[The Catalan Patient Council: the direct voice of the patient in health policies in Catalonia]. / El Consejo Consultivo de Pacientes de Cataluña: la voz directa del paciente en las políticas de salud en Cataluña.

The transition from a more paternalistic model of care focused on the disease and on the medical professional's authority towards a more participatory model centered on the rights and duties of informed patients represents a significant change in public health policy. One of the most widespread methods of social participation in Catalonia today is the tendency to form associations around a particular disease. This kind of organizational participation is a pioneering tool in the debate around public health policy. The Government of the Generalitat de Catalunya undertook to promote the Strategic Plan of patient participation within the public health system. The Department of Health created the Patient Advisory Council of Catalonia (CCPC, as per the acronym in Catalan). This initiative constitutes a permanent consultative and participatory body for patient representatives in the Catalan healthcare system. The CCPC was set up with a solid determination to place the patient at the centre of the healthcare system, including them in the decision-making processes which directly affect them. This patient participation plan has defined and developed 8 different lines approved by the government, with consensus approval between regional government and the organisations. The CCPC has proven itself to be an effective tool for fostering active patient participation in health policy and its relationship with the system has evolved from that of a monologue to becoming the mechanism for dialogue it is today.

El Consejo Consultivo de Pacientes de Cataluña: la voz directa del paciente en las políticas de salud en Cataluña / The Catalan Patient Council: the direct voice of the patient in health policies in Catalonia

El paso de un modelo asistencial más paternalista, centrado en la enfermedad y en la autoridad del profesional, hacia un modelo más participativo, centrado en los derechos y deberes de los pacientes informados, representa un cambio significativo en las políticas públicas de salud. Una forma de participación ciudadana muy extendida en nuestro país es el asociacionismo en torno a una enfermedad. La participación mediante las entidades es una herramienta pionera en el debate de las políticas de salud. El Gobierno de la Generalitat de Catalunya acordó impulsar el Plan estratégico de la participación del paciente en el sistema sanitario público. El Departament de Salut crea el Consejo Consultivo de Pacientes de Cataluña. Esta iniciativa es el órgano permanente de consulta y participación de los representantes de los pacientes en el sistema catalán de salud. El Consejo Consultivo de Pacientes de Cataluña ha nacido con la firme voluntad de situar al paciente en el centro del sistema y de hacerlo partícipe de las decisiones que le afectan. Este plan de participación del paciente se ha definido y elaborado de forma consensuada por parte de la administración y las entidades y son 8 las líneas aprobadas por el gobierno. El Consejo Consultivo de Pacientes de Cataluña ha mostrado ser un mecanismo eficaz para incrementar la participación activa de los pacientes en las políticas de salud y su relación con el sistema, pasando del monólogo al diálogo (AU)

The transition from a more paternalistic model of care focused on the disease and on the medical professional's authority towards a more participatory model cantered on the rights and duties of informed patients represents a significant change in public health policy. One of the most widespread methods of social participation in Catalonia today is the tendency to form associations around a particular disease. This kind of organizational participation is a pioneering tool in the debate around public health policy. The Government of the Generalitat de Catalunya undertook to promote the Strategic Plan of patient participation within the public health system. The Department of Health created the Patient Advisory Council of Catalonia (CCPC, as per the acronym in Catalan). This initiative constitutes a permanent consultative and participatory body for patient representatives in the Catalan healthcare system. The CCPC was set up with a solid determination to place the patient at the centre of the healthcare system, including them in the decision-making processes which directly affect them. This patient participation plan has defined and developed 8 different lines approved by the government, with consensus approval between regional government and the organisations. The CCPC has proven itself to be an effective tool for fostering active patient participation in health policy and its relationship with the system has evolved from that of a monologue to becoming the mechanism for dialogue it is today (AU)

