Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Inappropriate Use of the Emergency Department.

Background: Inappropriate use of the emergency department (IEDU)-consisting of the unnecessary use of the resource by patients with no clinical need-is one of the leading causes of the loss of efficiency of the health system. Specific contexts modify routine clinical practice and usage patterns. This study aims to analyse the influence of COVID-19 on the IEDU and its causes. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted in the emergency department of a high-complexity hospital. The Hospital Emergency Suitability Protocol (HESP) was used to measure the prevalence of IEDU and its causes, comparing three pairs of periods: (1) March 2019 and 2020; (2) June 2019 and 2020; and (3) September 2019 and 2020. A bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for confounding variables, were utilized. Results: In total, 822 emergency visits were included (137 per period). A total prevalence of IEDU of 14.1% was found. There was a significant decrease in IEDU in March 2020 (OR: 0.03), with a prevalence of 0.8%. No differences were found in the other periods. A mistrust in primary care was the leading cause of IEDU (65.1%). Conclusions: The impact of COVID-19 reduced the frequency of IEDU during the period of more significant population restrictions, with IEDU returning to previous levels in subsequent months. Targeted actions in the field of population education and an improvement in primary care are positioned as strategies that could mitigate its impact.

Análisis espacial y temporal de la enfermedad neumocócica invasora por serotipos resistentes a eritromicina / Spatial and temporal analysis of invasive pneumococcal disease due to erythromycinresistant serotypes

Objetivos: Estudiar la distribución espacio-temporal de los casos de enfermedad neumocócica invasora (ENI) por serotipos resistentes a eritromicina y su relación con el consumo comunitario de macrólidos y la cobertura vacunal infantil. Métodos: Se seleccionaron los casos de ENI en mayores de 59 años residentes en la Comunidad de Madrid (CM) notificados en el periodo de 2007 a 2016. Las variables estudiadas fueron obtenidas de los sistemas de información vacunal y de Prestación Farmacéutica. Se utilizó el punto de corte (concentración mínima inhibitoria de eritromicina > 0,5 mg/L) de la clasificación de EUCAST para definir los serotipos resistentes a eritromicina. Mediante JointPoint se estimaron las tendencias de las incidencias de casos por serotipos resistentes a eritromicina incluidos en la vacuna trecevalente (STVCN13) y no incluidos (STnoVCN13). La asociación de esas incidencias con el consumo comunitario de macrólidos y la cobertura vacunal se hizo mediante modelos de Poisson. Para la detección de clústeres espacio-temporales se utilizó el estadístico Satscan. Resultados: Se identificaron 1.936 casos, de ellos, se detectó que 427 serotipos eran resistentes a la eritromicina. La incidencia de todos los casos por serotipos resistentes fue descendente (AAPC: -5,40%). La incidencia de casos por STVCN13 resistentes a la eritromicina fue descendente con un porcentaje anual del cambio (APC: -13,8) y estuvo asociada inversamente a la cobertura vacunal infantil (IRR 0,641), mientras que la de casos por STnoVCN13 resistentes a eritromicina fue ascendente (APC: 4,5) y no se asoció con la cobertura. Se detectó un clúster por STnoVCN13 y ninguno por STVCN13 tras la inclusión de la trecevalente en el calendario vacunal infantil. Conclusiones: El descenso de ENI por STVCN13 resistentes se asoció con el incremento de la cobertura vacunal infantil...(AU)

