Primary care indicators for disease burden, monitoring and surveillance of COVID-19 in 31 European countries: Eurodata Study.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of patients received ambulatory treatment, highlighting the importance of primary health care (PHC). However, there is limited knowledge regarding PHC workload in Europe during this period. The utilization of COVID-19 PHC indicators could facilitate the efficient monitoring and coordination of the pandemic response. The objective of this study is to describe PHC indicators for disease surveillance and monitoring of COVID-19's impact in Europe. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional study employing data obtained through a semi-structured ad hoc questionnaire, which was collectively agreed upon by all participants. The study encompasses PHC settings in 31 European countries from March 2020 to August 2021. Key-informants from each country answered the questionnaire. Main outcome: the identification of any indicator used to describe PHC COVID-19 activity. RESULTS: Out of the 31 countries surveyed, data on PHC information were obtained from 14. The principal indicators were: total number of cases within PHC (Belarus, Cyprus, Italy, Romania and Spain), number of follow-up cases (Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Spain and Turkey), GP's COVID-19 tests referrals (Poland), proportion of COVID-19 cases among respiratory illnesses consultations (Norway and France), sick leaves issued by GPs (Romania and Spain) and examination and complementary tests (Cyprus). All COVID-19 cases were attended in PHC in Belarus and Italy. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic exposes a crucial deficiency in preparedness for infectious diseases in European health systems highlighting the inconsistent recording of indicators within PHC organizations. PHC standardized indicators and public data accessibility are urgently needed, conforming the foundation for an effective European-level health services response framework against future pandemics.

Open data for monitoring COVID-19 in Spain: Descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: The indicators of the pandemic have been based on the total number of diagnosed cases of COVID-19, the number of people hospitalized or in intensive care units, and deaths from the infection. The aim of this study is to describe the available data on diagnostic tests, health service used for the diagnosis of COVID-19, case detection and monitoring. METHOD: Descriptive study with review of official data available on the websites of the Spanish health councils corresponding to 17 Autonomous Communities, 2 Autonomous cities and the Ministry of Health. The variables collected refer to contact tracing, technics for diagnosis, use of health services and follow-up. RESULTS: All regions of Spain show data on diagnosed cases of COVID-19 and deaths. Hospitalized cases and intensive care admissions are shown in all regions except the Balearic Islands. Diagnostic tests for COVID-19 have been registered in all regions except Madrid region and Extremadura, with scarcely information on what type of test has been performed (present in 7 CCAA), requesting service and study of contacts. CONCLUSIONS: The information available on the official websites of the Health Departments of the different regions of Spain are heterogeneous. Data from the use of health service or workload in Primary Care, Emergency department or Out of hours services are almost non-existent.

The role of primary health care in long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in 30 European countries: a retrospective descriptive study (Eurodata study).

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Primary health care (PHC) supported long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in attending COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study is to describe the role of PHC in LTCFs in Europe during the early phase of the pandemic. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study from 30 European countries using data from September 2020 collected with an ad hoc semi-structured questionnaire. Related variables are SARS-CoV-2 testing, contact tracing, follow-up, additional testing, and patient care. RESULTS: Twenty-six out of the 30 European countries had PHC involvement in LTCFs during the COVID-19 pandemic. PHC participated in initial medical care in 22 countries, while, in 15, PHC was responsible for SARS-CoV-2 test along with other institutions. Supervision of individuals in isolation was carried out mostly by LTCF staff, but physical examination or symptom's follow-up was performed mainly by PHC. CONCLUSION: PHC has participated in COVID-19 pandemic assistance in LTCFs in coordination with LTCF staff, public health officers, and hospitals.

Addressing health inequity during the COVID-19 pandemic through primary health care and public health collaboration: a multiple case study analysis in eight high-income countries.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic substantially magnified the inequity gaps among vulnerable populations. Both public health (PH) and primary health care (PHC) have been crucial in addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic, especially in the area of vulnerable populations. However, little is known about the intersection between PH and PHC as a strategy to mitigate the inequity gap. This study aims to assess the collaboration between PHC and PH with a focus on addressing the health needs of vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic across jurisdictions. METHODS: We analyzed and compared data from jurisdictional reports of COVID-19 pandemic responses in PHC and PH in Belgium, Canada (Ontario), Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain from 2020 to 2021. RESULTS: Four themes emerge from the analysis: (1) the majority of the countries implemented outreach strategies targeting vulnerable groups as a means to ensure continued access to PHC; (2) digital assessment in PHC was found to be present across all the countries; (3) PHC was insufficiently represented at the decision-making level; (4) there is a lack of clear communication channels between PH and PHC in all the countries. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified opportunities for collaboration between PHC and PH to reduce inequity gaps and to improve population health, focusing on vulnerable populations. The COVID-19 response in these eight countries has demonstrated the importance of an integrated PHC system. Consequently, the development of effective strategies for responding to and planning for pandemics should take into account the social determinants of health in order to mitigate the unequal impact of COVID-19. Careful, intentional coordination between PH and PHC should be established in normal times as a basis for effective response during future public health emergencies. The pandemic has provided significant insights on how to strengthen health systems and provide universal access to healthcare by fostering stronger connections between PH and PHC.

