alleviating the accompanying stress and anxiety. Anamnesis must focus on duration of infertility, primary or secondary, sexual activity, and lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, physical activity, use of licit and/or illicit drugs, and occupational risks. Previous treatments should be accessed. Management of infertility by primary care is mandatory, and patients requiring specialized treatments must not have their journey protracted. Strategies and couple-based interventions are essential to continuity of care and close follow-up should follow these patients.

A retomada do Programa Mais Médicos em 2023 / La reanudación del Programa Mais Médicos en 2023 / The resumption of the Mais Médicos Program in 2023

RESUMO: Os vazios assistenciais e a demanda por médicos no Sistema Único de Saúde são problemas crônicos, principalmente nas regiões mais vulneráveis do Norte e Nordeste e em áreas periféricas de centros urbanos. Frente a essa necessidade, o governo federal está recompondo o Programa Mais Médicos para o Brasil, por meio dos ministérios da Saúde, da Educação e da Fazenda. Os principais eixos do programa são a provisão de médicos na Atenção Primária em Saúde e a formação desses profissionais, nessa versão associados à especialização e mestrado profissional, tendo como referência a concepção de Atenção Primária à Saúde integral. Nesta nota de conjuntura, trazemos informações sobre a trajetória oficial deste movimento de retomada, recuperando brevemente características e avanços proporcionados por essa política - instituída primeiramente em 2013 - e apresentando peculiaridades da versão atual, proposta pewla medida provisória n. 1.165, de 20 de março de 2023, convertida em lei (n. 14.621/2023) e sancionada em julho deste ano.

RESUMEN: Las brechas de asistencia y la demanda de médicos en el Sistema Único de Salud son problemas crónicos, especialmente en las regiones más vulnerables del Norte y del Noreste y en las zonas periféricas de los centros urbanos. Ante esta necesidad, el gobierno federal está recomponiendo el Programa Mais Médicos para Brasil, a través de los ministerios de Salud, Educación y Hacienda. Los principales ejes del programa son la provisión de médicos en Atención Primaria de Salud y la formación de estos profesionales, en esta versión asociada a la especialización y maestría profesional, con referencia al concepto de atención primaria para la salud integral. En esta nota de coyuntura, traemos información sobre la trayectoria oficial de este movimiento de reanudación, recuperando brevemente las características y los avances proporcionados por esta política - establecida por primera vez en 2013 - y presentando las peculiaridades de la versión actual, propuesta por la medida provisional n. 1.165, del 20 de marzo de 2023, convertida en ley (n. 14.621/2023) y sancionado en julio de este año.

ABSTRACT: Healthcare gaps and the demand for physicians in the Brazilian Health System are chronic problems, especially in the most vulnerable regions of the North and Northeast and in peripheral areas of urban centers. In view of this need, the federal government is recomposing the Mais Médicos Program for Brazil, through the ministries of Health, Education and Finance. The main axes of the program are the provision of doctors in Primary Health Care and the training of these professionals, in this version associated with specialization and professional master's, with reference to the concept of primary care for integral health. In this note of conjuncture, we bring information about the official trajectory of this recovery movement, briefly recovering characteristics and advances provided by this policy - first established in 2013 - and presenting peculiarities of the current version, proposed by provisional measure n. 1.165, of March 20th, 2023, converted into law (n. 14.621/2023) and sanctioned in July of this year.

