Seguimiento de pacientes con esclerosis lateral amiotrófica por un equipo de cuidados paliativos domiciliario / Follow-up of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by a home palliative care team

Antecedentes y objetivo: Pocos estudios describen el final de la vida de los pacientes con esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA). Nuestro objetivo principal fue describir la trayectoria final de vidade pacientes con ELA seguidos por un equipo de soporte cuidados paliativos domiciliario (equipode soporte de atención paliativa domiciliaria [ESAPD]). El objetivo secundario fue examinar losfactores asociados con el lugar de muerte y supervivencia.Ámbito y diseño: Estudio observacional retrospectivo en una cohorte de pacientes diagnosticadoscon ELA y seguido por un ESAPD. Se analizaron variables sociodemográficas, la supervivenciadesde el inicio de la ventilación, supervivencia desde el inicio de la gastrostomía, consumode recursos sanitarios, uso de opioides, planificación anticipada de decisiones (PAD), lugar demuerte y causa de muerte.Resultados: Se incluyeron 60 pacientes. Los principales síntomas fueron disnea y disfagia. LaPAD fue trabajada en el 83 % de los pacientes. Cincuenta y dos (83 %) pacientes murieron endomicilio o en una unidad de cuidados paliativos. Se requirieron opioides durante las últimas24 h en el 47 % de los pacientes. La causa de muerte fue por insuficiencia respiratoria, infección respiratoria, muerte durante el sueño y rechazo del tratamiento para el 47, 16, 15 y 15 %respectivamente. El 25 % requirieron sedación paliativa. La supervivencia media desde el iniciode la alimentación enteral, la ventilación mecánica no invasiva y la ventilación invasiva fue de 7, 13 y 12 meses, respectivamente. El número promedio de visitas del ESADP fue de 14 (DE:12). Haber recibido información y no haber sido ingresado en el hospital durante el periodode estudio se asoció con un aumento significativo de la probabilidad de morir en el domicilio.Conclusiones: La causa de muerte más frecuente fue la insuficiencia respiratoria, que en la mayoría de los casos requirió tratamiento con opioides. Uno de cada 4 pacientes requirió sedación paliativa. (AU)

Background and objectives: Few studies have reported end of life for patients with amyotrophiclateral sclerosis (ALS). Our main objective was to describe the end-of-life trajectory of patientsmonitored by a palliative home care team (PHTC). The secondary objective was to examinefactors associated with place of death and survival.Setting and design: A retrospective, observational study in a cohort of patients diagnosed withALS followed by a PHCT. Sociodemographic variables, survival from start of ventilation andgastrostomy, use of health resources, opioid use, care planning, place of death, and cause ofdeath were analyzed.Results: Sixty patients were included. Main symptoms included dyspnea and dysphagia. Advancecare planning was possible for 83 %. Fifty-two (83 %) died at home or in a palliative care unit.The cause of death was respiratory failure, respiratory infection, death during sleep, and refusalof treatment for 47 %, 16 %, 15 % and 15 %, respectively. Opioids were required in 47 %, and 25 %needed palliative sedation. Average survival from start of enteral feeding, noninvasive mechanical ventilation, and invasive ventilation was 7, 13 and 12 months, respectively. Average of visitswas 14 (SD 12). Having received informal support and not having been admitted to hospitalduring the study period were associated with a significantly increased rate of dying at home.Conclusions: The most frequent cause of death was respiratory failure, most cases requiredopioids, and one out of every four needed palliative sedation. Most died at home. (AU)

Control del paciente diabético en Atención Primaria: influencia de cartera de servicios y otros factores / Diabetic patient control in Primary Care: Influence of service portfolio and other factors

OBJETIVO: Estudiar el efecto del tipo de seguimiento según la cartera de servicios y de otros factores asociados en la disminución de las cifras de HbA1c en personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, nuevo diagnóstico y con mal control inicial. DISEÑO: Estudio observacional analítico de una cohorte en condiciones de práctica clínica habitual. EMPLAZAMIENTO: 262 centros de salud de Atención Primaria de Madrid. Participantes: 1838 personas mayores de 18 años con nuevo diagnóstico de diabetes y cifras de HbA1c inicial ≥ 7% o ≥ 8,5% si tienen más de 75 años. Intervenciones: La variable exposición fue el tipo de seguimiento según la cartera, categorizado en mínimo, medio y óptimo, según el número de intervenciones realizadas y periodicidad por tipo de plan terapéutico-farmacológico. MEDICIONES PRINCIPALES: Se estudiaron comorbilidad, plan terapéutico-farmacológico, consejos dieta y ejercicio, índice de privación. La variable resultado principal fue la diferencia entre la HbA1c final e inicial. RESULTADOS: Tras 2 años de seguimiento se produjo una disminución media de la HbA1c de -1,7 puntos porcentuales (IC del 95%: -1,6; -1,8), siendo 0,39 puntos mayor en los pacientes con tipo de seguimiento óptimo: -2,1 (IC del 95%: -1,7; -2,4). Los factores asociados a la disminución fueron: tipo de seguimiento óptimo -0,29 (IC del 95%: -0,5; -0,1) y medio -0,26 (IC del 95%: -0,5; -0,0), y valor de la HbA1c inicial -0,9 (IC del 95%: -0,9; -0,9) y los factores asociados al aumento: tratamiento con insulina y vivir en zonas socialmente desfavorecidas. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con diagnóstico reciente de diabetes en los que se realiza un seguimiento óptimo según la cartera de servicios mejoran el control glucémico