Cómo crear un perfil digital de investigador a través de diferentes plataformas online. Una revisión narrativa / How to create a digital researcher profile by means of different online platforms: a narrative review

Introducción: el aumento de la producción científica se ha acompañado de plataformas para autores donde pueden compartir el curriculum vitae y los artículos publicados. El objetivo de este artículo es hacer una revisión narrativa en relación con los perfiles digitales, el uso de redes sociales (RRSS) profesionales y gestores bibliográficos de utilidad para la investigación en profesionales de Atención Primaria. Material y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda en la literatura médica para identificar estudios que informaran sobre temas relacionados con perfil investigador, plataformas online para perfiles digitales y gestores de referencias bibliográficas. Resultados: se recomienda incluir en un perfil: formación, actividad laboral, membresía a instituciones o sociedades científicas, artículos publicados, índice H, citaciones, proyectos financiados, premios recibidos y revisión de artículos en revistas indexadas. Las plataformas más frecuentes son ResearchGate, ORCID, Scopus y Publons, esta última integrada ya en la Web of Science. Todas ellas permiten compartir filiación, artículos publicados y premios recibidos. Las citaciones recibidas solo están disponibles en Scopus y Publons. El índice H está presente en todas las plataformas menos en ORCID. Los proyectos financiados pueden encontrarse en todas las plataformas menos en Publons. ORCID y Publons recogen las revisiones por pares en artículos indexados. Otras plataformas son: Pubmed y Google Scholar que comparten algunas funcionalidades. Los gestores bibliográficos permiten perfiles personales (Zotero), pero ofrecen menos funciones que otras plataformas, aunque sí la creación de grupos de trabajo (Mendeley y Zotero). Conclusión: tener un perfil investigador permite visibilizar la producción científica en Atención Primaria y contactar con otros investigadores.(AU)

Introduction: the increase in scientific production has been accompanied by platforms for authors where they can share their curriculum vitae and published articles. The aim of this article is to perform a narrative review in regard to digital profiles, the use of professional social networks and useful bibliographical managers for research into primary care professionals. Material and Methods: the medical literature was searched to identify studies that reported topics related to researcher profile, online platforms for digital profiles and bibliographical reference managers. Results: it is recommended including in a profile: training, work activity, membership in scientific institutions or societies, published articles, H index, citations, funded projects, awards received and review of articles in indexed journals. The most common platforms are ResearchGate, ORCID, Scopus and Publons, the latter already integrated into the Web of Science. All of them allow you to share affiliation, published articles and awards received. The citations received are only available in Scopus and Publons. The H-index is present on all platforms except ORCID. Funded projects can be found on all platforms except Publons. ORCID and Publons collects peer reviews on indexed articles. Other platforms are: PubMed and Google Scholar that share some functionalities. Bibliographical managers enable personal profiles (Zotero) but offer fewer functions than other platforms, although they do create work groups (Mendeley and Zotero). Conclusion: having a research profile enables scientific production to be visible in primary care and contact with other researchers.(AU)

Clinical pathway of COVID-19 patients in primary health care in 30 European countries: Eurodata study.

