Aportaciones e inconvenientes de la incorporación de metodología cualitativa en la evaluación de servicios sanitarios. Un caso práctico: la evaluación de una consulta de alta resolución / Advantages and disadvantages of incorporating qualitative methodology in the evaluation of health services. A practical case: evaluation of a high-resolution clinic

Objetivo. En el marco de una evaluación sobre la calidad asistencial en una Unidad de Cardiología de Alta Resolución (UCAR) realizada con técnicas cuantitativas, se analizó la utilidad de incorporar una fase cualitativa a la investigación. Material y métodos. Se realizó una investigación cuantitativa con cuestionario estructurado y selección de sujetos por muestreo aleatorio sistemático (n=320) y una investigación cualitativa mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas a pacientes seleccionados por criterios de conveniencia (n=11), observaciones en el circuito asistencial y una entrevista en grupo con los profesionales de la UCAR. Posteriormente, el equipo de investigación, multidisciplinar, analizó individualmente la información recabada en las fases cuantitativa y cualitativa, evaluando los diferentes resultados obtenidos en ambas fases y los posibles sesgos derivados del uso de métodos cualitativos. Se realizaron tres reuniones siguiendo la técnica «brainstorming», para identificar las diversas aportaciones de cada una de las metodologías empleadas, utilizando diagramas de afinidades. Resultados. La investigación cualitativa permitió profundizar en algunos aspectos concretos del servicio que habían sido recogidos en la fase cuantitativa, matizando los resultados obtenidos en la fase previa, ahondando en las razones de insatisfacción con aspectos específicos, como los tiempos de espera y las infraestructuras disponibles, e identificando cuestiones emergentes del servicio, no evaluadas anteriormente. Conclusiones. Globalmente, la fase cualitativa enriqueció de forma sustantiva los resultados de la investigación. Es adecuado y recomendable incorporar este enfoque metodológico en investigaciones encaminadas a evaluar la calidad del servicio en un determinado contexto sanitario puesto que aporta, de primera mano, la voz del cliente(AU)

Objective. We examined the usefulness of incorporating a qualitative phase in the evaluation of the quality of care in a high-resolution medical service carried out with quantitative methods. Design and methods. A quantitative research was performed using a structured questionnaire and selecting interviewees by systematic randomized sampling methods (n=320). In addition, a qualitative research was carried on through semi-structured interviews with patients selected by convenience criteria (n=11), observations in the care assistance circuit, and a group interview with health professionals working in the service. A multidisciplinary research team conducted an individual analysis of the information collected in both quantitative and qualitative phases. Subsequently, three meetings based on group brainstorming techniques were held to identify the diverse contributions of each of the methodologies employed to the research, using affinity graphs to analyse the different results obtained in both phases and evaluate possible bias arising from the use of qualitative methods. Results. Qualitative research allowed examining specific aspects of the health care service that had been collected in the quantitative phase, harmonizing the results obtained in the previous phase, giving in-depth data on the reasons for patient dissatisfaction with specific aspects, such as waiting times and available infrastructures, and identifying emerging issues of the service which had not been previously assessed. Conclusions. Overall, the qualitative phase enriched the results of the research. It is appropriate and recommendable to incorporate this methodological approach in research aimed at evaluating the quality of the service in specific health care settings, since it is provided first hand, by the voice of the customer(AU)

[Advantages and disadvantages of incorporating qualitative methodology in the evaluation of health services. A practical case: evaluation of a high-resolution clinic]. / Aportaciones e inconvenientes de la incorporación de metodología cualitativa en la evaluación de servicios sanitarios. Un caso práctico: la evaluación de una consulta de alta resolución.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the usefulness of incorporating a qualitative phase in the evaluation of the quality of care in a high-resolution medical service carried out with quantitative methods. DESIGN AND METHODS: A quantitative research was performed using a structured questionnaire and selecting interviewees by systematic randomized sampling methods (n=320). In addition, a qualitative research was carried on through semi-structured interviews with patients selected by convenience criteria (n=11), observations in the care assistance circuit, and a group interview with health professionals working in the service. A multidisciplinary research team conducted an individual analysis of the information collected in both quantitative and qualitative phases. Subsequently, three meetings based on group brainstorming techniques were held to identify the diverse contributions of each of the methodologies employed to the research, using affinity graphs to analyse the different results obtained in both phases and evaluate possible bias arising from the use of qualitative methods. RESULTS: Qualitative research allowed examining specific aspects of the health care service that had been collected in the quantitative phase, harmonizing the results obtained in the previous phase, giving in-depth data on the reasons for patient dissatisfaction with specific aspects, such as waiting times and available infrastructures, and identifying emerging issues of the service which had not been previously assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the qualitative phase enriched the results of the research. It is appropriate and recommendable to incorporate this methodological approach in research aimed at evaluating the quality of the service in specific health care settings, since it is provided first hand, by the voice of the customer.

