Design and implementation of the Professional Wellbeing Programme of the Medical Council of Uruguay.

Multiple studies have reported a high prevalence of mental health problems among male and female physicians. Although doctors are reluctant to seek professional help when suffering from a mental disorder, specialised services developed specifically to treat their mental health problems have reported promising results. The purpose of this article is to describe the design and implementation of the Professional Wellbeing Programme (Programa de Bienestar Profesional) of the Uruguayan Medical Council (Colegio Médico del Uruguay). The context, inputs, activities and some of the outputs are described according to a case study design. The main milestones in the implementation of the programme are also outlined, as well as the enabling elements, obstacles and main achievements. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of international collaboration to share experiences and models, how to design the care process to promote doctors' access to psychiatric and psychological care, the need for them to be flexible and dynamic in adapting to new and changing circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and to work in parallel with the medical regulatory bodies. It is hoped that the experience described in this work may be of use to other Latin American institutions interested in developing mental health programmes for doctors.

Diseño e implementación del Programa de Bienestar Profesional del Colegio Médico del Uruguay

Son múltiples los estudios que informan de una alta prevalencia de problemas de salud mental en médicos y médicas. Aunque los médicos presentan resistencias a la hora de solicitar ayuda profesional cuando están aquejados de trastornos mentales, los servicios especializados desarrollados específicamente para tratar sus problemas de salud mental han reportado resultados prometedores. El propósito de este artículo es describir el diseno y la implementación del Programa de Bienestar Profesional del Colegio Médico del Uruguay. El contexto, los insumos, las actividades y algunos de los productos se describen de acuerdo con el diseno de un estudio de caso. También se sefñalan los principales hitos en la puesta en marcha del programa, así como los elementos facilitadores, los obstáculos y los principales logros. Se enfatizará la importancia de la colaboración internacional para compartir experiencias y modelos, cómo articular el proceso asistencial para fomentar el acceso de los médicos a la atención psiquiátrica y psicológica, la necesidad de que sean flexibles y dinámicos para adaptarse a circunstancias novedosas y cambiantes como la pandemia por COVID-19 y la necesidad de que vayan en paralelo con las exigencias de los organismos reguladores de la práctica médica. Se espera que la experiencia descrita en este trabajo pueda ser de utilidad a otros colectivos latinoamericanos interesados en desarrollar programas de salud mental para los médicos.

Multiple studies have reported a high prevalence of mental health problems among male and female physicians. Although doctors are reluctant to seek professional help when suffering from a mental disorder, specialized services developed specifically to treat their mental health problems have reported promising results. The purpose of this article is to describe the design and implementation of the Professional Wellbeing Programme (Programa de Bienestar Profesional) of the Uruguayan Medical Association (Colegio Médico del Uruguay). The context, inputs, activities and some of the outputs are described according to a case study design. The main milestones in the implementation of the programme are also outlined, as well as the enabling elements, obstacles and main achievements. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of international collaboration to share experiences and models, how to design the care process to promote doctors' access to psychiatric and psychological care, the need for them to be flexible and dynamic in adapting to new and changing circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and to work in parallel with the medical regulatory bodies. It is hoped that the experience described in this work may be of use to other Latin American institutions interested in developing mental health programmes for doctors.

Inclusion of information technology-based assessments of health-related quality of life in routine oncology practice in Uruguay.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that the inclusion of patient-reported outcomes measures in the patient's visit to the oncologists might improve the quality of global health care. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility, acceptance, and utility perceived by patients and oncologists of health-related quality of life (HRQL) assessments obtained prior to clinical visits, and to evaluate if this has an impact on patient's well-being in a sample of Spanish-speaking patients from Uruguay. METHODS: Patients assisted regularly in the Oncology Clinic were randomized into two groups: an intervention group that completed a set of questionnaires (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale using a touch screen device and a control group that did not respond to these questionnaires. At 2 months, the responses of all the participants to the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) were collected over a telephone to determine whether there were differences in the HRQL between the intervention and control groups. The graphed scores of the intervention group were included in the clinical history of the patient during consultation. Patients and physicians completed the questionnaires on the usefulness of these measurements. RESULTS: In total, 58 patients participated in this study: 36 in the intervention group and 22 in the control group; 65% of the participants were female, and median age was 59 years (18-79). Regarding patients, 97% found the questionnaires easy to complete and thought that they included important questions. As for oncologists, 68.8% used the information and 87.5% found it useful for the consultation. There were no significant differences in the FACT-G scores between the intervention and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The routine HRQL assessments using an electronic device prior to the consultations were positively valued by almost all patients and physicians. This could significantly contribute to a better understanding of the patient's overall problems during consultation. These results confirm the benefits of integrating the patient's self-reported quality of life outcomes into consultations.