BACKGROUND: Most COVID-19 patients were treated in primary health care (PHC) in Europe. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the scope of PHC workflow during the COVID-19 pandemic emphasising similarities and differences of patient's clinical pathways in Europe. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with data acquired through a semi-structured questionnaire in PHC in 30 European countries, created ad hoc and agreed upon among all researchers who participated in the study. GPs from each country answered the approved questionnaire. Main variable: PHC COVID-19 acute clinical pathway. All variables were collected from each country as of September 2020. RESULTS: COVID-19 clinics in PHC facilities were organised in 8/30. Case detection and testing were performed in PHC in 27/30 countries. RT-PCR and lateral flow tests were performed in PHC in 23/30, free of charge with a medical prescription. Contact tracing was performed mainly by public health authorities. Mandatory isolation ranged from 5 to 14 days. Sick leave certification was given exclusively by GPs in 21/30 countries. Patient hotels or other resources to isolate patients were available in 12/30. Follow-up to monitor the symptoms and/or new complementary tests was made mainly by phone call (27/30). Chest X-ray and phlebotomy were performed in PHC in 18/30 and 23/30 countries, respectively. Oxygen and low-molecular-weight heparin were available in PHC (21/30). CONCLUSION: In Europe PHC participated in many steps to diagnose, treat and monitor COVID-19 patients. Differences among countries might be addressed at European level for the management of future pandemics.

Seguimiento de los pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica en Atención Primaria durante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Coronary heart disease follow-up in a Primary Health Care centre during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objetivo: describir el seguimiento de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular modificables (FRCM) de los pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica (CI) en un centro de salud durante el primer año la pandemia por COVID-19. Material y métodos: estudio observacional ambispectivo de un centro de salud de Madrid.Participantes: pacientes diagnosticados de CI antes de 2020, > 45 años (n: 257).Seguimiento: del 13/03/2020 al 13/03/2021.Variables: sociodemográficas, comorbilidades, análisis de sangre (AS), colesterol asociado a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (c-LDL), exploración física (tensión arterial [TA] e índice de masa corporal [IMC]), eventos cardiovasculares (ECV) y fallecimiento en el seguimiento.Se realizó en tres períodos: situación basal: registro previo al inicio de la pandemia; primer período: del 13/03/2020 al 13/09/2020; segundo período: del 14/09/2020 al 13/03/2021. Datos obtenidos de la historia clínica electrónica. Análisis: STATA16.Resultados: se hizo el seguimiento de 257 pacientes (edad: 73,14 ± 0,7; 67,3% hombres) diagnosticados de CI hace 7 años (rango intercuartílico [RIC]: 4-14). AS (al 65,6% de los pacientes se les hizo análisis en el primer período versus al 20,6% en el segundo período del estudio), TA (57,5% versus 18,6%) e IMC (29,5% versus 7,7%). Mejoraron el c-LDL hasta 2,2 mg/dL, y el IMC, 0,6 kg/m2. Empeoró la TA sistólica hasta 6,3 mmHg y la diastólica 2,5 mmHg. Un 7,7% sufrió un ECV en el primer período y un 5,8% en el segundo. Fallecieron 9 pacientes durante el seguimiento.Conclusión: casi dos tercios de los pacientes con CI habían realizado seguimiento de LDL y TA en los 6 primeros meses tras el inicio de la pandemia. El número de seguimientos caía a 1/3 al año. El IMC fue la variable menos evaluada.(AU)

Aim: to report the follow up of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) of patients with ischaemic heart disease in a health centre during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.Materials and Methods: observational follow-up study of an ambispective cohort in a Madrid health centre. Subjects: patients with CHD prior to 2020, > 45 years (n:257). Follow up: from 13/03/2020 to 13/03/2021. Variables: sociodemographic, comorbidities, blood test (BT) (LDL-c), physical examination, (blood pressure [BP] and BMI), cardiovascular events (CVE), and death during follow up. Performed over three periods: baseline period: data before the pandemic commenced. First period: 13/03/2020-13/09/2020. Second period: 14/09/2020-13/03/2021. Data collection: electronic medical record. Analysis: STATA16.Results: a total of 257 patients with CHD was followed up (age: 73.14±0.7; 67.3% male). CHD diagnosis seven years ago (IQR:4-14). BT in 65.6% of patients in the first time period vs 20.6% in the second time period, BP 57.5% vs 18.6% and BMI 29.5% vs 7.7%. LDL-c and BMI improved during follow up to 2.2 mg/dL and 0.6 kg/m2, respectively. Systolic and diastolic BP worsened up to 6.3 mmHg and 2.5 mmHg, respectively. A total of 7.7% and 5.8% suffered a CVE in the first and second time periods, respectively. In all nine patients died during follow up.Conclusion: virtually two thirds of patients with CHD had undertaken LDL-c and BP follow up in the six months since the COVID-19 pandemic started. This number decreased to one third over the year. BMI was the least evaluated variable.(AU)

Datos abiertos de monitorización de la COVID-19 en España: estudio descriptivo / Open data for monitoring COVID-19 in Spain: Descriptive study

