Experiencia docente en un programa de formación de Medicina Familiar y General a distancia / Teaching experience in a distance learning program for Family and General Medicine

La distribución inequitativa del talento humano en salud afecta la capacidad de los sistemas de ofrecer servicios esenciales. En la provincia de Córdoba, el primer nivel de atención es responsabilidad de los municipios, pero el nivel provincial procura sostener la rectoría y ser garante del derecho a la salud. En ese marco, se desarrolló un programa para reducir las brechas en la distribución de médicos: el Plan Cordobés de Médicos del Interior. Acompañando ese plan se ejecutó un convenio específico con la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba para garantizar la formación en la especialidad de Medicina Familiar y General. Ingresaron al programa 170 personas, y hoy contamos con 98 médicos en formación o seguimiento. En este artículo damos cuenta de la experiencia docente, los desafíos y dificultades que supuso afrontar una formación en lugares de práctica variados, y con el aporte de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación. Esperamos que la experiencia sirva para transmitir los aprendizajes de nuestra práctica (AU)

The inequitable distribution of human talent in health affects the capacity of systems to offer essential services. In the province of Córdoba, the primary level of care is the responsibility of municipalities, but the provincial level aims to maintain leadership and guarantee the right to health. Within this framework, a program was developed to reduce gaps in the distribution of physicians: the Cordobés Plan for Interior Physicians. Accompanying this plan, a specific agreement was executed with the National University of Córdoba to ensure training in the specialty of Family and General Medicine. 170 individuals entered the program, and today we have 98 physicians in training or under supervision. In this article, we give an account of the teaching experience, the challenges, and difficulties involved in facing training in various practice settings, along with the contribution of information and communication technologies. We hope that this experience serves to transmit the lessons learned from our practice (AU)

Curso de investigación en Atención Primaria de la Salud: experiencia sobre módulo de búsqueda bibliográfica y gestores de citas / Research course in Primary Health Care: experience with the bibliographic search module and citation managers

La Federación Argentina de Medicina Familiar y General apoyó el desarrollo, la difusión y la implementación de una propuesta educativa sobre investigación en atención primaria. Consiste en 4 módulos independientes, destinado para miembros interesados/as, con 2 encuentros virtuales teórico-prácticos, que favorecieran el intercambio de opiniones y experiencias entre colegas. El objetivo del primer módulo fue proporcionar conocimiento, brindar pautas y ofrecer herramientas para la búsqueda bibliográfica y el uso de gestores de citas. Se realizó difusión mediante sociedades y redes sociales. Se incluyó una evaluación individual, que diera cuenta de lectura complementaria y la aplicación práctica de los contenidos. Se llevó a cabo en Junio, con 39 preinscripto/as, mayoritariamente residentes. Hubo 24 participantes efectivos (61%), asistieron 17 y 20 personas respectivamente, y 11 (46%) obtuvieron el certificado de aprobación por responder la consigna en tiempo y forma. En cuanto a los/as asistentes, hubo predominio de mujeres (79%), provenientes de Asociación Metropolitana de Medicina Familiar (25%), Asociación Cordobesa de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria (16%), Asociación Misionera de Medicina General/Familiar y del Equipo de Salud (16%), Asociación Tucumana de Medicina Familiar, General y Comunitaria (12%), y otras minorías. Expresaron satisfacción, agradecimiento y reconocimiento por la actividad, destacando la buena predisposición de organizadores y equipo docente, la utilidad práctica de la temática, la evidente planificación, y el apoyo político-económico. Esta valiosa experiencia educativa (planteada como necesidad pendiente) resultó exitosa, ya que los/as participantes demostraron un alto nivel de interés, de asistencia de diferentes provincias, y de compromiso. Los certificados emitidos otorgan créditos educativos válidos para la recertificación (AU)