A Standard Set of Value-Based Patient-Centered Outcomes and Measures of Overall Health in Adults.

BACKGROUND: The definition of population-specific outcomes is an essential precondition for the implementation of value-based health care. We developed a minimum standard outcome set for overall adult health (OAH) to facilitate the implementation of value-based health care in tracking, comparing, and improving overall health care outcomes of adults across multiple conditions, which would be of particular relevance for primary care and public health populations. METHODS: The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) convened an international panel (patients, clinicians, and topic experts). Following the development of a conceptual framework, a modified Delphi method (supported by public consultations) was implemented to identify, in sequence, the relevant domains, the best instruments for measuring them, the timing of measurement, and the relevant adjustment variables. FINDINGS: Outcomes were identified in relation to overall health status and the domains of physical, mental, and social health. Three instruments covering these domains were identified: PROMIS Scale v1.2-Global Health (10 items), WHO Wellbeing Index (5 items), and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (12 items). Case-mix variables included a range of sociodemographic and biometric measures. Yearly measurement was proposed for all outcomes and most case-mix variables. INTERPRETATION: The ICHOM OAH Standard Set has been developed through consensus-based methods based on predefined criteria following high standards for the identification and selection of high-quality measures The involvements of a wide range of stakeholders supports the acceptability of the set, which is readily available for use and feasibility testing in clinical settings.

Evaluation of a rehabilitation program from the perspective of children with disabilities and their caregivers in Uruguay.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the Assessment and Orientation Treatment Program for children and adolescents with disabilities treated at the Center Teletón Uruguay from the perspective of the patients and their parents based on several patient reported outcome measures: health related quality of life (HRQOL), treatment satisfaction, family impact, and emotional distress. METHODS: The sample consisted of all the 126 dyads of children/adolescents with ages ranging from 2 to 18 years and their primary caregivers who entered the program from April to October 2012. A set of instruments were filled out by children and parents before and six months after the program. T test for paired samples for continuous variables and McNemar's test for categorical variables were used to assess changes pre and post intervention. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of depression and anxiety in the caregivers. In the second evaluation, improvements that were statistically significant only for the caregivers were observed in the HRQOL of children, adolescents and caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: The patient reported outcome measures used were effective in detecting changes in several areas of the quality of life of children observed by their caregivers and in their own quality of life after the intervention.

Design and implementation of the Professional Wellbeing Programme of the Medical Council Association of Uruguay. / Diseño e implementación del Programa de Bienestar Profesional del Colegio Médico del Uruguay.

Multiple studies have reported a high prevalence of mental health problems among male and female physicians. Although doctors are reluctant to seek professional help when suffering from a mental disorder, specialised services developed specifically to treat their mental health problems have reported promising results. The purpose of this article is to describe the design and implementation of the Professional Wellbeing Programme (Programa de Bienestar Profesional) of the Uruguayan Medical Association (Colegio Médico del Uruguay). The context, inputs, activities and some of the outputs are described according to a case study design. The main milestones in the implementation of the programme are also outlined, as well as the enabling elements, obstacles and main achievements. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of international collaboration to share experiences and models, how to design the care process to promote doctors' access to psychiatric and psychological care, the need for them to be flexible and dynamic in adapting to new and changing circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and to work in parallel with the medical regulatory bodies. It is hoped that the experience described in this work may be of use to other Latin American institutions interested in developing mental health programmes for doctors.