Quality indicators for patient safety in primary care. A review and Delphi-survey by the LINNEAUS collaboration on patient safety in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Quality indicators are measured aspects of healthcare, reflecting the performance of a healthcare provider or healthcare system. They have a crucial role in programmes to assess and improve healthcare. Many performance measures for primary care have been developed. Only the Catalan model for patient safety in primary care identifies key domains of patient safety in primary care. OBJECTIVE: To present an international framework for patient safety indicators in primary care. METHODS: Literature review and online Delphi-survey, starting from the Catalan model. RESULTS: A set of 30 topics is presented, identified by an international panel and organized according to the Catalan model for patient safety in primary care. Most topic areas referred to specific clinical processes; additional topics were leadership, people management, partnership and resources. CONCLUSION: The framework can be used to organize indicator development and guide further work in the field.

Burnout y trabajo en equipo en los profesionales de Atención Primaria / Burnout and Teamwork in Primary Care Teams

OBJETIVO: Estimar la prevalencia de burnout y percepción de trabajo en equipo en los equipos de Atención Primaria (EAP) de Barcelona ciudad. DISEÑO: Transversal multicéntrico. Emplazamiento: EAP del Institut Català de la Salut (ICS) en Barcelona. PARTICIPANTES: Trabajadores fijos e interinos, de todas las categorías profesionales de 51 EAP (N = 2398). Respondieron 879 (36,7%). Mediciones: Se envió por correo electrónico el cuestionario «Maslach Burnout Inventory», con las dimensiones agotamiento emocional, despersonalización y realización personal. Se consideró burnout la afectación en grado alto de 2 o más dimensiones. La percepción del trabajo en equipo y la valoración de jefaturas se midió con un cuestionario diseñado ad hoc. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de burnout fue del 17,2%. El 46,2% presentaron una o más subescalas alteradas. Presentan alto grado de agotamiento emocional 38,2%, 23,8% despersonalización y 7,7% baja realización personal. Un 49,2% consideran que se fomenta bastante o mucho el trabajo en equipo. Globalmente, trabajadores sociales presentan mayor media de dimensiones afectadas en grado alto, seguidas de administrativos, odontólogos, médicos y enfermeras (p < 0,001). El personal fijo presenta mayor grado de agotamiento emocional (p < 0,002). Los que peor valoraron a sus jefaturas y los que menos consideraban trabajar en equipo presentaron más agotamiento emocional, más despersonalización y mayor nivel de burnout en general (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: El nivel de burnout entre los profesionales es considerable, existiendo diferencias entre categorías profesionales. El trabajo en equipo y una buena valoración de sus jefaturas protegen del burnout

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of burnout and the perception of teamwork in Primary Care teams from Barcelona. DESIGN: Multicenter cross-sectional. LOCATION: Primary Health Care Teams from Barcelona. Institut Català de la Salut. PARTICIPANTS: All permanent employees or temporary professionals of all categories from 51 teams (N = 2398). A total of 879 responses (36.7%) were obtained. Measurements: The Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire, with 3 dimensions, was sent by emotional exhaustion (AE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (RP). Burnout is considered present when two or more dimensions scored high marks. Perception of teamwork and evaluation of leaders was evaluated using an ad hoc questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of burnout was17.2% (two or more dimensions affected), and 46.2% had at least one of the three dimensions with a high level. A high level of AE was found in 38.2%, of DP in 23.8%, and 7.7% had low RP. Almost half (49.2%) believe that teamwork is encouraged in their workplace. Social workers overall, have a higher average of dimensions affected at a high level, followed by administrative personnel, dentists, doctors and nurses (p < 0 .001). Permanent staff have a greater degree of emotional exhaustion (p < 0 .002). Those who rated their leaders worst and least rated teamwork had more emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and higher level of burnout in general (p < 0 .001). CONCLUSIONS: The level of burnout among professionals is considerable, with differences existing between occupational categories. Teamwork and appreciating their leaders protect from burnout