Objetivo: Los indicadores del estado de pandemia se han basado en el número total de casos diagnosticados de la COVID-19, el número de personas hospitalizadas o en unidades de cuidados intensivos y los fallecimientos por la infección. El objetivo de este estudio es describir los datos disponibles sobre pruebas diagnósticas, servicio sanitario utilizado para el diagnóstico de COVID-19 y seguimiento/detección de casos. Método: Estudio descriptivo con revisión de datos oficiales disponibles en las páginas web de las consejerías de sanidad de España correspondientes a 17 comunidades autónomas, 2 ciudades autónomas y el Ministerio de Sanidad. Las variables recogidas hacen referencia al estudio de contactos, diagnóstico de casos, uso de servicios sanitarios y seguimiento. Resultados: Todas las regiones de España muestran datos de los casos diagnosticados de COVID-19 y fallecidos. Los casos hospitalizados e ingresos en cuidados intensivos se muestran en todas las regiones excepto Baleares. Las pruebas diagnósticas de COVID-19 se han registrado en todas las regiones excepto en la Comunidad de Madrid y en Extremadura, habiendo poca información sobre qué tipo de prueba se ha realizado (presente en 7 comunidades autónomas), servicio peticionario y estudio de contactos. Conclusiones: La información disponible en las páginas web oficiales de las consejerías de sanidad de las diferentes regiones de España son heterogéneas. Los datos sobre el uso o carga laboral a nivel de atención primaria o servicios de urgencias hospitalarios y extrahospitalarios son cuasi inexistentes.(AU)

Background: The indicators of the pandemic have been based on the total number of diagnosed cases of COVID-19, the number of people hospitalized or in intensive care units, and deaths from the infection. The aim of this study is to describe the available data on diagnostic tests, health service used for the diagnosis of COVID-19, case detection and monitoring. Method: Descriptive study with review of official data available on the websites of the Spanish health councils corresponding to 17 Autonomous Communities, 2 Autonomous cities and the Ministry of Health. The variables collected refer to contact tracing, technics for diagnosis, use of health services and follow-up. Results: All regions of Spain show data on diagnosed cases of COVID-19 and deaths. Hospitalized cases and intensive care admissions are shown in all regions except the Balearic Islands. Diagnostic tests for COVID-19 have been registered in all regions except Madrid region and Extremadura, with scarcely information on what type of test has been performed (present in 7 Autonomous Communities), requesting service and study of contacts. Conclusions: The information available on the official websites of the Health Departments of the different regions of Spain are heterogeneous. Data from the use of health service or workload in primary care, emergency department or out of hours services are almost non-existent.(AU)

Sex and income inequalities in preventive services in diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Cancer preventive services (gynaecological cancer screening, colon cancer screening) and cardiometabolic screening are recommended by guidelines to individuals. People with diabetes were less likely to receive them than those without diabetes in some studies. OBJECTIVES: To analyse differences in the coverage of preventive services in people with diabetes compared to non-diabetic individuals and in people with diabetes according to sex and household income. METHODS: We analysed data collected from the European Health Interview Survey 2013-2015, including individuals aged 40-74 (n = 179,318), 15,172 with diabetes from 29 countries. The income of a household (HHI) was described in quintiles. The relationship between the coverage of preventive services (cardiometabolic, vaccination, cancer screening) and sociodemographic characteristics was analysed with multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Women comprised 53.8% of the total and 40% were 60-74 years. People with diabetes compared to those without diabetes had higher reported coverage of cardiometabolic screening (98.4% vs. 90.0% in cholesterol measurement; 97.0% vs. 93.6% in blood pressure measurement), colorectal cancer screening (27.1% vs. 24.6%) but lower coverage of gynaecological cancer screening (mammography: 29.2% vs. 33.5%, pap smear test: 28.3% vs. 37.9%). Among diabetic patients, women were less likely to receive cholesterol screening (OR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.72-0.91) and colon cancer screening (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.73-0.86) compared to men. Being affluent was positively associated with receiving cardiometabolic screening and mammography in diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: People with diabetes reported higher coverage of preventive services except gynaecological cancer screening. Disparities were found in diabetes among women and less affluent individuals.

Inequalities in glycemic and multifactorial cardiovascular control of type 2 diabetes: The Heart Healthy Hoods study.