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of the type of follow-up according to Service Portfolio and other associated factors, in the reduction of HbA1c levels in people with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and poor initial control. DESIGN: Analytical observational study of a cohort under routine clinical practice conditions. Location: 262 Primary Health Care Centres in Madrid. PARTICIPANTS: 1,838 individuals older than 18 years with a new diagnosis of type 2 DM and initial HbA1c levels ≥ 7%, or ≥ 8.5% if older than 75 years. Interventions: The exposure variable was the type of follow-up according to Portfolio, categorised as minimum, medium, and optimal, according to the number of interventions performed and periodicity of type of therapeutic-pharmacological plan. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: A study was made of the comorbidity, therapeutic-pharmacological plan, diet - exercise advice and deprivation index. The main outcome was the difference between the final and initial HbA1c. RESULTS: After 2 years of follow-up there was a mean decrease in HbA1c by -1.7 percentage points (95% CI: -1.6;-1.8), which was 0.36 points higher in patients with optimal follow-up: -2.1 (95% CI: -1.7;-2.4). The factors associated with a decrease in HbA1c were the optimal follow-up -0.29 (95% CI: -0.5;-0.1), the medium follow-up -0.26 (95% CI: -0.5; -0.0), and the initial HbA1c value -0.9 (95% CI: -0.9; -0.9. The factors associated with the increase were insulin treatment and living in socially disadvantaged areas. CONCLUSIONS: Glycaemic control was improved in patients with a new diagnosis of diabetes in which optimal follow-up is performed as proposed in the Service Portfolio

[Diabetic patient control in Primary Care: Influence of service portfolio and other factors]. / Control del paciente diabético en Atención Primaria: influencia de cartera de servicios y otros factores.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of the type of follow-up according to Service Portfolio and other associated factors, in the reduction of HbA1c levels in people with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and poor initial control. DESIGN: Analytical observational study of a cohort under routine clinical practice conditions. LOCATION: 262 Primary Health Care Centres in Madrid. PARTICIPANTS: 1,838 individuals older than 18 years with a new diagnosis of type 2 DM and initial HbA1c levels ≥ 7%, or ≥ 8.5% if older than 75 years. INTERVENTIONS: The exposure variable was the type of follow-up according to Portfolio, categorised as minimum, medium, and optimal, according to the number of interventions performed and periodicity of type of therapeutic-pharmacological plan. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: A study was made of the comorbidity, therapeutic-pharmacological plan, diet - exercise advice and deprivation index. The main outcome was the difference between the final and initial HbA1c. RESULTS: After 2 years of follow-up there was a mean decrease in HbA1c by -1.7 percentage points (95% CI: -1.6;-1.8), which was 0.36 points higher in patients with optimal follow-up: -2.1 (95% CI: -1.7;-2.4). The factors associated with a decrease in HbA1c were the optimal follow-up -0.29 (95% CI: -0.5;-0.1), the medium follow-up -0.26 (95% CI: -0.5; -0.0), and the initial HbA1c value -0.9 (95% CI: -0.9; -0.9. The factors associated with the increase were insulin treatment and living in socially disadvantaged areas. CONCLUSIONS: Glycaemic control was improved in patients with a new diagnosis of diabetes in which optimal follow-up is performed as proposed in the Service Portfolio.

Implementation of a Computerized Decision Support System for Computed Tomography Scan Requests for Nontraumatic Headache in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Nontraumatic headache is a frequent complaint in the emergency department (ED). Cranial computed tomography (CT) is a widely available test for the diagnostic work-up, despite the risk of exposure to ionizing radiation. OBJECTIVES: We sought to develop and evaluate a cranial CT request computerized decision support system (CDSS) for adults with their first presentation of unusual severe nontraumatic headache in the ED. METHODS: Electronic database searches identified clinical decision and prediction rules and studies delineating risk factors in nontraumatic headache. A long list of risk factors extracted from these articles was reduced by a 30-member multidisciplinary expert panel (radiologists, emergency physicians, methodologists), using a 90% agreement threshold. This shortlist was used to develop the algorithm for the cranial CT request CDSS, which was implemented in March 2016. Impact evaluation compared CT scan frequency and diagnostic yield of pathologic findings before (March-August 2015) and after (March-August 2016) implementation. RESULTS: From the 10 selected studies, 10 risk factors were shortlisted to activate a request for cranial CT. Before implementation, 377 cranial CTs were ordered (15.3% of 2469 CT scans) compared with 244 after (9.5% of 2561 CT scans; pre-post difference 5.74%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.92-7.56%; p < 0.001), corresponding to a 37.6% relative reduction in the test ordering rate (95% CI 25.7-49.5%; p < 0.001). Despite the reduction in cranial CT scans, we did not observe an increase in pathological findings after introducing the decision support system (70 cases before [18.5%] vs. 35 cases after [14.3%]; pre-post difference -4.0% [95% CI -10.0 to 1.6%]; p = 0.170). CONCLUSION: In nontraumatic headache among adults seen in the ED, CDSS decreased the cranial CT request rate but the diagnostic yield did not improve.