[Burnout and teamwork in primary care teams]. / Burnout y trabajo en equipo en los profesionales de Atención Primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of burnout and the perception of teamwork in Primary Care teams from Barcelona. DESIGN: Multicenter cross-sectional. LOCATION: Primary Health Care Teams from Barcelona. Institut Català de la Salut. PARTICIPANTS: All permanent employees or temporary professionals of all categories from 51 teams (N=2398). A total of 879 responses (36.7%) were obtained. MEASUREMENTS: The Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire, with 3 dimensions, was sent by emotional exhaustion (AE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (RP). Burnout is considered present when two or more dimensions scored high marks. Perception of teamwork and evaluation of leaders was evaluated using an ad hoc questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of burnout was17.2% (two or more dimensions affected), and 46.2% had at least one of the three dimensions with a high level. A high level of AE was found in 38.2%, of DP in 23.8%, and 7.7% had low RP. Almost half (49.2%) believe that teamwork is encouraged in their workplace. Social workers overall, have a higher average of dimensions affected at a high level, followed by administrative personnel, dentists, doctors and nurses (p<0.001). Permanent staff have a greater degree of emotional exhaustion (p<0.002). Those who rated their leaders worst and least rated teamwork had more emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and higher level of burnout in general (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The level of burnout among professionals is considerable, with differences existing between occupational categories. Teamwork and appreciating their leaders protect from burnout.

Prescription in patients with chronic heart failure and multimorbidity attended in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity and polypharmacy pose challenges to improving the quality of care. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between prescription of recommended treatment in ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure and multiple comorbidities and hospitalisation events. DESIGN: A population-based retrospective cohort study in Catalonia (north-east Spain). PARTICIPANTS: We included 7173 newly registered patients with chronic heart failure (59% women; mean [SD] age 76.3 [10.7] years). Patients were selected from the electronic patient records of primary care practices and followed for three years. OUTCOME MEASURES: Prescription of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and beta-blockers (BBs). RESULTS: Prescription of ACEI/ARBs in patients managed in primary care without a hospitalisation event during the follow-up rose from 50.8 to 83.5% for 0 and ≥4 comorbidities, respectively, and for ACEI/ARBs and BB from 13.1 to 30.6% for 0 and ≥4 comorbidities respectively. Patients with a hospitalisation event were treated more often (ACEI/ARBs or 1.47 [1.17 to 1.85]; ACEI/ARBs and BB or 1.41 [1.17 to 1.69]). Comorbid conditions receiving more treatment were hypertension (ACEI/ARBs or 3.75 [3.33 to 4.22]; ACEI/ARBs and BB or 1.40 [1.23 to 1.59]), diabetes mellitus (ACEI/ARBs or 1.79 [1.57 to 2.04]; ACEI/ARBs and BB or 1.33 [1.18 to 1.49]) and ischaemic heart disease (ACEI/ARBs or 1.25 [1.10 to 1.42]; ACEI/ARBs and BB or 3.01 [2.68 to 3.38]). CONCLUSION: Prescription of recommended treatment in patients with chronic heart failure increased as the number of comorbidities increased. Family physicians can provide equivalent care to more complex patients and those less complex, according to the number of comorbidities.

Supervivencia de pacientes ambulatorios con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica del área mediterránea. Un estudio de base poblacional / Survival in mediterranean ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure. A population-based study