Sistemática para la protocolización de los cuidados de enfermería / A program to protocolize nursing care

Objetivo. Disminuir la variabilidad de la práctica clínica y homogeneizar y sistematizar los cuidados que prestan los profesionales mediante la protocolización de los cuidados de enfermería. Material y métodos. La dirección de enfermería del Hospital Gregorio Marañón en 2004 decidió desarrollar una sistemática para la protocolización de los cuidados de enfermería en 5 fases temporales: preparación, elaboración, difusión, evaluación y actualización, y que adquiriera el carácter de actividad continuada basada en la metodología del ciclo de mejora continua (PDCA). Se presta especial atención a la fase de la evaluación y a los tres tipos de herramientas utilizadas: evaluación de los indicadores de proceso, evaluación de los indicadores de resultados y encuesta sobre la percepción de los profesionales. Resultados. Elaboración de 30 protocolos y 80 procedimientos basados en la evidencia, accesibles, actualizables y con indicadores de evaluación. Discusión. La protocolización de los cuidados de enfermería disminuye la variabilidad de la práctica clínica, homogeneiza los cuidados y aumenta la implicación de los profesionales. La evaluación de proceso, de resultados y de adhesión de los profesionales es una parte imprescindible para la mejora continua(AU)

Objective. To decrease variability in clinical practice and to standardise and develop a systematic care programusing nursing care protocols. Materials and methods. The Directorate of Nursing of the Gregorio Marañón Hospital decided to develop a systematic program to produce nursing care protocols in 2004. It followed 5 phases: preparation, processing, dissemination, evaluation and updating. The program was based on the methodology for continuous improvement cycle (PDCA). Particular attention was paid to the evaluation phase, and to the three types of tools used: evaluation of the process and performance indicators and a survey on the perception of professionals. Results. A total of 30 protocols and 80 procedures were developed. They were evidence based, accessible, available for updating and with evaluation indicators. Discussion. Nursing care protocols decrease the variability of clinical practice. They homogenize care and increase the involvement of professionals. The evaluation of the process, outcomes and adherence of professionals is imperative for continuous improvement(AU)

[A program to protocolize nursing care]. / Sistemática para la protocolización de los cuidados de enfermería.

OBJECTIVE: To decrease variability in clinical practice and to standardise and develop a systematic care programusing nursing care protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Directorate of Nursing of the Gregorio Marañón Hospital decided to develop a systematic program to produce nursing care protocols in 2004. It followed 5 phases: preparation, processing, dissemination, evaluation and updating. The program was based on the methodology for continuous improvement cycle (PDCA). Particular attention was paid to the evaluation phase, and to the three types of tools used: evaluation of the process and performance indicators and a survey on the perception of professionals. RESULTS: A total of 30 protocols and 80 procedures were developed. They were evidence based, accessible, available for updating and with evaluation indicators. DISCUSSION: Nursing care protocols decrease the variability of clinical practice. They homogenize care and increase the involvement of professionals. The evaluation of the process, outcomes and adherence of professionals is imperative for continuous improvement.

El programa de auditorías internas según norma UNE-EN ISO 9001 realizadas con personal propio: herramienta para la gestión del conocimiento / Une-en-ISO-9001 internal audit program performed by our own personnel: a knowledge management tool

Objetivo: A partir de la necesidad de mantener el Sistema de Gestión de Calidad según la norma UNE-EN ISO 9001:2000 de 12 servicios del Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, la realización de auditorías internas con personal propio, pareció una herramienta útil en la gestión del conocimiento y la mejora continua. El Servicio de Medicina Preventiva y Gestión de Calidad desarrolló un programa de auditorías, que viene implementándose desde los últimos 3 años. Material y métodos: Se realizó un programa de formación de auditores internos, los cuales formaron parte de la bolsa de auditores del hospital. Se consolidó como grupo a los responsables de calidad de los servicios certificados. Se desarrolló un procedimiento de programación y coordinación de auditorías. Se encuestó a los auditores y auditados sobre las dificultades en la realización de las auditorías, incluyendo un apartado para sugerencias, y se redactó para la Dirección un informe global anual con los resultados de auditorías internas y externas, y con las áreas de mejora detectadas en todo el proceso. Resultados: Se han realizado 40 auditorías internas en el Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón desde el año 2007 y se cuenta con 38 personas capacitadas para su realización. El sistema de gestión de calidad ha mejorado en forma de disminución de las «No conformidades» en las auditorías externas, y todos los servicios han mantenido la certificación. Conclusiones: La percepción del personal auditor y de los servicios auditados respecto a la realización de auditorías internas con personal propio es muy positiva. Se han encontrado áreas de mejora y soluciones comunes (AU)