Encuentros y desencuentros entre salud comunitaria y sistema sanitario español. Informe SESPAS 2018 / Agreements and disagreements between community health and the Spanish health system. SESPAS Report 2018

A través de un recorrido histórico por la relación del Sistema Nacional de Salud español y la Salud Comunitaria, se describen las diferentes etapas de auge o declive de la Atención Primaria -y en concreto de su orientación comunitaria-, los acercamientos y distanciamientos en su relación con la Salud Pública y la influencia de las ideologías políticas dominantes. Considerando la salud comunitaria como parte esencial de la Atención Primaria, y de acuerdo con la estrategia de Alma Ata y los principios de la Carta de Ottawa, se defiende una reorientación comunitaria de los servicios de salud y se propone retomar la Atención Primaria como eje estratégico del Sistema Nacional de Salud, dada su capacidad para un abordaje integral de los procesos salud-enfermedad, sus posibilidades de reducir desigualdades y enfrentar determinantes sociales, así como de superar inequidades en salud, con la participación de la población y en coordinación con otros sectores. Los desafíos del futuro inmediato, así como las consecuencias de la crisis económica y de los recortes y debilitamiento del Estado de Bienestar, hacen evidente la necesidad de promover procesos participativos que impliquen al conjunto de actores sociales y, sobre todo, a la ciudadanía, considerada no como destinataria y 'usuaria' o consumidora, sino como sujeto activo y colaborativo. Se señala la imperiosa necesidad de incorporar procesos participativos dirigidos a crear una nueva cultura colectiva respecto a la sostenibilidad y universalidad de los recursos públicos de salud existentes

In this article, we describe the different stages of the rise and decline of Primary Health Care and, in particular, its community approach; we do so by providing a historical journey of the relationship between the Spanish National Health System and community health, outlining the connections and disconnections with Public Health as well as the influence of dominant political ideologies. We defend a community reorientation of health services, considering community health as an essential part of Primary Health Care, and in accordance with the Alma Ata strategy and the principles of the Ottawa Charter. The Primary Health System is taken up as the strategic axis of the National Health System, given its capacity for an integral approach to health-disease processes, and the possibility it poses for reducing inequalities and confronting social determinants as well as overcoming inequities in health, with the participation of the population and in coordination with other sectors. The challenges of the immediate future, as well as the consequences of the economic crisis, the cuts, and the weakening of the Welfare State, make evident the need to promote participatory processes that involve all the social actors and, above all, the citizenship -considered not as a recipient and 'user' or consumer, but as an active and collaborative subject. These participatory processes aim at creating a new collective culture regarding the sustainability and universality of existing public health resources

Short-course versus long-course therapy of the same antibiotic for community-acquired pneumonia in adolescent and adult outpatients.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a lung infection that can be acquired during day-to-day activities in the community (not while receiving care in a hospital). Community-acquired pneumonia poses a significant public health burden in terms of mortality, morbidity, and costs. Shorter antibiotic courses for CAP may limit treatment costs and adverse effects, but the optimal duration of antibiotic treatment is uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-course versus longer-course treatment with the same antibiotic at the same daily dosage for CAP in non-hospitalised adolescents and adults (outpatients). We planned to investigate non-inferiority of short-course versus longer-term course treatment for efficacy outcomes, and superiority of short-course treatment for safety outcomes. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, which contains the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group Specialised Register, MEDLINE, Embase, five other databases, and three trials registers on 28 September 2017 together with conference proceedings, reference checking, and contact with experts and pharmaceutical companies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing short- and long-courses of the same antibiotic for CAP in adolescent and adult outpatients. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We planned to use standard Cochrane methods. MAIN RESULTS: Our searches identified 5260 records. We did not identify any RCTs that compared short- and longer-courses of the same antibiotic for the treatment of adolescents and adult outpatients with CAP.We excluded two RCTs that compared short courses (five compared to seven days) of the same antibiotic at the same daily dose because they evaluated antibiotics (gemifloxacin and telithromycin) not commonly used in practice for the treatment of CAP. In particular, gemifloxacin is no longer approved for the treatment of mild-to-moderate CAP due to its questionable risk-benefit balance, and reported adverse effects. Moreover, the safety profile of telithromycin is also cause for concern.We found one ongoing study that we will assess for inclusion in future updates of the review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found no eligible RCTs that studied a short-course of antibiotic compared to a longer-course (with the same antibiotic at the same daily dosage) for CAP in adolescent and adult outpatients. The effects of antibiotic therapy duration for CAP in adolescent and adult outpatients remains unclear.