Aim: This study aimed to analyze glycemic control and multifactorial cardiovascular control targets in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in primary care according to sex and socioeconomic status (SES). Materials and methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, and multicenter study. We analyzed all the patients with T2DMM aged between 40 and 75 years in Madrid city (113,265) through electronic health records from 01 August 2017 to 31 July 2018. SES was defined by an area-level socioeconomic index stratified by quintiles (1st quintile: more affluent). Outcomes: Outcomes included glycemic control (HbA1c ≤ 7%), 3-factor cardiovascular control [HbA1c ≤ 7%, blood pressure (BP), < 140/90 mmHg, LDL < 100 mg/ml] and 4-factor control [HbA1c ≤ 7%, blood pressure (BP) < 140/90 mmHg, LDL < 100 mg/ml, and BMI < 30 kg/m2]. Multilevel logistic regression models analyzed factors associated with suboptimal glycemic control. Results: In total 43.2% were women. Glycemic control was achieved by 63% of patients (women: 64.2% vs. men: 62.4%). Being more deprived was associated with suboptimal glycemic control (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10-1.32); however, sex was not related (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-1.01). The optimal 3-factor control target was reached by 10.3% of patients (women: 9.3% vs. men: 11.2%), especially those in the 5th quintile of SES. The 4-factor control was achieved by 6.6% of the sample. In the 3-factor control target, being women was related to the suboptimal 3-factor control target (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.19- 1.34) but only belonging to SES 4th quintile was related to the unachieved target (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.04-2.07). Conclusion: Suboptimal glycemic control was associated with being less affluent and suboptimal 3-factor control target was associated with being women.

[Open data for monitoring COVID-19 in Spain: descriptive study]. / Datos abiertos de monitorización de la COVID-19 en España: estudio descriptivo.

BACKGROUND: The indicators of the pandemic have been based on the total number of diagnosed cases of COVID-19, the number of people hospitalized or in intensive care units, and deaths from the infection. The aim of this study is to describe the available data on diagnostic tests, health service used for the diagnosis of COVID-19, case detection and monitoring. METHOD: Descriptive study with review of official data available on the websites of the Spanish health councils corresponding to 17 Autonomous Communities, 2 Autonomous cities and the Ministry of Health. The variables collected refer to contact tracing, technics for diagnosis, use of health services and follow-up. RESULTS: all regions of Spain show data on diagnosed cases of COVID-19 and deaths. Hospitalized cases and intensive care admissions are shown in all regions except the Balearic Islands. Diagnostic tests for COVID-19 have been registered in all regions except Madrid region and Extremadura, with scarcely information on what type of test has been performed (present in 7 CCAA), requesting service and study of contacts. CONCLUSIONS: The information available on the official websites of the Health Departments of the different regions of Spain are heterogeneous. Data from the use of health service or workload in Primary Care, Emergency department or Out of hours services are almost non-existent.

[COVID suspected patients in Primary Care in Madrid at the beginning of first wave: Clinical characteristics and healthcare assistance.] / El Circuito COVID en Atención Primaria en Madrid durante el inicio de la primera ola: características clínicas y actividad asistencial.

OBJECTIVE: Primary Care (PC) must attend and follow COVID-19 patients with mild and moderate symptoms, and identify severe cases. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients attended in PC with suspicious COVID-19 and health care provision by PC. METHODS: Retrospective longitudinal observational study of electronic health records (EHR) and agendas. Probabilistic sampling of suspicious COVID-19 patients' pathway in 5 health centers in Madrid between March 16 and 20, 2020. The variables used were sociodemographic, symptoms, examination, radiography, characteristics of schedules and professional sick leaves. Descriptive analysis and time to event (pneumonia). RESULTS: 240 EHR were reviewed. Average age 48 years, 60% women. Most frequent symptoms: cough (80%) and elevation of temperature (63%). Pneumonia appeared in 23%. 73% were bilateral. Age and male gender were related to pneumonia. 20% required admission. 7 patients died (2.9%). 19,027 COVID-19 appointments were scheduled in PC. 60% of patients were attended in PC without performing chest X-ray or assistance by other care level. 22.4% of GPs working days were absent because of sick leaves. Differences were found amongst facilities in chest X-ray requesting (max. 62%, min. 2%). The PC center with the fewest X-rays requested was the one with the major number of sick leaves. CONCLUSIONS: Age and male gender were related to pneumonia onset in PC. Health care activity was intense, and variability was found amongst facilities. Professional sick leaves could affect the quality of care.