Objectives: To study the spatio-temporal distribution of cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) due to serotypes resistant to erythromycin and its relationship with community consumption of macrolides and childhood vaccination coverage. Methods: We selected IPD cases in adults over 59 years old, residents in the Community of Madrid (MC), notified in the period 2007-2016. The variables studied were obtained from the Vaccination Information Systems and the Pharmaceutical Service. The cut-off point (minimum inhibitory erythromycin concentration > 0.5 mg/L) of the EUCAST classification was used to define erythromycin resistant serotypes. We used JointPoint to estimate the incidence trends by erythromycin resistant serotypes included in the 13-valent vaccine (STPCV13) and not included in it (STnoPCV13). The association of these incidences with the community consumption of macrolides and vaccination coverage was made using Poisson models. Statistical scanning was used for the detection of temporal-spaces clusters of cases. Results: 1936 cases were identified, of which 427 erythromycin resistant serotypes were identified. The incidence of all cases due to resistant serotypes was decreasing (AAPC: -5,40%). During the period studied, the incidence of cases due to erythromycin resistant STPCV13 was decreasing with an annual percentage change (APC): -13.8 and was inversely associated with childhood vaccination coverage (IRR 0.641), while that of cases due to erythromycin resistant STnoPCV13 was ascending (APC): 4.5; and was not associated with coverage. 1 cluster was detected by STnoPCV13 and none by STPCV13 after the date of inclusion of the 13-valent in the childhood vaccination calendar. Conclusions: The decrease in IPD due to resistant STPCV13 was associated with an increase in childhood vaccination coverage...(AU)

Spatial and temporal analysis of invasive pneumococcal disease due to erythromycinresistant serotypes.

OBJECTIVES: To study the spatio-temporal distribution of cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) due to serotypes resistant to erythromycin and its relationship with community consumption of macrolides and childhood vaccination coverage. METHODS: We selected IPD cases in adults over 59 years old, residents in the Community of Madrid (MC), notified in the period 2007-2016. The variables studied were obtained from the Vaccination Information Systems and the Pharmaceutical Service. The cut-off point (minimum inhibitory erythromycin concentration > 0.5 mg/L) of the EUCAST classification was used to define erythromycin resistant serotypes. We used JointPoint to estimate the incidence trends by erythromycin resistant serotypes included in the 13-valent vaccine (STPCV13) and not included in it (STnoPCV13). The association of these incidences with the community consumption of macrolides and vaccination coverage was made using Poisson models. Statistical scanning was used for the detection of temporal-spaces clusters of cases. RESULTS: 1936 cases were identified, of which 427 erythromycin resistant serotypes were identified. The incidence of all cases due to resistant serotypes was decreasing (AAPC: -5,40%). During the period studied, the incidence of cases due to erythromycin resistant STPCV13 was decreasing with an annual percentage change (APC): -13.8 and was inversely associated with childhood vaccination coverage (IRR 0.641), while that of cases due to erythromycin resistant STnoPCV13 was ascending (APC): 4.5; and was not associated with coverage. 1 cluster was detected by STnoPCV13 and none by STPCV13 after the date of inclusion of the 13-valent in the childhood vaccination calendar. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in IPD due to resistant STPCV13 was associated with an increase in childhood vaccination coverage. The presence of clusters due to STnoPCV13 after the date of inclusion of the 13-valent vaccine in the childhood vaccination calendar indicates serotypes replacement. The increase in cases of resistant STnoPCV13 could be related to the replacement of vaccine serotypes in nasopharyngeal colonization, facilitated by the consumption of macrolides still at high levels in MC.

How Does Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 Affect Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19?

(1) Background: The development of effective COVID-19 vaccines has reduced the impact of COVID-19 on the general population. Our study aims to analyze how vaccination modifies the likelihood of death and length of stay in hospitalized patients with COVID-19; (2) Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 1927 hospitalized patients infected with COVID-19 was conducted. Information was gathered on vaccination status, hospitalization episode, and clinical profile of the patients. The effect of vaccination on mortality was analyzed using a multiple logistic regression model, and length of stay was analyzed using linear regression. The performance and fit of the models were evaluated; (3) Results: In hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the risk of dying during admission in vaccinated patients was half that of non-vaccinated (OR: 0.45; CI 95%: 0.25 to 0.84). In patients who were discharged due to improvement, the reduction in hospital stay in vaccinated patients was 3.17 days (CI 95%: 5.88 to 0.47); (4) Conclusions: Patients who, despite having been vaccinated, acquire the infection by SARS-CoV-2, have a significant reduction of the risk of death during admission and a reduction of hospital stay compared with unvaccinated patients.