Introducción y objetivos. La investigación realizada en pacientes ambulatorios con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica en el área mediterránea es escasa. Nuestro objetivo es describir las tendencias de supervivencia en nuestra población diana y la influencia de los factores pronósticos. Métodos. Llevamos a cabo un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de base poblacional en Cataluña sobre 5.659 pacientes ambulatorios (el 60% de mujeres; media de edad, 77 ± 10 años) con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica incidente. Se seleccionó a los pacientes elegibles a partir de los registros electrónicos de historias clínicas de centros de atención primaria de 2005 y se realizó un seguimiento hasta 2007. Resultados. Durante el periodo de seguimiento, se produjo la muerte de 950 pacientes (16,8%). La supervivencia tras el inicio de la insuficiencia cardiaca crónica, al cabo de 1, 2 y 3 años, fue del 90, el 80 y el 69% respectivamente. No hubo diferencias significativas de supervivencia entre varones y mujeres (p = 0,13). El modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox confirmó un aumento del riesgo de muerte con el avance de la edad (razón de riesgos = 1,06; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,06-1,07), diabetes mellitus (razón de riesgos = 1,53; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,33-1,76), enfermedad renal crónica (razón de riesgos = 1,73; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,45-2,05) y cardiopatía isquémica (razón de riesgos = 1,18; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,02-1,36). La hipertensión (razón de riesgos = 0,73; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,64-0,84) tuvo un efecto protector. Conclusiones. Los programas de planificación de servicios y de prevención deben tener en cuenta las tasas de supervivencia relativamente elevadas que se observan en nuestra área y el efecto de los factores pronósticos que pueden ser útiles para identificar a los pacientes de alto riesgo (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Scarce research has been performed in ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure in the Mediterranean area. Our aim was to describe survival trends in our target population and the impact of prognostic factors. Methods. We carried out a population-based retrospective cohort study in Catalonia (north-east Spain) of 5659 ambulatory patients (60% women; mean age 77 [10] years) with incident chronic heart failure. Eligible patients were selected from the electronic patient records of primary care practices from 2005 and were followed-up until 2007. Results. During the follow-up period deaths occurred in 950 patients (16.8%). Survival after the onset of chronic heart failure at 1, 2, and 3 years was 90%, 80%, 69%, respectively. No significant differences in survival were found between men and women (P=.13). Cox proportional hazard modelling confirmed an increased risk of death with older age (hazard ratio=1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.07), diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio=1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-1.76), chronic kidney disease (hazard ratio=1.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-2.05), and ischemic heart disease (hazard ratio=1.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.36). Hypertension (hazard ratio=0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.84) had a protective effect. Conclusions. Service planning and prevention programs should take into consideration the relatively high survival rates found in our area and the effect of prognostic factors that can help to identify high risk patients (AU)

Survival in Mediterranean ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure. A population-based study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Scarce research has been performed in ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure in the Mediterranean area. Our aim was to describe survival trends in our target population and the impact of prognostic factors. METHODS: We carried out a population-based retrospective cohort study in Catalonia (north-east Spain) of 5659 ambulatory patients (60% women; mean age 77 [10] years) with incident chronic heart failure. Eligible patients were selected from the electronic patient records of primary care practices from 2005 and were followed-up until 2007. RESULTS: During the follow-up period deaths occurred in 950 patients (16.8%). Survival after the onset of chronic heart failure at 1, 2, and 3 years was 90%, 80%, 69%, respectively. No significant differences in survival were found between men and women (P=.13). Cox proportional hazard modelling confirmed an increased risk of death with older age (hazard ratio=1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.07), diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio=1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-1.76), chronic kidney disease (hazard ratio=1.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-2.05), and ischemic heart disease (hazard ratio=1.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.36). Hypertension (hazard ratio=0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.84) had a protective effect. CONCLUSIONS: Service planning and prevention programs should take into consideration the relatively high survival rates found in our area and the effect of prognostic factors that can help to identify high risk patients.

[Experience of the quality improvement plan for the La Mina Health Centre (1989-2004)]. / Experiencia del plan de mejora de la calidad del Centro de Salud La Mina (1989-2004).