Validation of a Core Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Fatigue in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: The SONG-HD Fatigue Instrument.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fatigue is a very common and debilitating symptom and identified by patients as a critically important core outcome to be included in all trials involving patients receiving hemodialysis. A valid, standardized measure for fatigue is needed to yield meaningful and relevant evidence about this outcome. This study validated a core patient-reported outcome measure for fatigue in hemodialysis. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: A longitudinal cohort study was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of a new fatigue measure (Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Hemodialysis Fatigue [SONG-HD Fatigue]). Eligible and consenting patients completed the measure at three time points: baseline, a week later, and 12 days following the second time point. Cronbach α and intraclass correlation coefficient were calculated to assess internal consistency, and Spearman rho was used to assess convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis was also conducted. Hemodialysis units in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Romania participated in this study. Adult patients aged 18 years and over who were English speaking and receiving maintenance hemodialysis were eligible to participate. Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Hemodialysis, the Visual Analog Scale for fatigue, the 12-Item Short Form Survey, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue were used. RESULTS: In total, 485 participants completed the study across the United Kingdom, Australia, and Romania. Psychometric assessment demonstrated that Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Hemodialysis is internally consistent (Cronbach α =0.81-0.86) and stable over a 1-week period (intraclass correlation coefficient =0.68-0.74). The measure demonstrated convergence with Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue and had moderate correlations with other measures that assessed related but not the same concept (the 12-Item Short Form Survey and the Visual Analog Scale). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the one-factor model. CONCLUSIONS: SONG-HD Fatigue seems to be a reliable and valid measure to be used in trials involving patients receiving hemodialysis.

Identifying dimensions of fatigue in haemodialysis important to patients, caregivers and health professionals: An international survey.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome measures of fatigue used in research in haemodialysis vary widely in the dimensions assessed; and the importance of these dimensions to patients and health professionals is unknown. This study aimed to identify the most important dimensions of fatigue to assess in patients on haemodialysis participating in trials. METHODS: In an international survey, patients/caregivers and health professionals rated the absolute and relative importance of content and measurement dimensions to include in a core outcome measure of fatigue. A 9-point Likert scale (7-9 indicating critical importance) was used to assess absolute importance and best-worst scale was used to assess importance of each dimension compared to others. RESULTS: In total, 169 patients/caregivers and 336 health professionals from 60 countries completed the survey. Both groups (patients/caregivers and health professionals) rated life participation (7.55), tiredness (7.40), level of energy (7.37), ability to think clearly (7.15), post-dialysis fatigue (7.13), motivation (7.03) and ability to concentrate (7.03) as critically important (mean Likert score greater than 7) content dimensions to include in a core outcome measure. Compared to patients and caregivers, health professionals rated post-dialysis fatigue, memory and verbal abilities more highly. Based on the relative importance scores, life participation was ranked most highly above all content dimensions. Severity was rated and ranked the most important measurement dimension by all stakeholders. CONCLUSION: A core outcome measure of fatigue should assess impact of fatigue on life participation, tiredness and level of energy, using a severity scale. A consistent and valid measurement of fatigue will improve the value of trials in supporting decision-making based on this important outcome.

Patient Perspectives on the Meaning and Impact of Fatigue in Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review and Thematic Analysis of Qualitative Studies.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Fatigue is a highly prevalent and debilitating symptom in patients on hemodialysis therapy due to the uremic milieu, the hemodialysis treatment itself, and other comorbid conditions. However, fatigue remains underrecognized and the consequences are underappreciated because it may not be visible in clinical settings. This study aims to describe the experience that patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis have with fatigue. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. SETTING & STUDY POPULATIONS: Patients undergoing hemodialysis. SEARCH STRATEGY & SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, reference lists, and PhD dissertations were searched from inception to October 2018. DATA EXTRACTION: All text from the results/conclusion of the primary studies. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Thematic synthesis. RESULTS: 65 studies involving 1,713 participants undergoing hemodialysis were included. We identified 4 themes related to fatigue: debilitating and exhausting burden of dialysis (bodily depletion, trapped in a vicious cycle of postdialysis exhaustion, vigilance and worry inhibiting rest, tiresome and agonizing regimen, and without remedy and relief), restricted life participation (deprived of time, managing energy reserves, frustrating need to rest, and joys foregone), diminishing capacities to fulfil relationship roles (losing ability to work and provide for family, failing as a parent, lacking stamina for sexual intimacy, and relying on others), and vulnerable to misunderstanding (being criticized for the need to rest and failing to meet expectations). LIMITATIONS: Non-English articles were excluded and most studies were conducted in high-income countries. CONCLUSIONS: For patients undergoing hemodialysis who experience fatigue, fatigue is a profound and relentless exhaustion that pervades the entire body and encompasses weakness. The fatigue drains vitality in patients and constrains their ability to do usual activities and fulfill their roles and meet personal aspirations. Explicit recognition of the impact of fatigue and establishing additional effective interventions to improve fatigue are needed.