[Perspective of primary care physicians on the management of dyslipidaemia in patients without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a cross-sectional study]. / Perspectiva de los médicos de atención primaria sobre el manejo de la dislipemia en pacientes sin enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica: estudio transversal.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests many dyslipidemic patients do not reach target low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in primary health care. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe the pharmacologic therapeutic management of dyslipidemia in patients without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) from the primary care physician's perspective in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study through an online survey directed to primary care physicians to explore their therapeutic management of dyslipidemia in patients without ASCVD, focusing on their knowledge and adherence to the 2019 European Society of Cardiology/ European Atherosclerosis Society (ESC/EAS) guidelines and their perspective concerning the barriers to achieving LDL-C therapeutic targets. RESULTS: In total, 279 primary care physicians completed the survey. Most interviewees (80.65%) stated they had already adopted the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines in their clinical practice. Nevertheless, around 30% adhered to therapeutic targets by previous ESC/EAS guidelines (2016), and most treated their patients mainly with statins in monotherapy, prescribing doses below the maximum tolerated. Additionally, 50.18% were classified as low adherence to the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines, especially to the treatment algorithm. According to the physicians, the underestimation of patients' cardiovascular risk and the reluctance to increase doses or use combined therapy were the most critical barriers to achieving LDL-C targets. CONCLUSIONS: Although primary care physicians in our survey reported adherence to the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines recommendations, our observations indicate they need to integrate them better into their clinical practice.

Barreras y facilitadores de los médicos de atención primaria para abordar las consultas vinculadas a la sexualidad de pacientes durante el climaterio / Barriers and facilitators of primary care physicians to address consultations related to the sexuality of patients during the climacteric

Introducción. Pese a la alta prevalencia de disfunciones sexuales femeninas durante el climaterio y a que existen intervenciones para mejorarlas, este problema no suele ser consultado por las pacientes ni explorado por los profesionales de la salud. Si bien suponemos que existen condicionamientos culturales que actuarían como barreras para su abordaje, no conocíamos las percepciones, incomodidades y experiencias de los profesionales que atienden en el ámbito de la atención primaria a pacientes que transitan su climaterio. Objetivos. Comprender desde la perspectiva de los médicos de atención primaria los factores que contribuyen a la invisibilidad de la problemática de las disfunciones sexuales femeninas durante el climaterio en mujeres de clase media atendidas en el Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Diseño. Estudio exploratorio transversal con enfoque cualitativo realizado en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires durante2020 y 2021. Resultados. A partir del análisis de diez entrevistas semiestructuradas a médicos de atención primaria (de familia, clínicos y ginecólogos) identificamos seis ejes temáticos: 1) un modelo institucional en el que el tiempo limitado para la consulta y forma de pago capitada incentivaría a que las las disfunciones sexuales femeninas permanezcan invisibilizadas; 2) la longitudinalidad de la relación médico-paciente contribuiría como un facilitador del abordaje de problemáticas vinculadas con la esfera sexual; 3) la discordancia de género entre los profesionales y las pacientes operaría como un obstáculo para abordar aspectos de la sexualidad durante el climaterio; 4) la biografía y la formación de los profesionales de la salud influiría sobre sus habilidades para abordar la problemática de la sexualidad de sus pacientes; 5) el examen ginecológico y/o la detección de síntomas de depresión contribuyen a abrir la puerta para indagar sobre la disfunción sexual femenina; y 6) el prejuicio de que el fin de la etapa reproductiva implicaría el fin de la actividad sexual. Conclusiones. Si bien no existen recomendaciones formales para la pesquisa sistemática de disfunciones sexuales femeninas, su elevada prevalencia, su fácil diagnóstico y la existencia de herramientas terapéuticas para aliviarlas, ameritan que estén más disponibles entre nuestras hipótesis diagnósticas. (AU)