The Federación Argentina de Medicina Familiar y General supported the development, dissemination and implementation of an educational proposal on research in primary care. It consists of 4 independent modules, intended for interested members, with 2 virtual theoretical-practical meetings, which favored the exchange of opinions and experiences among colleagues. The objective of the first module was to provide knowledge, guidelines and tools for bibliographic search and the use of citation managers. Dissemination was carried out through societies and social networks. An individual evaluation was included, to account for complementary reading and the practical application of the contents. It was carried out in June, with 39 pre-registered participants, mostly residents. There were 24 effective participants (61%), 17 and 20 people attended respectively, and 11 (46%) obtained the certificate of approval for answering the instructions in due time and form. As for the attendees, there was a predominance of women (79%), coming from Asociación Metropolitana de Medicina Familiar (25%), Asociación Cordobesa de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria (16%), Asociación Misionera de Medicina General/Familiar y del Equipo de Salud (16%), Asociación Tucumana de Medicina Familiar, General y Comunitaria (12%), and other minorities. They expressed satisfaction, gratitude, and recognition for the activity, highlighting the good predisposition of the organizers and teaching team, the practical usefulness of the subject matter, the evident planning, and the political-economic support. This valuable educational experience (raised as a pending need) was successful since the participants showed a high level of interest, attendance from different provinces, and commitment. The certificates issued grant educational credits valid for recertification (AU)

Lymphedema and Elephantiasis of the Lower Limbs: Normalization or Nearly Normalization.

Lymphedema is a clinical condition resulting from a failure in the drainage of the lymphatic system and the consequent formation of edema and is a chronic progressive condition; its development is an active dynamic process. Physiotherapy techniques are the most widely used method for such cases. However, novel concepts and treatment techniques have emerged in recent years. Godoy & Godoy have developed novel therapy concepts proposing the normalization or near normalization of all clinical stages of lymphedema, including elephantiasis.The Godoy & Godoy method has undergone continual evolution, with the improvement of established and the emergence of novel concepts making contributions to the understanding of the causes and treatment of lymphedema. These researchers developed a novel concept of manual lymphatic drainage based on linear movements, cervical lymphatic therapy, a novel concept in mechanical lymphatic drainage, and hand-crafted stockings made with grosgrain material. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to report the new concepts of treatment for lymphedema and the maintenance of such results by the Godoy & Godoy technique in all stages. The Godoy & Godoy method enables the normalization or near normalization of lymphedema in all clinical stages, including elephantiasis.

Synthesis and Physiological Remodeling of CD34 Cells in the Skin following the Reversal of Fibrosis through Intensive Treatment for Lower Limb Lymphedema: A Case Report.

A novel type of cell underwent identification between 2005 and 2008 and was denominated the "telocyte" in 2010. In 2012, transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of telocytes in the dermis. The aim of the present study was to report important changes in immunostained CD34 cells following the treatment of lower limb lymphedema using a specific lymphatic therapy technique. A clinical trial involving the evaluation of changes in immunostained CD34 cells in the epidermis and dermis (10 randomly selected histological fields) of a patient before and after intensive treatment for clinical stage II lymphedema was conducted using the Godoy Method, which was adapted to the treatment of skin fibrosis. The evaluation involved the use of the Weibel multi-point morphometric method. Comparisons were performed using the t-test with a 95% significance level. An important increase in CD34 cells was found with redistribution occurring following treatment. The treatment of primary lymphedema of the lower limbs resulted in the clinical reversal of fibrosis and an increase in the number of immunomarked CD34 cells.

Hallermann-Streiff Syndrome and Lower Limb Lymphedema with Nasal Obstruction.

Background: Hallermann-Streiff syndrome (HSS) is a rare congenital abnormality involving multiple craniofacial malformations, such as micrognathia, prominent frontal and nasal bones, vision defects, and dental anomalies, which can result in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The aim of the present study was to report a case of nasal obstruction in an individual with Hallermann-Streiff syndrome who had never breathed through the nose during treatment for lower limb lymphedema involving cervical lymphatic therapy. Case Report. An 18-year-old female adolescent with a diagnosis of HSS was sent from the genetics service of a teaching school for the treatment of lower limb lymphedema. At around 11 years of age, the patient began to present edema in the left leg, accompanied by broadening of the face and neck. The patient reported having obstructed nostrils and breathing through the mouth her entire life. On the second day of treatment, the patient reported being able to breathe through one of the nostrils, this had never occurred before. Based on this finding, the decision was made to include linear facial lymphatic drainage using the Godoy method, which led to the complete resolution of the nasal obstruction in the first 15 minutes of treatment. Nasal obstruction in children with Hallermann-Streiff syndrome may be caused by lymphedema. Conclusion: A specific lymphatic drainage technique, such as cervical lymphatic therapy and facial linear lymphatic therapy, can resolve the obstruction and maintain the nostrils unblocked for months.