OBJETIVO: La Atención Primaria (AP) debe atender y hacer un seguimiento a pacientes COVID-19 con cuadros leves y moderados, e identificar casos graves. El objetivo del estudio fue describir las características de los pacientes atendidos en AP con sospecha de COVID-19 y la provisión de atención sanitaria en AP. METODOS: Estudio observacional longitudinal retrospectivo de historias clínicas y agendas. Muestreo probabilístico de pacientes atendidos en el circuito de sospecha de COVID-19 en 5 centros de salud en Madrid entre el 16 y 20 de marzo 2020. Las variables utilizadas fueron sociodemográficas, síntomas, exploración, radiografía, características de las agendas y de las ausencias de profesionales. Análisis descriptivo y de tiempo hasta evento (neumonía). RESULTADOS: Se revisaron 240 historias. Edad media 48 años, 60% mujeres. Síntomas más frecuentes: tos (80%) y elevación de temperatura (63%). Apareció neumonía en el 23%. El 73% fueron bilaterales. La edad y el sexo masculino se relacionaron con la aparición de neumonía. Precisó ingreso el 20%. Fallecieron 7 pacientes (2,9%). Se atendieron 19.027 citas. El 60% de pacientes fue atendido en AP sin radiografía ni valoración por otro nivel asistencial. Fueron baja laboral el 22,4% de las jornadas de Medicina. Hubo diferencias entre centros en la realización de radiografías (máximo 62%, mínimo 2%), el centro con menos radiografías solicitadas fue el que más bajas laborales presentó (41,3%). CONCLUSIONES: La edad y sexo masculino se correlacionaron con la aparición de neumonía en AP. La actividad asistencial fue intensa y se identificó variabilidad entre centros. Las bajas profesionales pudieron afectar a la calidad de la atención.

El Circuito COVID en Atención Primaria en Madrid durante el inicio de la primera ola: características clínicas y actividad asistencial / COVID suspected patients in Primary Care in Madrid at the beginning of first wave: Clinical characteristics and healthcare assistance

Fundamentos: La Atención Primaria (AP) debe atender y hacer un seguimiento a pacientes COVID-19 con cuadros leves y moderados, e identificar casos graves. El objetivo del estudio fue describir las características de los pacientes atendidos en AP con sospecha de COVID-19 y la provisión de atención sanitaria en AP. Métodos: Estudio observacional longitudinal retrospectivo de historias clínicas y agendas. Muestreo probabilístico de pacientes atendidos en el circuito de sospecha de COVID-19 en 5 centros de salud en Madrid entre el 16 y 20 de marzo 2020. Las variables utilizadas fueron sociodemográficas, síntomas, exploración, radiografía, características de las agendas y de las ausencias de profesionales. Análisis descriptivo y de tiempo hasta evento (neumonía). Resultados: Se revisaron 240 historias. Edad media 48 años, 60% mujeres. Síntomas más frecuentes: tos (80%) y elevación de temperatura (63%). Apareció neumonía en el 23%. El 73% fueron bilaterales. La edad y el sexo masculino se relacionaron con la aparición de neumonía. Precisó ingreso el 20%. Fallecieron 7 pacientes (2,9%). Se atendieron 19.027 citas. El 60% de pacientes fue atendido en AP sin radiografía ni valoración por otro nivel asistencial. Fueron baja laboral el 22,4% de las jornadas de Medicina. Hubo diferencias entre centros en la realización de radiografías (máximo 62%, mínimo 2%), el centro con menos radiografías solicitadas fue el que más bajas laborales presentó (41,3%). Conclusiones: La edad y sexo masculino se correlacionaron con la aparición de neumonía en AP. La actividad asistencial fue intensa y se identificó variabilidad entre centros. Las bajas profesionales pudieron afectar a la calidad de la atención.(AU)

Background: Primary Care (PC) must attend and follow COVID-19 patients with mild and moderate symptoms, and identify severe cases. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients attended in PC with suspicious COVID-19 and health care provision by PC. Methods: Retrospective longitudinal observational study of electronic health records (EHR) and agendas.Probabilistic sampling of suspicious COVID-19 patients’ pathway in 5 health centers in Madrid between March 16 and 20, 2020. The variables used were sociodemographic, symptoms, examination, radiography, characteristics of schedules and professional sick leaves. Descriptive analysis and time to event (pneumonia). Results: 240 EHR were reviewed. Average age 48 years, 60% women. Most frequent symptoms: cough (80%) and elevation of temperature (63%). Pneumonia appeared in 23%. 73% were bilateral. Age and male gender were related to pneumonia. 20% required admission. 7 patients died (2.9%). 19,027 COVID-19 appointments were scheduled in PC. 60% of patients were attended in PC without performing chest Xray or assistance by other care level. 22.4% of GPs working days were absent because of sick leaves. Differences were found amongst facilities in chest Xray requesting (max. 62%, min. 2%). The PC center with the fewest Xrays requested was the one with the major number of sick leaves. Conclusions: Age and male gender were related to pneumonia onset in PC. Health care activity was intense, and variability was found amongst facilities. Professional sick leaves could affect the quality of care.(UA)

[The Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021-2030: Identifying actions for safer primary health care]. / El Plan de acción mundial para la seguridad del paciente 2021-2030: identificando acciones para una atención primaria más segura.