Background. Despite the high prevalence of female sexual dysfunctions during the climacteric and the existence of interventions to improve them, this problem is not usually consulted by patients or explored by health professionals. Although weassume that there are cultural conditioning factors that would act as barriers to its approach, we were unaware of the perceptions, discomforts, and experiences of the professionals who care for patients who are going through their climactericin the field of primary care. Objectives. To understand, from the perspective of primary care physicians, the factors that contribute to the invisibility of the female sexual dysfunctions problem during the climacteric in middle-class women treated in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. Design. Cross-sectional exploratory study with a qualitative approach carried out at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires during 2020 and 2021. Results. From the analysis of ten semi-structured interviews with primary care physicians (family, clinicians and gynecologists) we identified six thematic axes: 1) an institutional model in which the limited time for consultation and capitated form of payment would encourage female sexual dysfunctions to remain invisible; 2) the longitudinality of the doctor-patient relationship would contribute as a facilitator in addressing problems related to the sexual sphere; 3) the gender discrepancy between professionals and patients would operate as an obstacle to address aspects of sexuality during the climacteric; 4) the biography and training of health professionals would influence their abilities to address the problems of their patients'sexuality; 5) gynecological examination and/or the detection of symptoms of depression contribute to opening the door toinquire about FSD; 6) the prejudice that the end of the reproductive stage would imply the end of sexual activity. Conclusions. Although there are no formal recommendations for the systematic screening of female sexual dysfunctions, its high prevalence, its easy diagnosis and the existence of therapeutic tools to alleviate them, deserve that they be more available among our diagnostic hypotheses. (AU)

Evaluating the Levels of Awareness of and Attitudes on Advance Directives Among Primary Care Physicians in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: Advance directives (ADs) are legal documents designed to guarantee a patient's preference of care for the future. Primary care physicians (PCPs) have long been identified as key to promoting AD completion among patients. Furthermore, PCPs' levels of awareness of and attitudes toward ADs have been related to positive completion rates in patients. In this project, we sought to identify the levels of awareness and attitudes towards ADs in Puerto Rican PCPs. METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires were distributed at primary care medical conferences in Puerto Rico (PR) to explore the levels of awareness and attitudes of PCPs on ADs. RESULTS: A total of 332 surveys were collected. Overall, PCPs in PR had high selfrated knowledge of ADs, with the highest being reported among internal medicine physicians (8.63 ± 1.51). However, this self-rating was in stark contrast with the lower than 60% level of awareness of and commitment to reading the applicable laws on ADs in PR across all specialties. Puerto Rican PCPs showed strongly positive attitudes towards ADs and recognized them as useful tools for patients, healthcare workers, and families, enabling them to make healthcare decisions. Internal medicine practitioners showed the strongest positive attitudes of all PCPs. Despite the perceived usefulness of ADs, Puerto Rican PCPs had a low predisposition to complete their own ADs in the short term. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that improvements in the education of health professionals with regard to ADs are needed to increase in physicians both their knowledge of the legal standards governing ADs and their commitment to ensuring that patients complete such directives.

[Coordination of clinical management between levels: the views of physicians in primary and specialized care in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil]. / Coordenação da gestão clínica entre níveis: a perspectiva de médicos da atenção primária e especializada na cidade do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil.

This study analyzed the views of physicians towards coordination of clinical management between different levels of care. This was a cross-sectional quantitative study using data from a survey of 182 physicians in primary healthcare (PHC) and specialized care in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil, in 2017. The results revealed significant differences in the physicians' experience. Considering referrals, the majority (81.32%) felt that PHC physicians referred patients to specialized care when necessary, and the proportion was higher in PHC physicians themselves (92.73%). As for agreement, two-thirds of PHC physicians (67.27%) reported that they agreed with the treatment prescribed by the specialist, while only 33.86% of the specialists agreed with the PHC physician. Concerning clinical responsibility, 89.09% of PHC physicians reported that they were clinically responsible for the patient, compared to only 43.31% of the specialists. As for recommendations, most of the interviewees (63.19%) felt that the specialists did not issue recommendations, and this proportion was higher among PHC physicians (81.82%). For waiting time, the majority (82.42%) felt that patients waited too long for appointments in specialized care, and the proportion was higher among PHC physicians (98.18%) than among specialists (75.59%). Only 16.36% of PHC physicians felt that waiting time was too long in PHC, compared to 38.58% of the medical specialists. The study's results are consistent with similar studies and highlight the need to strengthen coordination between levels of care to achieve effective integration in healthcare networks.