Monitor sanitario: experiencia de gestión y monitoreo de líneas de cuidado priorizadas en Córdoba / Health monitor: management and monitoring experience of prioritized lines of care in Córdoba

Para la gestión en salud, fortalecer la Atención Primaria como estrategia es un desafío. Esto implica coordinar los esfuerzos entre los distintos niveles de atención. En el caso de Argentina, la organización del sistema de salud divide las responsabilidades sobre cada nivel de atención en distintas jurisdicciones, quedando el primer nivel en la órbita de los municipios. En el caso de Córdoba, este escenario es particularmente complejo, ya que la descentralización del primer nivel de atención trajo consecuencias adversas, dificultando la integración de información sanitaria producida en los municipios. El Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia ha desarrollado una herramienta de monitoreo (el Monitor Sanitario) que construye indicadores de evaluación aprovechando los datos reportados por 754 efectores de salud públicos al programa Sumar. Estos indicadores se organizan por líneas de cuidado, y ya se encuentran en marcha los tableros que muestran los resultados para la línea de cuidado de personas gestantes y la de cuidado de personas con diabetes. La medición periódica de los desempeños por municipio de estas líneas se asocia a un pago por desempeño. Consideramos que esta experiencia permite mostrar la integración de esfuerzos para impactar en los tres componentes del sistema: en el modelo de atención (por definir priorización de cuidados y estimular la proactividad), en el modelo de financiamiento (al indicar las posibilidades de reporte al programa Sumar y al establecer un pago por resultados) y en el modelo de gestión (al orientar las gestiones locales a los resultados) (AU)

For health management, strengthening Primary Care as a strategy is a challenge. This implies coordinating efforts between the different levels of health care. In the case of Argentina, the health system assigns the responsibilities for each level of care to different jurisdictions, leaving the primary level of care in the orbit of the local governments. In the case of Córdoba, this scenario is particularly complex, considering the decentralization of the primary level of care brought adverse consequences, making it difficult to integrate health information produced in local governments.The Ministry of Health of the Province has developed a monitoring tool (the Health Monitor) that builds evaluation indicators taking advantage of the data reported by 754 public health effectors to Sumar program. These indicators are organized by lines of care, and there are two boards that already shows the results for pregnancy care and for people with diabetes. The periodic measurement of the performance of each local government in these lines is associated with a payment for performance.This experience shows how the integration of efforts impacts on the three components of the system: in the care model (by defining care prioritization and stimulating proactivity), in the financing model (by indicating the possibilities of reporting to Sumar program and establishing a payment for results) and in the management model (by directing local managements to results) (AU)

Case Report: Godoy & Godoy method of cervical lymphatic therapy - indirect evaluation of the effect of the duration of stimulation on ocular edema.

The aim of the present study is to report the indirect evaluation of cervical stimulation considering the effect of the duration of the stimulus on the control of intraocular pressure in a patient with bilateral glaucoma with important ocular edema.  A 47-year-old woman reported the onset of pain and bilateral tearing in the eyes at 35 years of age and was diagnosed with glaucoma. The patient began clinical treatment, but intraocular pressure remained 35 to 40 mmHg even with the use of four eye medications in the form of drops. The patient reported that her vision was always blurred despite the use of the eyedrops. The patient was submitted to the Godoy & Godoy method of cervical lymphatic therapy to reduce the edema. The ophthalmologist measured her intraocular pressure every two and three days. We found that the pressure was maintained below 20 mmHg when lymphatic therapy was performed every two days, but intraocular pressure increased and the vision became blurred when therapy was performed every three days. The Godoy & Godoy method of cervical lymphatic therapy constitutes a novel lymphatic system stimulation strategy that maintains its effect on intraocular pressure for approximately 48 hours, as demonstrated through an indirect evaluation.

