Translation into portuguese of a set of questionnaires designed to evaluate the impact of using a telepresence robot during postoperative ward rounds.

INTRODUCTION: the use of telepresence grows with the advancement of technology integration into medical practice. Regarding surgery, effective distance communication can translate into better perioperative care. Though, the patients' perception about this modality needs to be critically evaluated. Structured questionnaires using objective scales are the instruments of choice for measuring subjective aspects. However, there are no such questionnaires available in Portuguese. Our objective was, thus, translate and adapt into Portuguese a specific questionnaire evaluating the use of telepresence robots during post-operatory ward rounds. METHODS: search on PubMed and selection of a set of validated questionnaires in English, translation into Portuguese according to the principles of good practice for the translation and cultural adaptation process for patient-reported outcomes measures. The original author approved the final version. RESULTS: three questionnaires that assess ward rounds assisted by a telepresence robot were translated. Questionnaires are directed to the patient who receives the visit via telepresence or face-to-face visit and to the medical team accompanying the visit. The questionnaires use the Likert scale and contain thirteen questions that address 5 spheres: Communication; Dignity and Confidentiality; Contents; Time; General Impressions. CONCLUSIONS: this is the first instrument in Portuguese designed to assess the impression of patients and professionals involved in ward rounds using a telepresence robot. It has the potential to be used in clinical studies involving the use of this technology in care.

Translation into portuguese of a set of questionnaires designed to evaluate the impact of using a telepresence robot during postoperative ward rounds / Tradução para a língua portuguesa de um conjunto de questionários destinados à avaliação do impacto da utilização de um robô de telepresença em visitas hospitalares pós-cirúrgicas

ABSTRACT Introduction: the use of telepresence grows with the advancement of technology integration into medical practice. Regarding surgery, effective distance communication can translate into better perioperative care. Though, the patients' perception about this modality needs to be critically evaluated. Structured questionnaires using objective scales are the instruments of choice for measuring subjective aspects. However, there are no such questionnaires available in Portuguese. Our objective was, thus, translate and adapt into Portuguese a specific questionnaire evaluating the use of telepresence robots during post-operatory ward rounds. Methods: search on PubMed and selection of a set of validated questionnaires in English, translation into Portuguese according to the principles of good practice for the translation and cultural adaptation process for patient-reported outcomes measures. The original author approved the final version. Results: three questionnaires that assess ward rounds assisted by a telepresence robot were translated. Questionnaires are directed to the patient who receives the visit via telepresence or face-to-face visit and to the medical team accompanying the visit. The questionnaires use the Likert scale and contain thirteen questions that address 5 spheres: Communication; Dignity and Confidentiality; Contents; Time; General Impressions. Conclusions: this is the first instrument in Portuguese designed to assess the impression of patients and professionals involved in ward rounds using a telepresence robot. It has the potential to be used in clinical studies involving the use of this technology in care.

RESUMO Introdução: O uso da telepresença cresce com o avanço da integração de tecnologias à prática médica. No que tange a cirurgia, a comunicação à distância efetiva pode traduzir-se em um melhor cuidado perioperatório. No entanto, a percepção das partes acerca desta modalidade carece de avaliação científica. Questionários estruturados através de escalas são os instrumentos de escolha na mensuração de aspectos subjetivos. Entretanto, não há uma ferramenta validada neste molde em língua portuguesa. Nosso objetivo foi traduzir e adaptar para língua portuguesa um questionário específico de percepção sobre o uso de robôs de telepresença em visita hospitalar pós-cirúrgica. Métodos: foi realizada busca no PubMed e selecionado um conjunto de questionários validados em língua inglesa. Após, realizada a tradução para a língua portuguesa conforme as boas práticas para o processo de tradução e adaptação cultural. A autora original avaliou e aprovou a versão traduzida. Resultados: foram traduzidos três questionários autoaplicáveis e direcionados para os pacientes que recebem a visita por telepresença ou presencial e à equipe médica que acompanha as visitas com o objetivo de avaliar a visita hospitalar assistida por robô de telepresença. O conjunto utiliza a escala de Likert e contêm treze perguntas que abordam as esferas Comunicação; Dignidade e Confidencialidade; Conteúdo; Tempo; Impressões Gerais. Conclusões: este é o primeiro instrumento em língua portuguesa desenhado para avaliar a impressão de pacientes e profissionais envolvidos em rounds utilizando um robô de telepresença, tendo potencial para ser utilizado em estudos clínicos que envolvam a utilização desta tecnologia na assistência.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Downregulates Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Gene Expression in Subcutaneous White Adipose Tissue: A Putative Protective Mechanism Against Severe COVID-19.

The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is highly expressed in adipose tissue, possibly associated with progression to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in obese subjects. We searched the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and reanalyzed the GSE59034 containing microarray data from subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) biopsies from 16 women before and 2 years after RYGB, and 16 controls matched by sex, age, and BMI. After RYGB, there was a significant decrease in sWAT ACE2 gene expression (logFC=-0.4175, P=0.0015). Interestingly, after RYGB the sWAT ACE2 gene expression was significantly lower than in non-obese matched controls (LogFC=-0.32875, P=0.0014). Our data adds to the well-known benefits of RYGB, a potential protective mechanism against COVID-19.

Achalasia Treatment in Patients over 80 Years of Age: A Multicenter Survey.

Background and Aims: Laparoscopic Heller's myotomy (LHM), per oral endoscopic myotomy, and pneumatic dilatation are well-established methods to treat achalasia. The ideal treatment algorithm in elderly patients is, however, still elusive. This multicenter study aims to evaluate outcomes and changes in routine therapeutic options in patients >80 years of age. Methods: Worldwide high-volume centers for the treatment of achalasia were surveyed. Therapeutic options and outcomes in patients >80 years of age were reviewed. Results: Eighty-five (54% men, mean age 84 ± 4 years) patients were studied. Primary treatment was endoscopic in 43 (51%) patients, surgical in 39 (46%) patients (30 LHM, 9 cardioplasty + gastrectomy), and medical in 3 (4%) patients. Four centers tailored treatment based on age (14% of the patients). Secondary treatment was necessary in 34 (40%) patients: 30 of them with endoscopic treatment as primary treatment. LHM was performed in 20 patients and endoscopic treatment in 14 patients. A total of 11 (13%) patients had complications after LHM. Seven had LHM or cardioplasty + gastrectomy as primary treatment. Four had LHM as secondary treatment. The mean time of hospitalization was 4 ± 2 days for those who did not have complications, and 7 ± 6 days for those who had complications. Conclusions: Most specialized centers do not tailor treatment based on advanced age. Treatment of the oldest-old patients should be based solely on their physiologic and mental health, not their age. Endoscopic treatment has a high rate of recurrence and gastrectomy a high rate of complications in his population. LHM seems to be a safe option with good outcomes in this population.