Spatial and temporal analysis of invasive pneumococcal disease due to erythromycinresistant serotypes. / Análisis espacial y temporal de la enfermedad neumocócica invasora por serotipos resistentes a eritromicina.

OBJECTIVES: To study the spatio-temporal distribution of cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) due to serotypes resistant to erythromycin and its relationship with community consumption of macrolides and childhood vaccination coverage. METHODS: We selected IPD cases in adults over 59 years old, residents in the Community of Madrid (MC), notified in the period 2007-2016. The variables studied were obtained from the Vaccination Information Systems and the Pharmaceutical Service. The cut-off point (minimum inhibitory erythromycin concentration > 0.5 mg/L) of the EUCAST classification was used to define erythromycin resistant serotypes. We used JointPoint to estimate the incidence trends by erythromycin resistant serotypes included in the 13-valent vaccine (STPCV13) and not included in it (STnoPCV13). The association of these incidences with the community consumption of macrolides and vaccination coverage was made using Poisson models. Statistical scanning was used for the detection of temporal-spaces clusters of cases. RESULTS: 1936 cases were identified, of which 427 erythromycin resistant serotypes were identified. The incidence of all cases due to resistant serotypes was decreasing (AAPC: -5,40%). During the period studied, the incidence of cases due to erythromycin resistant STPCV13 was decreasing with an annual percentage change (APC): -13.8 and was inversely associated with childhood vaccination coverage (IRR 0.641), while that of cases due to erythromycin resistant STnoPCV13 was ascending (APC): 4.5; and was not associated with coverage. 1 cluster was detected by STnoPCV13 and none by STPCV13 after the date of inclusion of the 13-valent in the childhood vaccination calendar. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in IPD due to resistant STPCV13 was associated with an increase in childhood vaccination coverage. The presence of clusters due to STnoPCV13 after the date of inclusion of the 13-valent vaccine in the childhood vaccination calendar indicates serotypes replacement. The increase in cases of resistant STnoPCV13 could be related to the replacement of vaccine serotypes in nasopharyngeal colonization, facilitated by the consumption of macrolides still at high levels in MC.

Evolución de la enfermedad neumocócica invasora y sus serotipos en la Comunidad de Madrid / nfermedad neumocócica invasiva pediátrica en la isla de Gran Canaria: estudio prospectivo durante 16 años (2001-2016)

INTRODUCCIÓN: Streptococcus pneumoniae es una causa importante de morbilidad, y la vacuna es la medida más eficaz para prevenirla. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la evolución de la enfermedad neumocócica invasora (ENI). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional de los casos de ENI residentes en la Comunidad de Madrid notificados a la Red de Vigilancia Epidemiológica entre los años 2008 y 2015. El caso de ENI se definió como la enfermedad producida por Streptococcus pneumoniae, con aislamiento, detección de ADN o detección de antígeno, en muestras procedentes de sitios normalmente estériles. Las cepas aisladas se enviaron al Laboratorio Regional de Salud Pública para la identificación del serotipo. Los serotipos se clasificaron según su inclusión en la vacuna heptavalente (VCN7), en la vacuna trecevalente pero no en la heptavalente (VCN13 adicional) y no incluidos en la VCN13 (no VCN). Se calcularon las razones de incidencia (RI) comparando los períodos 2011-2012 y 2013-2015 con el período 2008-2010. RESULTADOS: Se notificaron 4.307 casos. El 86,6% fueron serotipados. La RI de ENI para todos los serotipos fue de 0,67 y de 0,67; la RI para los serotipos VCN7 fue de 0,43 y de 0,45; la RI para los VCN13 adicional fue de 0,46 y de 0,25, y la RI para los no VCN fue de 1,01 y de 1,32 en los períodos 2011-2012 y 2013-2015. Los serotipos 8, 9 N, 10A, 23B, 24F y el serogrupo 33 incrementaron su incidencia de manera significativa en el período 2013-2015. Los serotipos 15B y 24F supusieron el 24% de los casos no VCN13 en menores de 5años, los serotipos 8 y 9 N el 51% en población de 5 a 59 años y los serotipos 8 y 22F el 25% en mayores de 59 años. CONCLUSIONES: La incidencia de serotipos no incluidos en vacunas conjugadas ha aumentado, especialmente en menores de 5 años, pero la incidencia total de ENI ha disminuido. Es imprescindible continuar con los programas de vigilancia epidemiológica y microbiológica para valorar el efecto de la vacunación sobre la incidencia de la ENI