Este estudo analisa a perspectiva dos profissionais médicos sobre a coordenação da gestão clínica entre níveis assistenciais. Trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal, quantitativa, que utiliza dados de um inquérito realizado com 182 médicos da atenção primária à saúde (APS) e especializada (AE) de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, em 2017. Os resultados apresentaram diferenças significativas na experiência dos médicos. Sobre encaminhamentos, a maioria (81,32%) considera que os médicos da APS encaminham os pacientes para AE quando necessário, sendo superior o percentual para médicos da APS (92,73%). Quanto à concordância, maior parte dos médicos da APS (67,27%) informou estar de acordo com o tratamento prescrito pelo profissional da AE, enquanto apenas 33,86% dos especialistas concordam com o médico da APS. Sobre a responsabilidade clínica, 89,09% dos médicos da APS afirmaram ser responsáveis clínicos pelo paciente, enquanto apenas 43,31% dos especialistas referiu o mesmo. Sobre a realização de recomendações, maior parte dos entrevistados (63,19%) considerou que os especialistas não fazem recomendações, sendo esse percentual maior entre os médicos da APS (81,82%). A respeito do tempo de espera, a maioria (82,42%) acha que o paciente espera muito para realizar a consulta na AE, sendo o percentual para médicos da APS (98,18%) superior ao da AE (75,59%). O tempo de espera para APS foi considerado longo por apenas 16,36% dos médicos da APS, em contraste com 38,58% dos médicos da AE. Os resultados deste estudo coincidem com investigações semelhantes e evidenciam a necessidade de fortalecer a coordenação clínica entre níveis para alcançar uma integração efetiva das redes assistenciais.

Este estudio analiza la perspectiva de los profesionales médicos sobre la coordinación de la gestión clínica entre niveles asistenciales. Se trata de una investigación transversal, cuantitativa, que utiliza datos de una encuesta realizada con 182 médicos de atención primaria en salud (APS) y especializada (AE) de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, en 2017. Los resultados presentaron diferencias significativas en la experiencia de los médicos. Sobre las derivaciones a especialistas, la mayoría (81,32%) considera que los médicos de la APS derivan a los pacientes hacia la AE cuando es necesario, siendo superior el porcentaje para médicos de la APS (92,73%). En cuanto a la concordancia, la mayor parte de los médicos de la APS (67,27%) informó estar de acuerdo con el tratamiento prescrito por parte del profesional de la AE, mientras que solamente un 33,86% de los especialistas están de acuerdo con el médico de la APS. Sobre la responsabilidad clínica, un 89,09% de los médicos de la APS afirmaron ser responsables clínicos del paciente, mientras que solamente un 43,31% de los especialistas informó sobre lo mismo. Sobre la realización de recomendaciones, la mayor parte de los entrevistados (63,19%) consideró que los especialistas no realizaron recomendaciones, siendo este porcentaje mayor entre los médicos de la APS (81,82%). Respecto al tiempo de espera, la mayoría (82,42%) cree que el paciente espera mucho para realizar la consulta en la AE, siendo el porcentaje para médicos de la APS (98,18%) superior al de la AE (75,59%). El tiempo de espera para la APS se consideró largo por solamente un 16,36% de los médicos de la APS, en contraste con un 38,58% de los médicos de la AE. Los resultados de este estudio coinciden con investigaciones semejantes y evidencian la necesidad de fortalecer la coordinación clínica entre niveles para alcanzar una integración efectiva de las redes asistenciales.