El cuidado prenatal y los determinantes sociales: estudio ecológico en Argentina / Prenatal care and social determinants: ecological study in Argentina

Resumen Introducción: el cuidado prenatal es un aspecto clave de salud pública, con gran impacto en la salud materna y perinatal, así como en otras etapas del ciclo vital. Sus características pueden ser variables entre y al interior de los países, y vincularse a ciertos determinantes sociales. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar escenarios sociosanitarios del cuidado prenatal y analizar asociaciones entre determinantes sociales e indicadores sintéticos seleccionados del cuidado prenatal en Argentina (2010-2018). Metodología: se desarrolló un estudio ecológico de grupos múltiples (n = 24 jurisdicciones). Los datos se obtuvieron a partir de fuentes secundarias: última información disponible del Sistema Informático Perinatal (2018) y censo nacional (2010). Se realizó un análisis de conglomerados de tipo jerárquico y aglomerativo (método de Ward). Se ilustró la distribución espacial de los escenarios identificados y se valoraron las diferencias entre ellos mediante la prueba ANOVA. Para estimar asociaciones entre indicadores sociales e indicadores del cuidado prenatal se propusieron modelos de regresión lineal. Resultados: se identificaron cinco escenarios sociosanitarios del cuidado prenatal, que revelan heterogeneidades en la distribución de indicadores de cuidado prenatal y sociales a nivel provincial. Además, el porcentaje de hogares en situación de pobreza presentó una asociación directa, en tanto el índice de desarrollo humano y la esperanza de vida al nacer una inversa con el control prenatal insuficiente. Conclusiones: existen diferentes escenarios sociosanitarios del cuidado prenatal en Argentina y ciertas características sociales de los contextos en que residen las personas podrían subyacer a su configuración.

Abstract Introduction: the prenatal care is a key aspect in public health, with great impact in maternal and perinatal health, as well as in other stages of the life cycle. The features of the prenatal care could be variable between and within countries, and be related to social determinants. The aim of this study was to identify socio-sanitary scenarios of prenatal care, and to analyze associations between social determinants and selected synthetic indicators of prenatal care in Argentina (2010-2018). Methodology: A multi-group ecological study (n=24 jurisdictions) was developed. The data were obtained from secondary sources: the latest available data of the Perinatal Informatics' System (2018) and national census (2010). A hierarchical and agglomerative cluster analysis was carried out (Wards method). The spatial distribution of the scenarios was illustrated by a map. ANOVA test was applied to assess the differences between the identified scenarios. To estimate associations between social indicators and indicators of prenatal care, linear regression models were applied. Results: five socio-sanitary scenarios of prenatal care were identified, which reveal heterogeneities in the distribution of prenatal and social care indicators. In addition, the percentage of households living in poverty presented a direct association, and the human development index and life expectancy at birth an inverse association with insufficient prenatal care. Conclusions: different socio-sanitary scenarios exist in Argentina, and some social characteristics of the contexts in which people live might underlie its configuration.

Monotherapy for the Treatment of Lymphedema in Children: A Review.

The Godoy Method of cervical lymphatic therapy is the first treatment option as monotherapy for children which facilitates achieving normalization or near normalization of the affected limb as well as the maintenance of the results, which could assist millions of children throughout the world.