[Agreements and disagreements between community health and the Spanish health system. SESPAS Report 2018]. / Encuentros y desencuentros entre salud comunitaria y sistema sanitario español. Informe SESPAS 2018.

In this article, we describe the different stages of the rise and decline of Primary Health Care and, in particular, its community approach; we do so by providing a historical journey of the relationship between the Spanish National Health System and community health, outlining the connections and disconnections with Public Health as well as the influence of dominant political ideologies. We defend a community reorientation of health services, considering community health as an essential part of Primary Health Care, and in accordance with the Alma Ata strategy and the principles of the Ottawa Charter. The Primary Health System is taken up as the strategic axis of the National Health System, given its capacity for an integral approach to health-disease processes, and the possibility it poses for reducing inequalities and confronting social determinants as well as overcoming inequities in health, with the participation of the population and in coordination with other sectors. The challenges of the immediate future, as well as the consequences of the economic crisis, the cuts, and the weakening of the Welfare State, make evident the need to promote participatory processes that involve all the social actors and, above all, the citizenship -considered not as a recipient and'user' or consumer, but as an active and collaborative subject. These participatory processes aim at creating a new collective culture regarding the sustainability and universality of existing public health resources.

Interventions for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by a parasitic infection, is considered one of the most serious skin diseases in many low- and middle-income countries. Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis (OWCL) is caused by species found in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and India. The most commonly prescribed treatments are antimonials, but other drugs have been used with varying success. As OWCL tends to heal spontaneously, it is necessary to justify the use of systemic and topical treatments. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2008. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of therapeutic interventions for the localised form of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis. SEARCH METHODS: We updated our searches of the following databases to November 2016: the Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS. We also searched five trials registers and checked the reference lists of included studies for further references to relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We wrote to national programme managers, general co-ordinators, directors, clinicians, WHO-EMRO regional officers of endemic countries, pharmaceutical companies, tropical medicine centres, and authors of relevant papers for further information about relevant unpublished and ongoing trials. We undertook a separate search for adverse effects of interventions for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis in September 2015 using MEDLINE. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of either single or combination treatments in immunocompetent people with OWCL confirmed by smear, histology, culture, or polymerase chain reaction. The comparators were either no treatment, placebo/vehicle, and/or another active compound. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias and extracted data. We only synthesised data when we were able to identify at least two studies investigating similar treatments and reporting data amenable to pooling. We also recorded data about adverse effects from the corresponding search. MAIN RESULTS: We included 89 studies (of which 40 were new to this update) in 10,583 people with OWCL. The studies included were conducted mainly in the Far or Middle East at regional hospitals, local healthcare clinics, and skin disease research centres. Women accounted for 41.5% of the participants (range: 23% to 80%). The overall mean age of participants was 25 years (range 12 to 56). Most studies lasted between two to six months, with the longest lasting two years; average duration was four months. Most studies were at unclear or high risk for most bias domains. A lack of blinding and reporting bias were present in almost 40% of studies. Two trials were at low risk of bias for all domains. Trials reported the causative species poorly.Here we provide results for the two main comparisons identified: itraconazole (200 mg for six to eight weeks) versus placebo; and paromomycin ointment (15% plus 10% urea, twice daily for 14 days) versus vehicle.In the comparison of oral itraconazole versus placebo, at 2.5 months' follow up, 85/125 participants in the itraconazole group achieved complete cure compared to 54/119 in the placebo group (RR 3.70, 95% CI 0.35 to 38.99; 3 studies; 244 participants). In one study, microbiological or histopathological cure of skin lesions only occurred in the itraconazole group after a mean follow-up of 2.5 months (RR 17.00, 95% CI 0.47 to 612.21; 20 participants). However, although the analyses favour oral itraconazole for these outcomes, we cannot be confident in the results due to the very low certainty evidence. More side effects of mild abdominal pain and nausea (RR 2.36, 95% CI 0.74 to 7.47; 3 studies; 204 participants) and mild abnormal liver function (RR 3.08, 95% CI 0.53 to 17.98; 3 studies; 84 participants) occurred in the itraconazole group (as well as reports of headaches and dizziness), compared with the placebo group, but again we rated the certainty of evidence as very low so are unsure of the results.When comparing paromomycin with vehicle, there was no difference in the number of participants who achieved complete cure (RR of 1.00, 95% CI 0.86, 1.17; 383 participants, 2 studies) and microbiological or histopathological cure of skin lesions after a mean follow-up of 2.5 months (RR 1.03, CI 0.88 to 1.20; 383 participants, 2 studies), but the paromomycin group had more skin/local reactions (such as inflammation, vesiculation, pain, redness, or itch) (RR 1.42, 95% CI 0.67 to 3.01; 4 studies; 713 participants). For all of these outcomes, the certainty of evidence was very low, meaning we are unsure about these results.Trial authors did not report the percentage of lesions cured after the end of treatment or speed of healing for either of these key comparisons. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There was very low-certainty evidence to support the effectiveness of itraconazole and paromomycin ointment for OWCL in terms of cure (i.e. microbiological or histopathological cure and percentage of participants completely cured). Both of these interventions incited more adverse effects, which were mild in nature, than their comparisons, but we could draw no conclusions regarding safety due to the very low certainty of the evidence for this outcome.We downgraded the key outcomes in these two comparisons due to high risk of bias, inconsistency between the results, and imprecision. There is a need for large, well-designed international studies that evaluate long-term effects of current therapies and enable a reliable conclusion about treatments. Future trials should specify the species of leishmaniasis; trials on types caused by Leishmania infantum, L aethiopica, andL donovani are lacking. Research into the effects of treating women of childbearing age, children, people with comorbid conditions, and those who are immunocompromised would also be helpful.It was difficult to evaluate the overall efficacy of any of the numerous treatments due to the variable treatment regimens examined and because RCTs evaluated different Leishmania species and took place in different geographical areas. Some outcomes we looked for but did not find were degree of functional and aesthetic impairment, change in ability to detect Leishmania, quality of life, and emergence of resistance. There were only limited data on prevention of scarring.