The 74th World Health Assembly adopted in May 2021 the "Global Patient Safety Action Plan: 2021-2030" to enhance patient safety as an essential component in the design, procedures and performance evaluation of health systems worldwide. It is a strategic plan that guides country governments, health sector entities, health organisations and the World Health Organisation secretariat on how to implement the assembly's patient safety resolution. Deployment of the plan will strengthen the quality and safety of health systems worldwide by spanning the entire continuum of people's health care from diagnosis to treatment and care, reducing the likelihood of harm in the course of care. The Declaration on Primary Health Care during the Global Conference on Primary Health Care in Astana, 2018, urged countries to strengthen their primary health care systems as an essential step towards achieving universal health coverage and providing access to safe, quality care without financial loss. The deployment of the Global Patient Safety Action Plan in primary care is therefore a high-priority health policy action. The Action Plan is structured into 6 strategic objectives with 35 strategic actions. We present an analysis of the strategic actions regarding healthcare organizations and the challenges ahead for their particular deployment in primary health care settings.

Gestión de los recursos humanos y estrategias de vacunación en atención primaria en Europa en la pandemia COVID-19 / Human resource management and vaccination strategies in primary care in Europe during COVID-19 pandemic

Este trabajo describe la gestión de los recursos humanos y la estrategia de vacunación desde la atención primaria en doce países europeos en relación con la pandemia COVID-19. Se ha encontrado que todos los países desarrollaron fórmulas para ampliar el número de efectivos que trabajan en atención primaria. Se incorporaron profesionales para apoyo de los médicos de familia que asumieron tareas bajo la supervisión y coordinación de la medicina de familia. En cuanto a la estrategia vacunal, la Comisión Europea ha tenido un papel crucial en la producción, compra y distribución de las vacunas. La campaña de vacunación ha tenido una participación desigual de la atención primaria según los países ya que la mayor carga se está gestionando desde las direcciones de salud pública de los gobiernos.(AU)

This article describes the management of human resource and the vaccination strategies in primary care in twelve European countries in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. All the countries have found solutions to increase their workforce in primary care. Other healthcare professionals were incorporated to support family doctors assuming their tasks, under their supervision and coordination. The European Commission had a crucial role in the production, purchase and distribution of the vaccines. The engagement of primary care in the vaccination campaign has had an unequal participation in the different countries, although the greatest burden has been managed from the government's public health departments.(AU)

Uso de aplicaciones móviles y páginas web para el diagnóstico de la COVID-19 en España / Using mobile applications and websites for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in Spain

Introducción: Ante la pandemia por la COVID-19 son necesarias nuevas herramientas de trabajo a nivel sanitario para la evaluación precoz de las personas sospechosas de haber sido infectadas. La tecnología de la información y comunicación (TIC) puede dar solución a este nuevo escenario. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer qué TIC hay en España. Métodos: Revisión de la TIC (aplicaciones móviles y páginas web) de las comunidades autónomas de España, listando las características recogidas de cada una de ellas. Resultados: Se han analizado seis aplicaciones móviles correspondientes a cinco comunidades autónomas y una del Ministerio de Sanidad, además de cuatro test en páginas web de la Consejería de Salud de la comunidad autónoma correspondiente. De las TIC observadas, existen muchas diferencias entre ellas, tanto en la información recogida como en los recursos dedicados al ciudadano. Si bien todas ellas preguntan por la tríada clásica de síntomas COVID-19: fiebre, tos y disnea. Conclusiones: A pesar de tener un órgano organizador común en la crisis de la COVID-19 en España, el Ministerio de Sanidad, se han observado diferentes métodos de aplicación en la tecnología de la información y comunicación en los territorios autonómicos de España.(AU)