Epidemiological data on lower limb lymphedema

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate epidemiological data of patients seen at a clinic specialized in the treatment of lymphedema. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted involving data from 150 consecutive patients with lower limb lymphedema in clinical stages II and III treated at the Godoy Clinic in São Jose do Rio Preto. The follow data were collected: sex, age, type of lymphedema (primary or secondary), cause of secondary lymphedema (cancer, trauma, venous disease) and limb dominance. The diagnosis of lymphedema was based on the clinical history and physical examination; in cases of doubt, lymphoscintigraphy of the lower limbs was requested. Descriptive statistics were performed and results were expressed as percentages. Results: Twenty-five (16.66%) of the patients were male and 125 (83.33%) were female. Mean age was 42.52 years (41.8 years among the men and 42.67 years among the women). One hundred nine cases (72.66%) were primary lymphedema and 41 (27.33%) were secondary. Among the secondary cases, 27 (18%) were related to cancer treatment, 10 (6.6%) were linked to trauma and four (2.6%) were cases of phlebolymphedema. Mean age was 51.4 years among the patients with cancer treatment-related lymphedema, 41 years among those with trauma-related lymphedema and 64.25 years among those with phlebolymphedema. The left leg was affected in 61 cases (40.66%), the right leg was affected in 37 cases (24.66%) and lymphedema was bilateral in 52 cases (34.66%). Conclusion: Primary lymphedema was predominant and affected women more than men. Primary lymphedema occurred at an earlier age compared to cancer treatment-related lymphedema and phlebolymphedema. The left leg was affected more often, followed by bilateral lymphedema and, finally, the right leg alone

Intensive Treatment for Upper Limb Lymphedema.

Introduction Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a complication of treatment for breast cancer. The aim of the present study is to report a form of intensive treatment for BCRL. Method A crossover study was conducted involving the evaluation of the change in the volume of the upper limbs of 45 women with BCRL who underwent the intensive Godoy Method® (eight hours/day for five days). Volumetric analyses were performed before and after treatment and differences were analyzed using the paired t-test. Reductions in volume were found in all patients. Results The average reduction was 45.38%. The reduction was between 15% and 20% in 6.67% of the women (n = 3); 20% to 30% in 13.33% (n = 6); 30% to 40% in 20% (n = 9); 40% to 50% in 40% (n = 18); and more than 50% in 20% of the women (n = 9). Conclusion The intensive form of treatment for lymphedema is highly effective in a short period of time, with a 40% to 50% reduction in volume in five days, but requires specialized centers adapted to this form of therapy. This is an option for reference centers in the treatment of lymphedema and the formation of human resources.

Primary Congenital Lymphedema with More Than 10 Years of Treatment Using the Godoy Method Through to Adolescence.

Introduction: Lymphedema is a specific type of edema that affects regions of the body in a chronic, progressive manner. Aim: The aim of the present study was to describe the therapeutic evolution of more than ten years of treatment for primary congenital lymphedema using the Godoy and Godoy method. Method: Ten children with primary congenital lymphedema with more than ten years of treatment at the Godoy Clinic were evaluated. Children with a clinical diagnosis of primary congenital lymphedema in treatment for more than 10 years with the Godoy Method. Cervical stimulation is the first treatment option of the method and is performed as monotherapy. The patients were reevaluated with weekly, bi-weekly and monthly frequencies and then every three months or when the family was able to return to the clinic. Results: For cases in which cervical stimulation was not possible, grosgrain stockings as monotherapy was the second therapeutic option. Conclusion: The Godoy and Godoy Method is effective at reducing edema in cases of primary congenital lymphedema, with the maintenance of the results throughout the treatment period.

Clinical aspects of congenital primary lymphedema.

PURPOSE: Lymphedema is a specific type of edema with a chronic, progressive nature. The aim of the present study is to report clinical findings related to edema and its location in children with primary lymphedema. METHODS: Sixty-eight children with congenital primary lymphedema were evaluated at the Godoy Clinic in São Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil, between 2014 and 2017. A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted involving the analysis of clinical data on the location of edema in 68 children with congenital primary lymphedema. We evaluated the charts of all children with this condition in the period analyzed, recording the affected limbs and conditions associated with lymphedema. RESULTS: Sixty-eight children, 37 girls (54.41%) and 31 boys (45.58%), were evaluated. CONCLUSION: We found that congenital primary lymphedema predominantly affects the lower limbs and is more prevalent in girls than boys.

Elephantiasis and Directed Occupational Rehabilitation.