Introduction: The need to maintain a Quality Management System based on the UNE-EN-ISO 9001:2000 standards in 12 Departments of the "Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón" (HGUGM), led us to make the decision to establish an internal audit program using our own personnel as a useful tool for knowledge management and continuous improvement. The Department of "Medicina Preventiva y Gestión de Calidad" developed an Audit Program, which has been implemented in our Hospital during the last three years. Materials and methods: We conducted a training program for internal auditors, who then became part of the hospital audit staff. Quality Managers of the accredited departments were consolidated as a group. A procedure for scheduling and coordination of audits was developed. The auditors and those audited were surveyed on the difficulties in conducting audits, including a section for suggestions, and an annual report was drafted with the results of internal and external audits, as well as the improvement areas identified in the whole process. Results: A total of 40 internal audits have been performed in HGUGM since 2007, and 38 people were trained. The Quality Management System improved in terms of the decreasing number of non-conformances (NC) in external audits, and all services have maintained the certification. Conclusions: The perception of auditors and those audited regarding the performing of internal audits by our own personnel is very positive. There were identified improvement areas and common solutions (AU)

Sistema de clasificación de patologías en Rehabilitación en pacientes ambulatorios / Disease classification systems in Rehabilitation for out-patients

Introducción. El objetivo de este trabajo fue elaborar un sistema de clasificación de pacientes en rehabilitación ambulatoria, común para Atención Primaria (AP) y Atención Especializada (AE). Métodos. La elaboración siguió dos etapas:1. Estudio descriptivo de las patologías atendidas a nivel ambulatorio durante el año 2002 en los Centros de Especialidades y un Centro Hospitalario y en las Unidades de Fisioterapia de AP del área sanitaria 1 de la Comunidad de Madrid. Se revisó una muestra aleatoria de 945 historias clínicas de un total de 47.204. 2. Revisión bibliográfica de publicaciones en MEDLINE de sistemas de clasificación de patologías en rehabilitación. Las patologías atendidas en AE se clasificaron en función del diagnóstico principal y en AP en función del motivo de derivación de la consulta del médico de familia a la Unidad de Fisioterapia. Se reagruparon en función de la prevalencia y se codificaron siguiendo los criterios de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades, 9.ª revisión Modificación Clínica (CIE-9-MC) y criterios de la Clasificación Internacional de Atención Primaria (CIAP). Se constituyó un grupo de trabajo con profesionales que participan en el proceso de rehabilitación ambulatoria en el área sanitaria 1 de la Comunidad de Madrid, para consensuar el sistema de clasificación de patologías. Resultados. Elaboración de un sistema de clasificación de patologías en pacientes ambulatorios en rehabilitación, común para AP y AE. Conclusiones. Establecer un único sistema de clasificación de pacientes en el proceso de rehabilitación ambulatoria permite describir el tipo de pacientes que demanda atención y comparar las patologías atendidas en los diferentes centros de los dos niveles asistenciales

Introduction. The objective of the study has been to develop a classification system of patients for use in out-patient rehabilitation for Primary Care (PC) and Specialized Care (SC). Methods. It was developed in two phases:1. Descriptive study of diseases attended in out-patient care during the year 2002 in the speciality centers, hospital center and physiotherapy units of health district 1 primary care of the Community of Madrid. A random sample of 945 clinical records out of a total of 47204 were reviewed. 2. Review of the available literature in MEDLINE in order to find patient classification systems in rehabilitation and to analyze its possible application in our setting. The classification was performed using the principal diagnosis of the patient according to International Classification of Diseases 9th revision Clinical Modification (ICD-9-MC) for patients treated in speciality centers and hospitals centers or International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC) for patients treated in primary care. Secondly, the diseases were grouped based on the prevalence. A workgroup reviewed the patients classification system. The workgroup was constituted by health professionals involved in the process of rehabilitation in out-patient care in health district 1 of the Community of Madrid. Results. Development of a patients classification system in out-patient rehabilitation, common for PC and SC. Conclusions. To establish an unique patients classification system in the process of out-patient rehabilitation makes it possible to describe the type of patients that demands health services and to compare the diseases attended in different centers

Factors associated with pathogenicity of oils related to the toxic oil syndrome epidemic in Spain.