OBJECTIVES: To describe how well the problems detected by a quality improvement plan (QIP) for a health care team (HCT) were solved; and to analyse the identification methods, the quality causes and dimensions affected by the problems detected, and the participation of professionals. DESIGN: Descriptive study. Evaluation of the situation in December 2004 of the problems identified since 1989. SETTING: Urban HCT, with 58 professionals caring for a population of 18,897 inhabitants in the La Mina District, Barcelona, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Five-hundred and thirty problems identified. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Number and kind of detections and problems; identification methods; quality dimensions; causes; degree of solution, by method and cause; degree of solution of the QIP (of "internal" problems, excluding the problems caused externally or by patients); professional participation. RESULTS: In 312 meetings, there were 963 detections (annual average, 60.1; SD, 18.8), corresponding to 530 problems (annual average, 33.1; SD, 12.4). Of these 530 problems, 411 improved (77.5%). Of the 258 "internal" problems, 225 improved. The degree of solution of the QIP was 87.2%. The identification method that detected most problems (53.02% of the total) was the active listening of the quality improvement group. The quality dimensions most affected by the problems were effectiveness (31.7%) and accessibility (20.4%). The most frequent cause of problems and, at the same time, the category with the highest improvement rate (81.6%) was internal organization; 83.9% of professionals took part in the QIP. CONCLUSIONS: Having a QIP at our centre facilitated the management of the quality of care delivery.

Experiencia del plan de mejora de la calidad del Centro de Salud La Mina (1989-2004) / Experience of the quality improvement plan for the La Mina Health Centre (1989-2004)

Objetivo. Describir el grado de solución de los problemas detectados mediante un plan de mejora de la calidad (PMC) en un equipo de atención primaria (EAP) y analizar métodos de identificación, causas y dimensiones de la calidad afectadas por los problemas detectados y la participación del profesional. Diseño. Estudio descriptivo. Evaluación de la situación en diciembre de 2004 de los problemas identificados desde 1989. Emplazamiento. EAP urbano, constituido por 58 profesionales, que atiende a una población de 18.897 habitantes en el barrio de La Mina, Barcelona. Participantes. En total, 530 problemas identificados. Mediciones principales. Número y tipo de detecciones y problemas; métodos de identificación; dimensiones de la calidad; causas; grado de solución, por método y causa; grado de solución del PMC (de los problemas «internos», excluidos los problemas con causa externa o del paciente), y participación del profesional. Resultados. En 312 reuniones se realizaron 963 detecciones (media anual, 60,1 ± 18,8) que correspondieron a 530 problemas (media anual, 33,1 ± 12,4). De estos 530 problemas se mejoraron 411 (77,5%). De los 258 problemas «internos» se mejoraron 225. El grado de solución del PMC fue del 87,2%. El método de identificación que detectó más problemas (53,02% del total) fue la escucha activa del grupo de mejora de calidad. Las dimensiones de la calidad más afectadas por los problemas fueron la efectividad (31,7%) y la accesibilidad (20,4%). La causa más frecuente y, a su vez, con mayor índice de mejora (81,6%) fue la organización interna. El 83,9% de los profesionales participó en el PMC. Conclusiones. Disponer de un PMC en nuestro centro ha facilitado la gestión de la calidad asistencial

Objectives. To describe how well the problems detected by a quality improvement plan (QIP) for a health care team (HCT) were solved; and to analyse the identification methods, the quality causes and dimensions affected by the problems detected, and the participation of professionals. Design. Descriptive study. Evaluation of the situation in December 2004 of the problems identified since 1989. Setting. Urban HCT, with 58 professionals caring for a population of 18 897 inhabitants in the La Mina District, Barcelona, Spain. Participants. Five-hundred and thirty problems identified. Main measurements. Number and kind of detections and problems; identification methods; quality dimensions; causes; degree of solution, by method and cause; degree of solution of the QIP (of "internal" problems, excluding the problems caused externally or by patients); professional participation. Results. In 312 meetings, there were 963 detections (annual average, 60.1; SD, 18.8), corresponding to 530 problems (annual average, 33.1; SD, 12.4). Of these 530 problems, 411 improved (77.5%). Of the 258 "internal" problems, 225 improved. The degree of solution of the QIP was 87.2%. The identification method that detected most problems (53.02% of the total) was the active listening of the quality improvement group. The quality dimensions most affected by the problems were effectiveness (31.7%) and accessibility (20.4%). The most frequent cause of problems and, at the same time, the category with the highest improvement rate (81.6%) was internal organization; 83.9% of professionals took part in the QIP. Conclusions. Having a QIP at our centre facilitated the management of the quality of care delivery