Interventions for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by a parasitic infection, is considered one of the most serious skin diseases in many low- and middle-income countries. Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis (OWCL) is caused by species found in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and India. The most commonly prescribed treatments are antimonials, but other drugs have been used with varying success. As OWCL tends to heal spontaneously, it is necessary to justify the use of systemic and topical treatments. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2008. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of therapeutic interventions for the localised form of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis. SEARCH METHODS: We updated our searches of the following databases to November 2016: the Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS. We also searched five trials registers and checked the reference lists of included studies for further references to relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We wrote to national programme managers, general co-ordinators, directors, clinicians, WHO-EMRO regional officers of endemic countries, pharmaceutical companies, tropical medicine centres, and authors of relevant papers for further information about relevant unpublished and ongoing trials. We undertook a separate search for adverse effects of interventions for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis in September 2015 using MEDLINE. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of either single or combination treatments in immunocompetent people with OWCL confirmed by smear, histology, culture, or polymerase chain reaction. The comparators were either no treatment, placebo/vehicle, and/or another active compound. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias and extracted data. We only synthesised data when we were able to identify at least two studies investigating similar treatments and reporting data amenable to pooling. We also recorded data about adverse effects from the corresponding search. MAIN RESULTS: We included 89 studies (of which 40 were new to this update) in 10,583 people with OWCL. The studies included were conducted mainly in the Far or Middle East at regional hospitals, local healthcare clinics, and skin disease research centres. Women accounted for 41.5% of the participants (range: 23% to 80%). The overall mean age of participants was 25 years (range 12 to 56). Most studies lasted between two to six months, with the longest lasting two years; average duration was four months. Most studies were at unclear or high risk for most bias domains. A lack of blinding and reporting bias were present in almost 40% of studies. Two trials were at low risk of bias for all domains. Trials reported the causative species poorly.Here we provide results for the two main comparisons identified: itraconazole (200 mg for six to eight weeks) versus placebo; and paromomycin ointment (15% plus 10% urea, twice daily for 14 days) versus vehicle.In the comparison of oral itraconazole versus placebo, at 2.5 months' follow up, 85/125 participants in the itraconazole group achieved complete cure compared to 54/119 in the placebo group (RR 3.70, 95% CI 0.35 to 38.99; 3 studies; 244 participants). In one study, microbiological or histopathological cure of skin lesions only occurred in the itraconazole group after a mean follow-up of 2.5 months (RR 17.00, 95% CI 0.47 to 612.21; 20 participants). However, although the analyses favour oral itraconazole for these outcomes, we cannot be confident in the results due to the very low certainty evidence. More side effects of mild abdominal pain and nausea (RR 2.36, 95% CI 0.74 to 7.47; 3 studies; 204 participants) and mild abnormal liver function (RR 3.08, 95% CI 0.53 to 17.98; 3 studies; 84 participants) occurred in the itraconazole group (as well as reports of headaches and dizziness), compared with the placebo group, but again we rated the certainty of evidence as very low so are unsure of the results.When comparing paromomycin with vehicle, there was no difference in the number of participants who achieved complete cure (RR of 1.00, 95% CI 0.86, 1.17; 383 participants, 2 studies) and microbiological or histopathological cure of skin lesions after a mean follow-up of 2.5 months (RR 1.03, CI 0.88 to 1.20; 383 participants, 2 studies), but the paromomycin group had more skin/local reactions (such as inflammation, vesiculation, pain, redness, or itch) (RR 1.42, 95% CI 0.67 to 3.01; 4 studies; 713 participants). For all of these outcomes, the certainty of evidence was very low, meaning we are unsure about these results.Trial authors did not report the percentage of lesions cured after the end of treatment or speed of healing for either of these key comparisons. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There was very low-certainty evidence to support the effectiveness of itraconazole and paromomycin ointment for OWCL in terms of cure (i.e. microbiological or histopathological cure and percentage of participants completely cured). Both of these interventions incited more adverse effects, which were mild in nature, than their comparisons, but we could draw no conclusions regarding safety due to the very low certainty of the evidence for this outcome.We downgraded the key outcomes in these two comparisons due to high risk of bias, inconsistency between the results, and imprecision. There is a need for large, well-designed international studies that evaluate long-term effects of current therapies and enable a reliable conclusion about treatments. Future trials should specify the species of leishmaniasis; trials on types caused by Leishmania infantum, L aethiopica, andL donovani are lacking. Research into the effects of treating women of childbearing age, children, people with comorbid conditions, and those who are immunocompromised would also be helpful.It was difficult to evaluate the overall efficacy of any of the numerous treatments due to the variable treatment regimens examined and because RCTs evaluated different Leishmania species and took place in different geographical areas. Some outcomes we looked for but did not find were degree of functional and aesthetic impairment, change in ability to detect Leishmania, quality of life, and emergence of resistance. There were only limited data on prevention of scarring.