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the cure of elephantiasis over a ten-year follow-up period and novel discoveries with directed occupational rehabilitation. A 66-year-old female patient with a history of bilateral lower limb lymphedema reported the aggravation of the condition over the years, reaching stage III (elephantiasis). The physical examination confirmed elephantiasis. The circumference of the left lower limb was 106 cm. Her body weight was 106 kilograms, height was 160 cm, and the body mass index (BMI) was 41.6 kg/m2. The patient was submitted to intensive treatment for three weeks, which led to a 21-kg reduction in weight and 66 cm reduction in leg circumference. Ten years after treatment, the patient has maintained the results with the compression stockings. Elephantiasis can be cured, although lymphedema cannot. The cure of elephantiasis depends on maintaining the treatment of lymphedema after normalization or near normalization. Directed occupational therapy stimulates the search for new activities and a life closer to normality.

Bariatric surgery and the evaluation of subclinical systemic lymphedema.

The aim of the study was to report an improvement in clinical lymphedema in a patient who went from morbid obesity to overweight following bariatric surgery. A 52-year-old female patient reported having undergone bariatric surgery with a body mass index (BMI) of 51.2 kg/m2, losing 40 kg and arriving at her current BMI of 37.1 kg/m2. She would previously awake with bilateral edema that involved her feet and worsened throughout the day, corresponding to clinical stage II lymphedema, and currently no longer had this problem. Eight years after the surgery and weight loss, the patient was submitted to electrical bioimpedance analysis, which revealed an increase in total intracellular and extracellular fluids in the limbs and trunk. Active exercise and further weight loss were recommended. This study paves a path for a new line of investigation in the treatment of obesity and changes in the lymphatic system caused by obesity.

Expansión de la medicina familiar en América Latina: desafíos y líneas de acción / Expansion of family medicine in Latin America: challenges and lines of action / Expansão da medicina familiar na América Latina: desafios e linhas de ação

Este documento tiene por objetivos resumir los desafíos actuales de la medicina familiar en América Latina y proponer posibles líneas de acción para consolidar su desarrollo. En los últimos 40 años, los sistemas de salud de la Región de las Américas han encarado reformas cuyos resultados fueron negativos en términos de equidad, y la atención primaria de la salud, lejos de ser aquella estrategia destinada a reducirla, se restringió a una política focal y selectiva. En este contexto, las propuestas técnicas de expansión de las plazas de formación en medicina familiar y su inserción en las carreras de Medicina, han carecido de coherencia y de una dirección política clara, por lo que su falta de eficacia puede leerse como un síntoma de estas reformas incompletas. Al respecto, la Confederación Iberoamericana de Medicina Familiar realizó recomendaciones sobre el compromiso político de los gobiernos para asegurar la estructura y el financiamiento necesarios, consolidar el modelo de medicina familiar como mecanismo de instrumentación de la atención primaria de la salud, la jerarquización de los programas de formación, las condiciones laborales de los médicos de familia y la certificación profesional, entre otras. Estas recomendaciones técnicas, sin acción política coherente y oportuna, no serán más exitosas que los intentos previos.(AU)

This article summarizes the current challenges of family medicine in Latin America and proposes possible lines of action to consolidate its development. In the last 40 years, the health systems of the Region of the Americas have faced reforms whose results were negative in terms of equity, and primary health care, far from being a strategy designed to reduce it, was restricted to a selective and focal policy. In this context, the technical proposals for expansion of training positions in family medicine and their insertion in medical careers have lacked consistency and a clear political direction, and thus their lack of effectiveness can be considered a symptom of these incomplete reforms. In this regard, the Ibero-American Confederation of Family Medicine made recommendations on the political commitment of governments to ensure the necessary structure and funding, consolidate the model of family medicine as a mechanism for the implementation of primary health care, the hierarchy of programs of training, the working conditions of family doctors and professional certification, among others. These technical recommendations, without a consistent and timely political action, will not be more successful than previous attempts.(AU)