INTRODUCTION: Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of morbidity. Vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent it. The aim of this study is to analyse the evolution of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational study of IPD cases notified to the Epidemiological Surveillance Network of the Autonomous Community of Madrid between 2008 and 2015. The IPD case was defined as the disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, with isolation and DNA or antigen detection, in samples from normally sterile sites. The isolated strains were sent to the Regional Public Health Laboratory for identification of the serotype. Serotypes were classified according to their inclusion in the 7-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV7), in the 13-valent vaccine, but not in the 7-valent vaccine (PCV13-additional) and not included in the 13-valent vaccine (non-PCV). The Incidence Rate Ratios (IRRs) were calculated comparing the 2011-2012 and 2013-2015 periods with the 2008-2010 period. RESULTS: 4,307 cases were reported. 86.6% were serotyped. The IRR of IPD was 0.67 and 0.67 for all serotypes; 0.43 and 0.45 for PCV7 serotypes; 0.46 and 0.25 for PCV13-additional serotypes, and 1.01 and 1.32 for non-PCV13 serotypes in the 2011-2012 and 2013-2015 periods. The incidence of serotypes 8, 9 N, 10A, 23B, 24F and serogroup 33 increased significantly in the 2013-2015 period. Serotypes 15B and 24F accounted for 24% of non-PCV13 cases in children under 5 years, serotypes 8 and 9 N for 51% in the population aged 5 to 59 years and serotypes 8 and 22 F for 25% in the population aged over 59 years. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of serotypes not included in conjugate vaccines has increased, especially in children under 5years, but the total incidence of IPD has decreased. It is important to continue with the epidemiological and microbiological surveillance programmes to assess the effect of vaccination on the incidence of IPD

[Patient Safety Culture and teaching: an ins- trument to evaluate knowledge and perceptions among different health professionals of the Madrid Region health system]. / Cultura de Seguridad del Paciente y Docencia: un instrumento para evaluar conocimientos y percepciones en profesionales del sistema sanitario de la Comunidad de Madrid

OBJECTIVE: The patient safety culture (PSC) in health institutions depends on various organizational and human factors. Our aim was to evaluate, as a teaching strategy, the knowledge in patient safety and perceptions about the PSC. METHODS: A convenience sample, with 122 health professionals from Regional Minister of Health's patient safety courses attendees in 2015. Be- fore each course, were delivered a knowledge questionnaire about patient safety (own elaboration) and a validated PSC questionnaire (estimating 3 dimensions: managerial support, perception of safety and expectations / actions). Valuations on CSP were recategorized in positive, negative and neutral, identifying strengths (greater than or equal to 75% of positive evaluations) and opportunities for improvement (greater than or equal to 50% of negative evaluations). At the end of each course an anonymous satisfaction questionnaire was delivered. RESULTS: 60% responded correctly to questions about knowledge in patient safety, identifying areas for improvement in safe practices (hand hygiene and microorganisms resistant to antibiotics, with 66% and 61% of incorrect answers, respectively), and in management of health risks (investigation and identification of adverse events, with 62% and 56% of incorrect answers, respectively). 80% considered the institutional PSC positive, and the perception of safety as an opportunity for improvement (63.9% of negative evaluations). Thus, 88% admitted worrying about patient safety only after adverse incidents, and 65% felt afraid to talk about them. The satisfaction with the teaching methodology was 9.3 points out of 10. CONCLUSIONS: The overall assessment of PSC was mostly positive, identifying specific areas for improvement that allowed orienting the training in patient safety, motivating the participants and suggesting intervention strategies to improve patient safety in our organizations.