Implementación del mapa de la vulnerabilidad en salud en la Comunidad de Madrid / Health vulnerability mapping in the Community of Madrid (Spain)

Desde el modelo de los determinantes sociales de la salud y el enfoque de equidad, la Dirección General de Salud Pública de Madrid ha desarrollado la metodología de los mapas de la vulnerabilidad en salud para facilitar a los equipos sociosanitarios la planificación, la priorización y la intervención en salud en un territorio. A partir de la selección de las zonas básicas de salud con peores indicadores de vulnerabilidad en salud, se inicia un proceso de relación con los actores clave del territorio a fin de identificar conjuntamente áreas prioritarias de intervención y desarrollar un plan de acción consensuado. Se presentan el desarrollo de esta experiencia y su conexión con los modelos teóricos del mapeo en activos, los sistemas de georreferenciación integrados en salud y las intervenciones de salud comunitaria (AU)

The Public Health General Directorate of Madrid has developed a health vulnerability mapping methodology to assist regional social health teams in health planning, prioritisation and intervention based on a model of social determinants of health and an equity approach. This process began with the selection of areas with the worst social indicators in health vulnerability. Then, key stakeholders of the region jointly identified priority areas of intervention and developed a consensual plan of action. We present the outcomes of this experience and its connection with theoretical models of asset-based community development, health-integrated georeferencing systems and community health interventions (AU)

'Epidemiology of surgical site infection in a neurosurgery department'.

OBJECTIVE: To know the rates of infection of the surgical wound in the Department of Neurosurgery between 2011 and 2014. METHODS: An observational, prospective study was conducted of the rates of surgical wound infection among patients admitted for more than 48 h to the Neurosurgery Department of a tertiary-level university hospital between July 2011 and December 2014. RESULTS: The study surveyed a total of 536 surgical procedures performed in 521 patients. The rate of diagnosed surgical site infection (SSI) was 4.85% (26 infections), below the established acceptable threshold of 5%. Of these, 65.38% were organ-space infections, 30.77% deep infections, and 7.69% superficial infections. Infection rates for each type of surgical procedure were 4.35% for spinal fusion, 0.00% for refusion of spine, 2.08% for laminectomy, 5.95% for ventricular shunt, and 5.14% for craniotomy. Antibiotic prophylaxis was evaluated as suitable in 80.22% of surgical procedures. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Infection rates were lower when the surgery was elective, clean, the patient had a lower ASA, and when suitable antimicrobial prophylaxis was administered. The rate of suitable antimicrobial prophylaxis shows that there is room for improvement. In order to minimize the risk of surgical wound infection, all professionals involved in patient care need to know and apply current recommendations, especially those relating to proper hand hygiene and suitable antibiotic prophylaxis.

[Health vulnerability mapping in the Community of Madrid (Spain)]. / Implementación del mapa de la vulnerabilidad en salud en la Comunidad de Madrid.

The Public Health General Directorate of Madrid has developed a health vulnerability mapping methodology to assist regional social health teams in health planning, prioritisation and intervention based on a model of social determinants of health and an equity approach. This process began with the selection of areas with the worst social indicators in health vulnerability. Then, key stakeholders of the region jointly identified priority areas of intervention and developed a consensual plan of action. We present the outcomes of this experience and its connection with theoretical models of asset-based community development, health-integrated georeferencing systems and community health interventions.