Management of common mental disorders should take place in primary health or specialized care? Clinical decisions of psychiatrists from Latin American countries.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to explore clinical decisions of psychiatrists regarding the management of common mental disorders in primary care (PC) in four Latin Americans countries, through the application of clinical vignettes. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, we conducted a self-administered online questionnaire survey of psychiatrists from Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba, and Chile. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic and professional information. The psychiatrists' clinical decisions were assessed through three clinical vignettes representing typical PC cases of depression, anxiety, and somatization. RESULTS: 230 psychiatrists completed the online survey. Psychiatrists from Brazil were less likely to recognize depression as a mental disorder than those from Cuba (odds ratio (OR) = 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.10 to 0.91, p < 0.04). Female gender (OR = 0.19, 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.91, p < 0.02) and older age (OR = 0.92, 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.97, p < 0.01) reduced the likelihood of agreement that depression cases should be treated by a Primary Care Physician (PCP). In the somatoform symptoms vignette, longer training duration increased the likelihood of agreement that treatment should be done by a psychiatrist instead of a PCP (OR = 1.19, 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.37, p < 0.01). In the anxiety vignette, females (OR = 2.38, 95% CI, 1.10 to 5.13, p < 0.01) and participants from Bolivia (compared with Cubans, OR = 4.19, 95% CI, 1.22 to 14.42, p < 0.02) were more likely to consider that these patients should be treated by a psychiatrist instead of a PCP. DISCUSSION: Most psychiatrist respondents agreed that patients with depression should be treated by PCPs and that somatoform and anxiety cases should be treated by psychiatrists. These results show that psychiatrists consider that they, and not PCPs, should treat patients with common mental disorders, regardless of the evidence showing that common mental disorders can be treated by primary care physicians in PC.

Coordenação da gestão clínica entre níveis: a perspectiva de médicos da atenção primária e especializada na cidade do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil / Coordination of clinical management between levels: the views of physicians in primary and specialized care in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil / Coordinación de la gestión clínica entre niveles: la perspectiva de médicos de la atención primaria y especializada en la ciudad de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil

Este estudo analisa a perspectiva dos profissionais médicos sobre a coordenação da gestão clínica entre níveis assistenciais. Trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal, quantitativa, que utiliza dados de um inquérito realizado com 182 médicos da atenção primária à saúde (APS) e especializada (AE) de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, em 2017. Os resultados apresentaram diferenças significativas na experiência dos médicos. Sobre encaminhamentos, a maioria (81,32%) considera que os médicos da APS encaminham os pacientes para AE quando necessário, sendo superior o percentual para médicos da APS (92,73%). Quanto à concordância, maior parte dos médicos da APS (67,27%) informou estar de acordo com o tratamento prescrito pelo profissional da AE, enquanto apenas 33,86% dos especialistas concordam com o médico da APS. Sobre a responsabilidade clínica, 89,09% dos médicos da APS afirmaram ser responsáveis clínicos pelo paciente, enquanto apenas 43,31% dos especialistas referiu o mesmo. Sobre a realização de recomendações, maior parte dos entrevistados (63,19%) considerou que os especialistas não fazem recomendações, sendo esse percentual maior entre os médicos da APS (81,82%). A respeito do tempo de espera, a maioria (82,42%) acha que o paciente espera muito para realizar a consulta na AE, sendo o percentual para médicos da APS (98,18%) superior ao da AE (75,59%). O tempo de espera para APS foi considerado longo por apenas 16,36% dos médicos da APS, em contraste com 38,58% dos médicos da AE. Os resultados deste estudo coincidem com investigações semelhantes e evidenciam a necessidade de fortalecer a coordenação clínica entre níveis para alcançar uma integração efetiva das redes assistenciais.

This study analyzed the views of physicians towards coordination of clinical management between different levels of care. This was a cross-sectional quantitative study using data from a survey of 182 physicians in primary healthcare (PHC) and specialized care in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil, in 2017. The results revealed significant differences in the physicians' experience. Considering referrals, the majority (81.32%) felt that PHC physicians referred patients to specialized care when necessary, and the proportion was higher in PHC physicians themselves (92.73%). As for agreement, two-thirds of PHC physicians (67.27%) reported that they agreed with the treatment prescribed by the specialist, while only 33.86% of the specialists agreed with the PHC physician. Concerning clinical responsibility, 89.09% of PHC physicians reported that they were clinically responsible for the patient, compared to only 43.31% of the specialists. As for recommendations, most of the interviewees (63.19%) felt that the specialists did not issue recommendations, and this proportion was higher among PHC physicians (81.82%). For waiting time, the majority (82.42%) felt that patients waited too long for appointments in specialized care, and the proportion was higher among PHC physicians (98.18%) than among specialists (75.59%). Only 16.36% of PHC physicians felt that waiting time was too long in PHC, compared to 38.58% of the medical specialists. The study's results are consistent with similar studies and highlight the need to strengthen coordination between levels of care to achieve effective integration in healthcare networks.