Prevalence of Symptoms and Symptom Clusters of Patients on Dialysis in Uruguay.

BACKGROUND: Patients on dialysis report high levels of symptom burden. The association of these symptoms may have an increased deleterious effect on the patients' well-being. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of symptoms, to identify symptom clusters, and to describe the impact of concurrent symptoms on physical and emotional well-being in a sample of dialysis patients. METHODS: Data of the first assessment of a longitudinal study aimed to assess patient-reported outcomes in dialysis were included here. The KDQOL-36 PCS, MCS and Symptom Subscale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were analyzed. The ICLUST procedure was followed for hierarchical cluster analyses. RESULTS: Of the 512 eligible patients, 493 accepted to participate, 43.6 % were female, with mean age of 60.9 (SD=16.7). Treatment modality was HD in 87.6% of patients. Most prevalent and severe symptoms were muscle sores, cramps, "washed out", dry skin, and itchy skin, Moderate to severe pain was reported by 25%, and daily somnolence by 12.4% of the patients. Five first level symptom clusters were identified as cutaneous, cardiac, digestive, sensory-motor, energy. Both, the presence of any cluster and cluster scores were significantly associated with lower physical and mental quality of life and a higher psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the presence of high symptom burden in dialysis patients in Uruguay. Several symptom clusters were identified having significant impact on the patients' well-being. The identification of symptom clusters can help to understand common underlying pathways. It is possible that the management of symptom clusters may reduce symptom burden in these patients.

A Tale of Two Countries: Innovation and Collaboration Aimed at Changing the Culture of Medicine in Uruguay.

This is a case study of a program to address professionalism at the Universidad de la República in Uruguay. We describe a five-year ongoing international collaboration. Relevant characteristics of the context, the program components, activities, and results were analyzed. The expected outcomes were to introduce standards of professional practices in the curricula of medical students and residents and the implementation of a program that might lead to a significant change in the culture of medicine in the University. Traditional didactics, interactive theater, and professional development workshops, issues such as teamwork and communication, professional behavior, and the culture of medicine, and physician wellness were addressed. A total of 359 faculty members, general practitioners, stakeholders, and other healthcare professionals (nurses, psychologists, social workers) participated in the intervention. The process led to specific achievements including new content in the curricula, the use of educational innovations to address issues of professionalism, a growing institutional culture of accountability, and the establishment of new rules and regulations. The strategies and interventions followed in the case of Uruguay can serve as a model to other developing countries to promote physician professionalism, wellness, and joy.

Establishing a Core Outcome Measure for Fatigue in Patients on Hemodialysis: A Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Hemodialysis (SONG-HD) Consensus Workshop Report.

Fatigue is one of the most highly prioritized outcomes for patients and clinicians, but remains infrequently and inconsistently reported across trials in hemodialysis. We convened an international Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Hemodialysis (SONG-HD) consensus workshop with stakeholders to discuss the development and implementation of a core outcome measure for fatigue. 15 patients/caregivers and 42 health professionals (clinicians, researchers, policy makers, and industry representatives) from 9 countries participated in breakout discussions. Transcripts were analyzed thematically. 4 themes for a core outcome measure emerged. Drawing attention to a distinct and all-encompassing symptom was explicitly recognizing fatigue as a multifaceted symptom unique to hemodialysis. Emphasizing the pervasive impact of fatigue on life participation justified the focus on how fatigue severely impaired the patient's ability to do usual activities. Ensuring relevance and accuracy in measuring fatigue would facilitate shared decision making about treatment. Minimizing burden of administration meant avoiding the cognitive burden, additional time, and resources required to use the measure. A core outcome measure that is simple, is short, and includes a focus on the severity of the impact of fatigue on life participation may facilitate consistent and meaningful measurement of fatigue in all trials to inform decision making and care of patients receiving hemodialysis.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Fatigue in Patients on Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom in patients receiving hemodialysis. We aimed to identify and evaluate the characteristics and psychometric properties of patient-reported outcome measures for fatigue in patients receiving hemodialysis, to inform the selection of a robust and feasible measure for use in randomized trials in hemodialysis. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of outcome measures for fatigue. SETTING & POPULATION: Patients receiving hemodialysis. SEARCH STRATEGY & SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL from inception to April 2017 were searched for all studies that reported fatigue in patients receiving hemodialysis. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: With a focus on addressing methods, items (individual questions) from all measures were categorized into content and measurement dimensions of fatigue. We assessed the general characteristics (eg, number of items and cost) and psychometric properties of all measures. RESULTS: From 123 studies, we identified 43 different measures: 24 (55%) were developed specifically for the hemodialysis population (of which 18 were nonvalidated author-developed measures for use in their study only), 17 (40%) for other populations, and 2 (5%) for chronic kidney disease (all stages). The measures assessed 11 content dimensions of fatigue, the 3 most frequent being level of energy (19 [44%]), tiredness (15 [35%]), and life participation (14 [33%]); and 4 measurement dimensions: severity (34 [79%]), frequency (10 [23%]), duration (4 [9%]), and change (1 [2%]). The vitality subscale of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was the most frequently used (19 [15%] studies), but has only been tested for reliability in hemodialysis. Of the fatigue-specific measures, the Chalder Fatigue Scale was the only one evaluated in hemodialysis, but the full psychometric robustness remains uncertain. LIMITATIONS: For feasibility, we searched for validation studies in the hemodialysis population using the names of measures identified in the primary search strategy. CONCLUSIONS: A very wide range of measures have been used to assess fatigue in patients receiving hemodialysis, each varying in content and length. Many have limited validation data available in this population. A standardized and psychometrically robust measure that captures dimensions of fatigue that are important to patients is needed to estimate and improve this disabling complication of hemodialysis.