Introduction: New tools are needed for early evaluation of patients who could be infected by COVID-19 during this pandemic. M-Health (apps) could be a solution in this setting to evaluate a COVID-19 diagnosis. The aim of this study was to describe which COVID-19s apps are available in Spain. Methods: We made a review of the diagnosis apps and websites of the different regions of Spain. We described the different characteristics of each app. Results: We analyzed 6 apps, 5 corresponding to Autonomous Communities and one from the Ministry of Health, as well as 4 website test from the respectively health region. There were detected multiples differences between the m-Health methods analysed from the information collected to the information shared to citizens. However, all m-Health methods asked about the classic triad symptoms: fever, cough and dyspnoea. Conclusion: Although the COVID-19 Spanish crisis have been lead from the Ministry of Health, it has been detected different methods to apply m-Health though the multiple Spanish regions.(AU)

El papel de la atención primaria en la pandemia COVID-19: Una mirada hacia Europa / The role of primary care during COVID-19 pandemic: A European overview

Describimos el papel de la atención primaria (AP) en 12 países europeos con relación a la COVID-19. No existe información oficial a nivel europeo sobre la actividad de AP. Los hallazgos fueron: Todos los países informaron mediante web y línea telefónica OVID-19 a sus ciudadanos. El rastreo se realizó a través de Salud Pública mayoritariamente, salvo España, Irlanda y Portugal. La tarea de vigilancia epidemiológica se ha solapado con la asistencial sobrecargando la AP. Las pruebas de detección de infección aguda (PDIA) se realizaron en AP de forma exclusiva en España. En el resto se derivaron a laboratorios externos. El seguimiento de pacientes ha sido realizado por AP, mayoritariamente no presencial. La cobertura sanitaria a población vulnerable y a residencias de mayores se ha regulado en todos los países. Es necesario un plan estratégico para AP en Europa que dé respuesta a los retos planteados.(AU)

We describe the role of primary care (PC) in 12 European countries in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no official information at European level on the activity of PC. The findings were: All countries provided COVID-19 information through telephone lines and websites to their citizens. Contact tracing was mainly carried out by Public Health except for Ireland, Portugal and Spain. The epidemiological surveillance task has overlapped with the PC assistance. Active Infection Diagnostic Tests (AIDT) were performed in PC exclusively in Spain. The other countries performed them in external laboratories. Patients were followed-up in PC mostly by remote assessment. Health coverage for vulnerable populations and nursing homes has been regulated in all countries. There is a need for a strategic plan for PC in Europe that responds to the challenges posed.(AU)

SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia follow-up and long COVID in primary care: A retrospective observational study in Madrid city.

BACKGROUND: Patients with COVID-19 are follow-up in primary care and long COVID is scarcely defined. The study aim was to describe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and cut-offs for defining long COVID in primary care follow-up patients. METHODS: A retrospective observational study in primary care in Madrid, Spain, was conducted. Data was collected during 6 months (April to September) in 2020, during COVID-19 first wave, from patients ≥ 18 years with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia diagnosed. Variables: sociodemographic, comorbidities, COVID-19 symptoms and complications, laboratory test and chest X-ray. Descriptive statistics were used, mean (standard deviation (SD)) and medians (interquartile range (IQR)) respectively. Differences were detected applying X2 test, Student's T-test, ANOVA, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis depending on variable characteristics. RESULTS: 155 patients presented pneumonia in day 7.8 from the onset (79.4% were hospitalized, median length of 7.0 days (IQR: 3.0, 13.0)). After discharge, the follow-up lasted 54.0 median days (IQR 42.0, 88.0) and 12.2 mean (SD 6.4) phone calls were registered per patient. The main symptoms and their duration were: cough (41.9%, 12 days), dyspnoea (31.0%, 15 days), asthenia (26.5%, 21 days). Different cut-off points were applied for long COVID and week 4 was considered the best milestone (28.3% of the sample still had symptoms after week 4) versus week 12 (8.3%). Patients who still had symptoms >4 weeks follow-up took place over 81.0 days (IQR: 50.5, 103.0), their symptoms were more prevalent and lasted longer than those ≤ 4 weeks: cough (63.6% 30 days), dyspnoea (54.6%, 46 days), and asthenia (56.8%, 29 days). Embolism was more frequent in patients who still had symptoms >4 weeks than those with symptoms ≤4 weeks (9.1% vs 1.8%, p value 0.034). CONCLUSION: Most patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia recovered during the first 4 weeks from the beginning of the infection. The cut-off point to define long COVID, as persisting symptoms, should be between 4 to 12 weeks from the onset of the symptoms.