[Aggressions towards Primary Health Care Workers in Madrid, Spain, 2011-2012]. / Agresiones sufridas por las personas que trabajan en atención primaria de la Comunidad de Madrid, 2011-2012.

OBJECTIVE: The number of aggressions towards health care professionals has risen over the past few years. There are no previous studies in primary care covering an entire region and to all professional categories. The aim of this study was to characterize aggressions in Primary Care in the Community of Madrid. METHODS: Multicenter cross-sectional study. Analysis of a Registration System that reports any type of aggression suffered by Primary Care workers, in the Community of Madrid. The study variables included sociodemographic characteristics of the aggressor and the victim, the type of aggression (verbal or physical abuse), its causes and consequences. We described median, intercuartilic range and frequencies. Logistic regression was performed calculating odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: 1,157 assaults were reported, 53.07% suffered by doctors. Physical assault occurred in 4.7% of the cases. The main reason was dissatisfaction with the care (36.1%). The non-medical staff showed less risk of being physically assaulted (OR: 0.38; CI95%: 0.17-0.86). The perpetrator profile was male (56.8%), aged between 31-40 (26.8%) years. Health care victim profile was female (84%), aged between 45-60 years. 10% of professionals reported some form of aggression, 5,9% of aggression were submitted to court. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of assault is higher in health personnel, particularly physicians. There were significant differences by gender and age, both in the profile of the aggressor and the victim.

Percepciones de médicas y médicos de atención primaria de Madrid sobre las medidas de ajuste en el sistema público de salud / Perceptions of primary care physicians in Madrid on the austerity measures in the health care system

Objetivo: Para hacer frente a la actual crisis económica, las administraciones han impulsado medidas de ajuste que han afectado al sistema público de salud. Presentamos la percepción que de esas medidas tienen los/las médicos/as de atención primaria de dos centros de salud de Madrid. Método: Se desarrolló un estudio cualitativo en dos centros de salud del distrito de Fuencarral-El Pardo (Madrid), que tiene tasas de paro y de población inmigrante superiores a la media de la ciudad. Se realizaron 12 entrevistas semiestructuradas a médicos/as de dichos centros. El análisis de la información se basó en el análisis del contenido clásico. Resultados: Se identifican dos categorías: valoración de medidas de ajuste y valoración de la toma de decisiones en dicho proceso. Las personas entrevistadas manifiestan la necesidad de impulsar medidas que mejoren el sistema público de salud, pero expresan su desacuerdo con las implementadas. Consideran que no están basadas en la evidencia y que obedecen a una necesidad de ahorro a corto plazo. Creen que ha habido una mala comunicación de las medidas, sin la participación de profesionales sanitarios/as asistenciales en su priorización, elección e implementación. Consideran imprescindible esta participación porque son quienes conocen de forma práctica las disfunciones del sistema, teniendo más presente la centralidad del paciente. Conclusiones: Se hace imprescindible que los poderes públicos incorporen activamente a profesionales sanitarios/as asistenciales en la toma de decisiones para garantizar la implementación de medidas basadas en la evidencia, con un alto respaldo profesional, manteniendo así la calidad asistencial (AU)

Objective: To address the current economic crisis, governments have promoted austerity measures that have affected the taxpayer-funded health system. We report the findings of a study exploring the perceptions of primary care physicians in Madrid (Spain) on measures implemented in the Spanish health system. Methods: We carried out a qualitative study in two primary health care centres located in two neighbourhoods with unemployment and migrant population rates above the average of those in Madrid. Interviews were conducted with 12 primary health care physicians. Interview data were analysed by using thematic analysis and by adopting some elements of the grounded theory approach. Results: Two categories were identified: evaluation of austerity measures and evaluation of decision-making in this process. Respondents believed there was a need to promote measures to improve the taxpayer-funded health system, but expressed their disagreement with the measures implemented. They considered that the measures were not evidence-based and responded to the need to decrease public health care expenditure in the short term. Respondents believed that they had not been properly informed about the measures and that there was adequate professional participation in the prioritization, selection and implementation of measures. They considered physician participation to be essential in the decision-making process because physicians have a more patient-centred view and have first-hand knowledge of areas requiring improvement in the system. Conclusions: It is essential that public authorities actively involve health care professionals in decision-making processes to ensure the implementation of evidence-based measures with strong professional support, thus maintaining the quality of care (AU)

[Perceptions of primary care physicians in Madrid on the austerity measures in the health care system]. / Percepciones de médicas y médicos de atención primaria de Madrid sobre las medidas de ajuste en el sistema público de salud.