Campo disciplinar y campo profesional de la psicología médica. Enfoque biopsicosocial de la medicina: 30 años después / Field and professional practice of medical psychology. The biopsychosocial approach of medicine: 30 years later

A partir de la conmemoración del 30º aniversario de la creación del Departamento de Psicología Médica de la Facultad de Medicina, se propone una reflexión sobre el desarrollo de esta disciplina tanto en los aspectos propiamente disciplinares como profesionales. Se reconoce como antecedente el aporte fundamental de los docentes de la línea de Psicología del Ciclo Básico del Plan 68, quienes provenían principalmente del campo psicoanálitico, de la medicina del comportamiento y de la psicología de la salud. Se destaca la importancia que tuvo la inclusión del modelo biopsicosocial de George Engel tanto en el desarrollo teórico como en la práctica asistencial y docente. Se describe el campo profesional en sus aspectos asistenciales y docentes. En especial, se comentan las nuevas propuestas y desafíos que surgen a partir del plan de estudio aprobado en el año 2008 y la forma en que la psicología médica está procurando acompañar este desarrollo. Se plantea también el enfoque de la medicina centrada en el paciente con énfasis en la mejora de la calidad de la asistencia, el desarrollo de las habilidades comunicacionales del médico y los temas del profesionalismo.

Abstract Upon the thirtieth anniversary of the creation of the Medical Psychology Department of the School of Medicine, the study presents a discussion on the development of the discipline, both in terms of its field of action and in professional aspects. The foundational basis can be traced up to the Plan 1968 with the contribuition of professors who manily had a background in psychoanalysis, behavioral medicina, and health psychology. The importance of the inclusion of Gerorge Engel’s biopsychosocial model, both theoretically and in the provision of healthcare services is hereby pointed out. Its professional field is described in terms of service and training. In particular, new proposals and challenges arising from a studies plan approved in 2008 are commented, and the approach by Medical Psychology is discussed. Likewise, the approach of a patient-centered medicine medicine is analysed, emphasizing on the improvement of healthcare quality, the development of physicians’ communication skills and professionalism issues.

Resumo Tomando como ponto de partida a comemoração do 30º aniversário da criação do Departamento de Psicologia Médica da Facultad de Medicina - UdelaR, propõe-se uma reflexão sobre a evolução desta disciplina tanto nos aspectos propriamente disciplinares como profissionais. Reconhece-se como antecedente a contribuição fundamental dos docentes da linha de Psicologia do Ciclo Básico do Plano 68, originários principalmente do campo psicanalítico, da medicina do comportamento e da psicologia da saúde. Destaca-se a importância da inclusão do modelo biopsicossocial de George Engel tanto na evolução teórica como na prática assistencial e docente. Descreve-se o campo profissional nos aspectos assistenciais e docentes. Especialmente comentam-se as novas propostas e os desafios que surgem do Plano de Estudos aprovado em 2008 e a forma que a psicologia médica está procurando para acompanhar essas mudanças. Aborda-se também o enfoque da medicina centrada no paciente com ênfase na melhoria da qualidade da assistência, o desenvolvimento das habilidades de comunicação do médico e os temas do profissionalismo.