The toxic oil syndrome (TOS), which affected over 20,000 persons in Spain in 1981, has been linked to the consumption of aniline-denatured rapeseed oil, but the precise etiologic agent is still unknown. We attempted to validate the use of high concentrations of oleyl anilide as a marker for oils that contain (or contained) the causal agent. We compared the chemical compositions of oils obtained from ill (N = 59) and unaffected (N = 70) families in 1981. Case oils had higher concentrations of fatty acids and sterols in which rapeseed oil is particularly rich. In addition, case oils had more frequent and extensive contamination with oleyl anilide and other fatty acid anilides. We observed a dose-response effect; risk increased sharply with increasing concentrations of oleyl anilide, and no control oil had more than about 825 micrograms per liter of that compound. We conclude that high concentrations of oleyl anilide specifically mark oils that contain (or used to contain) the TOS etiologic agent.

Time trends in mortality for multiple myeloma in Spain, 1957-1986.

We studied age- and sex-specific mortality from multiple myeloma in Spain during the period 1957-1986. The presence of birth cohort and period effects was determined using a multivariate Poisson model. From an international perspective, multiple myeloma mortality in Spain during the 1980s was in the medium range. Adjusted rates for males and females were 1.36 and 0.96 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Multiple myeloma mortality rose exponentially during the study period, the annual increase was 11.0% in males and 10.5% in females, surpassing the increase observed in other countries. The analytical model ascribed most of this increase to a birth cohort effect. The interpretation of this phenomenon is difficult. Progressive improvements in detection and reporting, and an actual rising incidence may underlie the cohort effect.

[Temporal trends in nosocomial infections in a unit of pediatric cardiac surgery (1984-1988)]. / Evolución de las tendencias temporales de infección nosocomial en una unidad de cirugía cardíaca infantil (1984-1988).

We have evaluated the variations and the evolution of the temporal trends of cumulative incidence of hospital infections, their different localizations and causative organisms in a hospital ward and intensive care area from a pediatric cardiac surgery unit during the period 1984-1988. We also evaluated the effectiveness of our control and surveillance program by calculating from monthly records the cumulative incidence of monthly ad yearly rates of hospital infections and their localizations. The cumulative yearly incidence showed a decreasing trend (CI x 100 = 4.30-0.492 years) (SE, beta = 0.144; p less than 0.001), mainly owing to the reduction in urinary tract infections (CI x 100 = 6.93-1.426 years) (SE, beta = 0.452; p less than 0.001) and other infections (CI x 100 = 1.1-0.232 years) (SE, beta = 0.062; p less than 0.01). The most commonly isolated pathogens were E. coli, Pseudomonas sp and K. pneumoniae. The patients from that unit had a low risk of hospital infection during the 1984-1988 period, and this risk decreased concomitantly with the development of the program.

[Hospital infections at the medical Infection Surveillance Unit from 1984 to 1988]. / Estudio de la infección hospitalaria en la UVI médica durante el período 1984-1988.

The aim of the present work was to study hospital infection tendencies and to analyze the variations that have occurred in the accumulated incidence, the localization and the responsible microorganisms in a medical ICU of the Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid during a 5 years period. Nosocomial infections appear with a statistically significant decreasing tendency: the simple regression curve, estimated from the monthly accumulated incidence, presents a slope = -0.16 (p less than 0.05); the adjustment made with the annual accumulated incidence values shows a slope = -2.15 (p less than 0.001). The most frequent localization of hospital infections were: lower respiratory tract, urine, and blood. These infections show in general a decreasing tendency existing a statistical difference in respiratory = -1.5 (p less than 0.001) and urinary = -1.48 (p less than 0.001) infections. The microorganisms most frequently isolated in these patients were P. aeruginosa, S. marcescens and E. coli.

[Smoking habits: a study of hospital staff]. / Hábitos tabáquicos: estudio en personal hospitalario.

The results of a survey carried out in our hospital about the use of cigarettes in which 680 staff members participated (257 men and 423 women) are presented. The percentage of current smokers was 50% (51.8% amongst women and 45.1% amongst men). The highest percentages of smokers were found amongst nurses (61%), maintenance staff (50%) and administrative staff (45.1%); 41% of physicians smoked. Quitting the smoking habit was more frequent amongst physicians and higher grade staff, with a predominance of older males. The smallest number of quitters was found amongst nurses. 93.5% of the surveyed subjects agreed with the establishment of restrictive measures, finding no differences according to age, sex, or professional status, although there were differences according to the smoking habit. The results obtained point out the importance of the smoking problem amongst health professionals and could be used to promote programs against smoking in hospitals.