OBJECTIVE: To address the current economic crisis, governments have promoted austerity measures that have affected the taxpayer-funded health system. We report the findings of a study exploring the perceptions of primary care physicians in Madrid (Spain) on measures implemented in the Spanish health system. METHODS: We carried out a qualitative study in two primary health care centres located in two neighbourhoods with unemployment and migrant population rates above the average of those in Madrid. Interviews were conducted with 12 primary health care physicians. Interview data were analysed by using thematic analysis and by adopting some elements of the grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Two categories were identified: evaluation of austerity measures and evaluation of decision-making in this process. Respondents believed there was a need to promote measures to improve the taxpayer-funded health system, but expressed their disagreement with the measures implemented. They considered that the measures were not evidence-based and responded to the need to decrease public health care expenditure in the short term. Respondents believed that they had not been properly informed about the measures and that there was adequate professional participation in the prioritization, selection and implementation of measures. They considered physician participation to be essential in the decision-making process because physicians have a more patient-centred view and have first-hand knowledge of areas requiring improvement in the system. CONCLUSIONS: It is essential that public authorities actively involve health care professionals in decision-making processes to ensure the implementation of evidence-based measures with strong professional support, thus maintaining the quality of care.

Health Care Austerity Measures in Times of Crisis: The Perspectives of Primary Health Care Physicians in Madrid, Spain.

The current financial crisis has seen severe austerity measures imposed on the Spanish health care system, including reduced public spending, copayments, salary reductions, and reduced services for undocumented migrants. However, the impacts have not been well-documented. We present findings from a qualitative study that explores the perceptions of primary health care physicians in Madrid, Spain. This article discusses the effects of austerity measures implemented in the public health care system and their potential impacts on access and utilization of primary health care services. This is the first study, to our knowledge, exploring the health care experiences during the financial crisis of general practitioners in Madrid, Spain. The majority of participating physicians disapproved of austerity measures implemented in Spain. The findings of this study suggest that undocumented migrants should regain access to health care services; copayments should be minimized and removed for patients with low incomes; and health care professionals should receive additional help to avoid burnout. Failure to implement these measures could result in the quality of health care further deteriorating and could potentially have long-term negative consequences on population health.

Agresiones sufridas por las personas que trabajan en atención primaria de la Comunidad de Madrid, 2011-2012 / Aggressions towards primary health care workers in MAdrid, Spain, 2011-2012

Fundamentos: Las agresiones de usuarios a los profesionales de Atención Primaria se han incrementado en los últimos años. No existen estudios previos en atención primaria que abarquen toda una Comunidad Autónoma y todas las categorías profesionales. El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar la violencia en atención primaria de la Comunidad de Madrid. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo multicéntrico de las notificaciones de agresiones sufridas por los profesionales de Atención Primaria de la Comunidad de Madrid. Las variables del estudio incluyeron características sociodemográficas de las personas agresoras y de las agredidas, el tipo de agresión, sus causas y consecuencias. Se calcularon la mediana, el rango intercuartílico y las frecuencias. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística calculando las OR y sus IC95%. Resultados: En el periodo de estudio se notificaron 1.157 agresiones, el 53,07% las notificaron médicos. En el 4,7% de los casos hubo agresión física. El principal motivo fue la disconformidad con la atención recibida (36,1%). El personal no sanitario mostró menos riesgo de ser agredido físicamente que el personal sanitario (OR: 0,38; IC95%: 0,17-0,86). La agresión fue cometida por un hombre en el 56,8% de los casos y del grupo de edad entre 31-40 años en el 26,8%. La persona agredida fue mujer en el 84% de los casos, con una edad comprendida entre 45-60 años. El 10% de los profesionales notificaron las agresiones y el 5,9% la denunció. Conclusiones: El riesgo de sufrir agresión es mayor en el personal sanitario, especialmente médicos. Tanto en el perfil de las personas agresoras como de las agredidas se detectaron diferencias significativas por sexo y edad (AU)

Background: The number of aggressions towards health care professionals has risen over the past few years. There are no previous studies in primary care covering an entire region and to all professional categories. The aim of this study was to characterize aggressions in Primary Care in the Community of Madrid. Methods: Multicenter cross-sectional study. Analysis of a Registration System that reports any type of aggression suffered by Primary Care workers, in the Community of Madrid. The study variables included sociodemographic characteristics of the aggressor and the victim, the type of aggression (verbal or physical abuse), its causes and consequences. We described median, intercuartilic range and frequencies. Logistic regression was performed calculating odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals. Results: 1,157 assaults were reported, 53.07% suffered by doctors. Physical assault occurred in 4.7% of the cases. The main reason was dissatisfaction with the care (36.1%). The non-medical staff showed less risk of being physically assaulted (OR: 0.38; CI95%: 0.17-0.86). The perpetrator profile is male (56.8%), aged between 31-40 (26.8%) years. Health care victim profile was female (84%), aged between 45-60 years. 10% of professionals reported some form of aggression, 5,9% of aggression were submitted to court. Conclusions. The risk of assault is higher in health personnel, particularly physicians. There are significant differences by gender and age, both in the profile of the aggressor and the victim (AU)