Este estudio analiza la perspectiva de los profesionales médicos sobre la coordinación de la gestión clínica entre niveles asistenciales. Se trata de una investigación transversal, cuantitativa, que utiliza datos de una encuesta realizada con 182 médicos de atención primaria en salud (APS) y especializada (AE) de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, en 2017. Los resultados presentaron diferencias significativas en la experiencia de los médicos. Sobre las derivaciones a especialistas, la mayoría (81,32%) considera que los médicos de la APS derivan a los pacientes hacia la AE cuando es necesario, siendo superior el porcentaje para médicos de la APS (92,73%). En cuanto a la concordancia, la mayor parte de los médicos de la APS (67,27%) informó estar de acuerdo con el tratamiento prescrito por parte del profesional de la AE, mientras que solamente un 33,86% de los especialistas están de acuerdo con el médico de la APS. Sobre la responsabilidad clínica, un 89,09% de los médicos de la APS afirmaron ser responsables clínicos del paciente, mientras que solamente un 43,31% de los especialistas informó sobre lo mismo. Sobre la realización de recomendaciones, la mayor parte de los entrevistados (63,19%) consideró que los especialistas no realizaron recomendaciones, siendo este porcentaje mayor entre los médicos de la APS (81,82%). Respecto al tiempo de espera, la mayoría (82,42%) cree que el paciente espera mucho para realizar la consulta en la AE, siendo el porcentaje para médicos de la APS (98,18%) superior al de la AE (75,59%). El tiempo de espera para la APS se consideró largo por solamente un 16,36% de los médicos de la APS, en contraste con un 38,58% de los médicos de la AE. Los resultados de este estudio coinciden con investigaciones semejantes y evidencian la necesidad de fortalecer la coordinación clínica entre niveles para alcanzar una integración efectiva de las redes asistenciales.

A implementação do acesso avançado na estratégia saúde da família: perspectiva de profissionais médicos / The implementation of advanced access in the family health strategy: perspective of medical professionals

O acesso aos serviços de saúde em atenção primária constitui um desafio. O Acesso Avançado surge como alternativa para melhoria desse atributo. O estudo tomou como objeto a visão dos profissionais médicos na implementação da nova forma de acesso e os objetivos foram: caracterizar o perfil dos participantes, descrever a percepção dos profissionais médicos quanto ao processo de implementação do acesso, analisar os resultados na perspectiva da Estratégia Saúde da Família e produzir um vídeo formativo. É de caráter descritivo exploratório de abordagem qualitativa com base na pesquisa de implementação. O local da pesquisa foi a Região de Saúde Sul da Prefeitura do Município de São Paulo e compreendeu as treze unidades de saúde dos distritos de Campo Limpo e Vila Andrade. Os participantes foram treze profissionais médicos correspondentes a cada unidade, selecionados sob indicação dos gestores. Adotou-se como critério de inclusão profissionais que tivessem participado do processo de implementação do Acesso Avançado. Utilizou-se um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturado abordando a historicidade, o papel dos profissionais, os limites e as potencialidades do processo. Os participantes foram contatados previamente por uma pesquisadora para organização da agenda e coleta de dados. Realizou-se leitura exploratória e exaustiva, identificando-se elementos relacionados ao tema do projeto. Após essa etapa, investiu-se na codificação com o apoio do software Atlas ti. Uma vez codificados, retomou-se a construção das categorias, relacionando-as aos princípios do Acesso Avançado e ao processo de análise situacional do acesso. As categorias e subcategorias elencadas foram: a) equilíbrio oferta e demanda domínio de território, reconhecimento da demanda, fatores ambientais; b) organização do trabalho reorganização do processo de trabalho, trabalho multidisciplinar, ferramentas tecnológicas e trabalho em rede; c) educação permanente; d) processo transformativo. Em consonância com os objetivos e metodologia definidos, propôs-se a organização dos resultados e sua análise segundo os núcleos temáticos descritos. Dos treze participantes, 77% dispunham de capacitação na área de Saúde da Família e apresentavam tempo de atuação de um a dezenove anos. Quanto ao primeiro tema, salientou-se a complexidade da conciliação entre o excesso da população e a capacidade operativa das equipes, enfatizando-se o domínio do território como uma premissa. O segundo tema integra as condições estruturais como aspectos de ajustes para a nova dinâmica de atividades. O terceiro tema reuniu aspectos estratégicos de recombinação de trabalhos entre equipes dentro e fora da unidade, ampliando o cuidado. O quarto tema agrega o trabalho multidisciplinar, aspecto diferencial em Saúde da Família; os participantes sinalizaram a renovação no processo de divisão de trabalho, respaldado por mediações tecnológicas e resgate aos trabalhos relacionais. O quinto tema refere-se à educação permanente como matriz central. O sexto, destaca as repercussões do novo formato de acesso e os profissionais como base da transformação. O acesso avançado mostrou-se viável na prática e meio facilitador de entrada da população aos serviços. O modelo condiciona o resgate das perspectivas de trabalho multidisciplinar, inserção dos usuários no processo de cuidado e o necessário investimento em educação permanente. A produção do vídeo visa a contribuir para o processo formativo dos profissionais.