Este documento tem como objetivo resumir os desafios atuais da medicina familiar na América Latina e propor possíveis linhas de ação para consolidar seu desenvolvimento. Nos últimos 40 anos, os sistemas de saúde da Região das Américas encararam reformas cujos resultados foram negativos em termos de igualdade, e a atenção primária à saúde, longe de sê-la aquela estratégia destinada a reducir-la, restringiu-se a uma política focal e seletiva. Neste contexto, as propostas técnicas de expansão das praças de formação em medicina familiar e sua inserção nas carreiras de Medicina, não dispuseram de coerência e de uma direção política clara, razão pela qual sua falta de eficácia se pode ler como um sintoma destas reformas incompletas. Neste sentido, a Confederação Ibero-americana de Medicina Familiar realizou recomendações sobre o compromisso político dos governos a fim de assegurar a estrutura e o financiamento necessários, consolidar o modelo de medicina familiar como mecanismo de instrumentação da atenção primária à saúde, a hierarquização dos programas de formação, as condições laborais dos médicos de família e a certificação profissional, entre outras. Estas recomendações técnicas, sem ação política coerente e oportuna, não serão mais exitosos que as tentativas prévias.(AU)

Expansión de la medicina familiar en América Latina: desafíos y líneas de acción

[RESUMEN]. Este documento tiene por objetivos resumir los desafíos actuales de la medicina familiar en América Latina y proponer posibles líneas de acción para consolidar su desarrollo. En los últimos 40 años, los sistemas de salud de la Región de las Américas han encarado reformas cuyos resultados fueron negativos en términos de equidad, y la atención primaria de la salud, lejos de ser aquella estrategia destinada a reducirla, se restringió a una política focal y selectiva. En este contexto, las propuestas técnicas de expansión de las plazas de formación en medicina familiar y su inserción en las carreras de Medicina, han carecido de coherencia y de una dirección política clara, por lo que su falta de eficacia puede leerse como un síntoma de estas reformas incompletas. Al respecto, la Confederación Iberoamericana de Medicina Familiar realizó recomendaciones sobre el compromiso político de los gobiernos para asegurar la estructura y el financiamiento necesarios, consolidar el modelo de medicina familiar como mecanismo de instrumentación de la atención primaria de la salud, la jerarquización de los programas de formación, las condiciones laborales de los médicos de familia y la certificación profesional, entre otras. Estas recomendaciones técnicas, sin acción política coherente y oportuna, no serán más exitosas que los intentos previos.

[ABSTRACT]. This article summarizes the current challenges of family medicine in Latin America and proposes possible lines of action to consolidate its development. In the last 40 years, the health systems of the Region of the Americas have faced reforms whose results were negative in terms of equity, and primary health care, far from being a strategy designed to reduce it, was restricted to a selective and focal policy. In this context, the technical proposals for expansion of training positions in family medicine and their insertion in medical careers have lacked consistency and a clear political direction, and thus their lack of effectiveness can be considered a symptom of these incomplete reforms. In this regard, the Ibero-American Confederation of Family Medicine made recommendations on the political commitment of governments to ensure the necessary structure and funding, consolidate the model of family medicine as a mechanism for the implementation of primary health care, the hierarchy of programs of training, the working conditions of family doctors and professional certification, among others. These technical recommendations, without a consistent and timely political action, will not be more successful than previous attempts.

[RESUMO]. Este documento tem como objetivo resumir os desafios atuais da medicina familiar na América Latina e propor possíveis linhas de ação para consolidar seu desenvolvimento. Nos últimos 40 anos, os sistemas de saúde da Região das Américas encararam reformas cujos resultados foram negativos em termos de igualdade, e a atenção primária à saúde, longe de sê-la aquela estratégia destinada a reducir-la, restringiu-se a uma política focal e seletiva. Neste contexto, as propostas técnicas de expansão das praças de formação em medicina familiar e sua inserção nas carreiras de Medicina, não dispuseram de coerência e de uma direção política clara, razão pela qual sua falta de eficácia se pode ler como um sintoma destas reformas incompletas. Neste sentido, a Confederação Ibero-americana de Medicina Familiar realizou recomendações sobre o compromisso político dos governos a fim de assegurar a estrutura e o financiamento necessários, consolidar o modelo de medicina familiar como mecanismo de instrumentação da atenção primária à saúde, a hierarquização dos programas de formação, as condições laborais dos médicos de família e a certificação profissional, entre outras. Estas recomendações técnicas, sem ação política coerente e oportuna, não serão mais exitosos que as tentativas prévias.