OBJETIVO: La cultura de seguridad del paciente (CSP) en las instituciones sanitarias depende de diversos factores organizativos y humanos. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar, como estrategia docente, los conocimientos y percepciones sobre la CSP. METODOS: Muestra de conveniencia, con 122 profesionales sanitarios y no sanitarios, que asistieron en 2015 a cursos sobre seguridad del paciente organizados por la Consejería de Sanidad de Madrid. Antes de cada curso, autocompletaron un cuestionario de conocimientos sobre seguridad del paciente (elaboración propia) y otro cuestionario validado sobre CSP (estimando 3 dimensiones: apoyo directivo, percepción de seguridad y expectativas/ acciones). Las valoraciones sobre la CSP se recategorizaron en positivas, negativas y neutras, identificando fortalezas (mayor o igual al 75% de valoraciones positivas) y oportunidades de mejora (mayor o igual al 50% de valoraciones negativas). Al finalizar cada curso, cumplimentaron un cuestionario anónimo de satisfacción. RESULTADOS: El 60% respondió correctamente a las preguntas sobre conocimientos en seguridad del paciente, identificando áreas de mejora en prácticas seguras (higiene de manos y microorganismos resistentes a antibióticos, con 66% y 61% de respuestas incorrectas, respectivamente), y en gestión de riesgos sanitarios (investigación e identificación de eventos adversos, con el 62% y 56% de respuestas incorrectas, respectivamente). El 80% consideró positiva la CSP institucional, y la percepción de seguridad como oportunidad de mejora (63,9% de valoraciones negativas). Así, el 88% reconocía preocuparse por la seguridad del paciente sólo tras incidentes adversos, y el 65% sentía miedo a hablar sobre estos. La satisfacción con la metodología docente fue de 9,3 puntos sobre 10. CONCLUSIONES: La valoración global de la CSP fue mayoritariamente positiva, identificándose áreas de mejora específicas utilizadas como estrategia docente para ilustrar conceptos, motivar a los participantes y sugerir estrategias de intervención para mejorar la cultura de seguridad del paciente en nuestras organizaciones.

Trends of invasive pneumococcal disease and its serotypes in the Autonomous Community of Madrid. / Evolución de la enfermedad neumocócica invasora y sus serotipos en la Comunidad de Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of morbidity. Vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent it. The aim of this study is to analyse the evolution of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational study of IPD cases notified to the Epidemiological Surveillance Network of the Autonomous Community of Madrid between 2008 and 2015. The IPD case was defined as the disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, with isolation and DNA or antigen detection, in samples from normally sterile sites. The isolated strains were sent to the Regional Public Health Laboratory for identification of the serotype. Serotypes were classified according to their inclusion in the 7-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV7), in the 13-valent vaccine, but not in the 7-valent vaccine (PCV13-additional) and not included in the 13-valent vaccine (non-PCV). The Incidence Rate Ratios (IRRs) were calculated comparing the 2011-2012 and 2013-2015 periods with the 2008-2010 period. RESULTS: 4,307 cases were reported. 86.6% were serotyped. The IRR of IPD was 0.67 and 0.67 for all serotypes; 0.43 and 0.45 for PCV7 serotypes; 0.46 and 0.25 for PCV13-additional serotypes, and 1.01 and 1.32 for non-PCV13 serotypes in the 2011-2012 and 2013-2015 periods. The incidence of serotypes 8, 9N, 10A, 23B, 24F and serogroup 33 increased significantly in the 2013-2015 period. Serotypes 15B and 24F accounted for 24% of non-PCV13 cases in children under 5years, serotypes 8 and 9N for 51% in the population aged 5 to 59years and serotypes 8 and 22F for 25% in the population aged over 59years. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of serotypes not included in conjugate vaccines has increased, especially in children under 5years, but the total incidence of IPD has decreased. It is important to continue with the epidemiological and microbiological surveillance programmes to assess the effect of vaccination on the incidence of IPD.