Report of the procedure of voluntary interruption of pregnancy at a university hospital in Uruguay.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the constitution and operation of a voluntary interruption of pregnancy team of a university hospital, from the outlook of the mental health team. METHODS: In this case study, the following aspects were analyzed: 1) historical background; 2) implementation of Law 18,897 of October 22, 2012; and 3) functioning of the program at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Facultad de Medicina (Universidad de la República, Uruguay), taking into account three dimensions: structure, process, and results. RESULTS: Between December 2012 and November 2013, a total of 6,676 voluntary interruptions of pregnancy were reported in Uruguay; out of these, 80 were conducted at the Hospital de Clínicas. The patients' demographic data agreed with those reported at the national level: Of the total patients, 81.0% were aged over 19 years; 6.2% decided to continue with the pregnancy; and only 70.0% attended the subsequent control and received advice on contraception. CONCLUSIONS: In its implementation year in Uruguay, we can assess the experience as positive from the point of view of women's health. Our experience as a mental health team at the Hospital de Clínicas, inserted into the multidisciplinary voluntary interruption of pregnancy team, is in the process of assessment and reformulation of practices. OBJETIVO: Describir la conformación y funcionamiento de un equipo de interrupción voluntaria del embarazo de un hospital universitario, desde la mirada del equipo de salud mental. MÉTODOS: En este estudio de caso, se analizan los siguientes aspectos: 1) antecedentes históricos; 2) implementación de la Ley 18.897 de 22 de octubre de 2012; y 3) funcionamiento del programa en el Hospital de Clínicas de la Facultad de Medicina (Universidad de la República, Uruguay), teniendo en cuenta tres dimensiones (estructura, proceso y resultados). RESULTADOS: Entre diciembre de 2012 y noviembre de 2013, se reportaron en Uruguay un total de 6.676 interrupciones voluntarias del embarazo; de ellas, 80 se llevaron a cabo en el Hospital de Clínicas. Los datos sociodemográficos de las pacientes concordaron con los reportados a nivel nacional: 81,0% de las pacientes que consultaron era mayores de 19 años; 6,2% decidieron continuar con el embarazo; solo 70,0% concurrieron al control posterior y recibieron asesoramiento sobre anticoncepción. CONCLUSIONES: Al año de su implementación, en Uruguay, podemos evaluar la experiencia como positiva desde el punto de vista de la salud de las mujeres. Nuestra experiencia como equipo de salud mental en el Hospital de Clínicas, inserto dentro del equipo multidisciplinario de interrupción voluntaria del embarazo, se encuentra en pleno proceso de evaluación y reformulación de prácticas.

[Evaluation of the Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire in patients with chronic venous ulcers in Uruguay]. / Adaptación y evaluación inicial del Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire en pacientes con úlceras venosas crónicas en Uruguay.

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous ulcers (CVU) represent a frequent condition, with difficult therapeutic approaches, that impact on patients’ quality of life, and generate an economic burden to patients and health systems. AIM: To perform the cultural adaptation and initial evaluation of the Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire (CCVUQ) for Uruguay, and to study the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with CVU. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The translated and culturally adapted version of the CCVUQ was applied to a convenience sample of 50 patients. In addition, the PROMIS Global Health Survey was included in the assessment. RESULTS: Both questionnaires showed good internal consistency (Cronbach alfa > 0.70). A statistically significant association was observed between the CCVUQ total scores, its subscales and both dimensions of the PROMIS: Global Physical (GPH) and Global Mental Health (GMH) (rho ≥ 0.40). The CCVUQ mean score was 54.9 ± 42 points while GPH and GMH mean scores were 37.9 ± 29 points, and 43.1 ± 35.1 points respectively. Simple linear regression showed that patients with higher income reported better emotional well-being, while in younger patients, ulcers had a higher impact on Emotional Status and Cosmetics. CONCLUSIONS: The translated and adapted version of the CCVUQ was easy to comprehend and apply, showing good psychometric properties. When used in association with the PROMIS Global Health Measure it provides complementary information. HRQL was severely affected in the study sample.