Access to health services in primary care is a challenge. The Advanced Access emerges as an alternative to improve this attribute. The study took as its object the view of medical professionals in the implementation of the new form of access and the objectives were: to characterize the profile of participants, describe the perception of medical professionals regarding the process of implementing access, analyze the results from the perspective of the Family Health Strategy, and produce a formative video. It is of exploratory descriptive nature with a qualitative approach based on implementation research. The research site was the Southern Health Region of the São Paulo City Hall and included the thirteen health units in the districts of Campo Limpo and Vila Andrade. The participants were thirteen medical professionals corresponding to each unit, selected by indication of the managers. The inclusion criterion was professionals who had participated in the Advanced Access implementation process. A semi-structured interview script was used, approaching the history, the role of the professionals, the limits and potentialities of the process. The participants were previously contacted by a researcher to organize the agenda and data collection. An exploratory and exhaustive reading was carried out, identifying elements related to the project's theme. After this step, we invested in coding with the support of the Atlas ti software. Once coded, we resumed the construction of the categories, relating them to the principles of Advanced Access and to the situational analysis process of access. The categories and subcategories were: a) supply and demand balance - territory control, demand recognition, environmental factors; b) work organization - reorganization of the work process, multidisciplinary work, technological tools, and networking; c) continuing education; d) transformative process. In line with the defined objectives and methodology, we proposed the organization of the results and their analysis according to the thematic nuclei described. Of the thirteen participants, 77% were trained in Family Health and had worked in the field for one to nineteen years. Regarding the first theme, the complexity of reconciling the excess population and the operating capacity of the teams was highlighted, emphasizing the mastery of the territory as a premise. The second theme integrates the structural conditions as aspects of adjustments for the new dynamics of activities. The third theme brought together strategic aspects of recombination of work between teams inside and outside the unit, expanding care. The fourth theme aggregates multidisciplinary work, a differential aspect in Family Health; the participants signaled the renewal in the work division process, supported by technological mediations and rescue of relational work. The fifth theme refers to continuing education as the central matrix. The sixth theme highlights the repercussions of the new access format and the professionals as the basis of the transformation. The advanced access proved to be viable in practice and a means of facilitating the population's entry to the services. The model conditions the rescue of multidisciplinary work perspectives, the insertion of users in the care process, and the necessary investment in permanent education. The production of the video aims to contribute to the educational process of the professionals.