Cultura de Seguridad del Paciente y Docencia: un instrumento para evaluar conocimientos y percepciones en profesionales del sistema sanitario de la Comunidad de Madrid / Patient Safety Culture and teaching: an instrument to evaluate knowledge and perceptions among different health professionals of the Madrid Region health system

Fundamentos: La cultura de seguridad del paciente (CSP) en las instituciones sanitarias depende de diversos factores organizativos y humanos. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar, como estrategia docente, los conocimientos y percepciones sobre la CSP. Métodos: Muestra de conveniencia, con 122 profesionales sanitarios y no sanitarios, que asistieron en 2015 a cursos sobre seguridad del paciente organizados por la Consejería de Sanidad de Madrid. Antes de cada curso, autocompletaron un cuestionario de conocimientos sobre seguridad del paciente (elaboración propia) y otro cuestionario validado sobre CSP (estimando 3 dimensiones: apoyo directivo, percepción de seguridad y expectativas/acciones). Las valoraciones sobre la CSP se recategorizaron en positivas, negativas y neutras, identificando fortalezas (≥75% de valoraciones positivas) y oportunidades de mejora (≥50% de valoraciones negativas). Al finalizar cada curso, cumplimentaron un cuestionario anónimo de satisfacción. Resultados: El 60% respondió correctamente a las preguntas sobre conocimientos en seguridad del paciente, identificando áreas de mejora en prácticas seguras (higiene de manos y microorganismos resistentes a antibióticos, con 66% y 61% de respuestas incorrectas, respectivamente), y en gestión de riesgos sanitarios (investigación e identificación de eventos adversos, con el 62% y 56% de respuestas incorrectas, respectivamente). El 80% consideró positiva la CSP institucional, y la percepción de seguridad como oportunidad de mejora (63,9% de valoraciones negativas). Así, el 88% reconocía preocuparse por la seguridad del paciente sólo tras incidentes adversos, y el 65% sentía miedo a hablar sobre estos. La satisfacción con la metodología docente fue de 9,3 puntos sobre 10. Conclusiones: La valoración global de la CSP fue mayoritariamente positiva, identificándose áreas de mejora específicas utilizadas como estrategia docente para ilustrar conceptos, motivar a los participantes y sugerir estrategias de intervención para mejorar la cultura de seguridad del paciente en nuestras organizaciones

Background: The patient safety culture (PSC) in health institutions depends on various organizational and human factors. Our aim was to evaluate, as a teaching strategy, the knowledge in patient safety and perceptions about the PSC. Methods: A convenience sample, with 122 health professionals from Regional Minister of Health's patient safety courses attendees in 2015. Before each course, were delivered a knowledge questionnaire about patient safety (own elaboration) and a validated PSC questionnaire (estimating 3 dimensions: managerial support, perception of safety and expectations / actions). Valuations on CSP were recategorized in positive, negative and neutral, identifying strengths (≥75% of positive evaluations) and opportunities for improvement (≥50% of negative evaluations). At the end of each course an anonymous satisfaction questionnaire was delivered. Results: 60% responded correctly to questions about knowledge in patient safety, identifying areas for improvement in safe practices (hand hygiene and microorganisms resistant to antibiotics, with 66% and 61% of incorrect answers, respectively), and in management of health risks (investigation and identification of adverse events, with 62% and 56% of incorrect answers, respectively). 80% considered the institutional PSC positive, and the perception of safety as an opportunity for improvement (63.9% of negative evaluations). Thus, 88% admitted worrying about patient safety only after adverse incidents, and 65% felt afraid to talk about them. The satisfaction with the teaching methodology was 9.3 points out of 10. Conclusions: The overall assessment of PSC was mostly positive, identifying specific areas for improvement that allowed orienting the training in patient safety, motivating the participants and suggesting intervention strategies to improve patient safety in our organizations