Quality of life of patients with rheumatic diseases / Calidad de vida de los pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas

Objective: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important indicator of population health and can measure the impact of medical actions. The main objective of this study was to determine the HRQoL of patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) and compare it with that of the general population. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, single-center study, with consecutive inclusion of outpatients over 18 years of age seen at a Rheumatology hospital-based outpatient clinic in Madrid. Sociodemographic, clinical variables and HRQoL were recorded. HRQoL was measured with the 5-dimension, 5-level EuroQoL (EQ-5D-5L), which includes the EQ-Index (0–1 scale) and a visual analog scale (VAS, 0–100 scale). A descriptive analysis and a comparison with the HRQoL of the Spanish general population were performed. Results: 1144 patients were included, 820 (71.68%) women, with a mean age of 56.1 years (range 18–95), of whom 241 (25.44%) were new patients. In patients with RD, the HRQoL measured with the EQ-Index and with the VAS, was 0.186 and 12 points lower, respectively, than in the general population. The decrease in HRQoL affected the 5 health dimensions, especially “pain/discomfort”, followed by “daily activities” and “mobility”. This reduction in HRQoL was observed in both men and women, and in all age ranges, although it was greater between 18 and 65 years of age. The reduction in HRQoL affected all RD subtypes, especially the “peripheral and axial mechanical pathology” and the “soft tissue pathology” group. Conclusions: Patients with rheumatic diseases report worse HRQoL when compared to the general population in all dimensions of HRQoL.(AU)

Objetivo: La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) se considera un indicador importante para valorar el estado de salud poblacional y medir el impacto de las actuaciones médicas. El principal objetivo de este estudio es conocer la CVRS de los pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas (RD, por sus siglas en inglés) y compararla con la población general. Métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal, unicéntrico, con inclusión consecutiva de pacientes ambulatorios mayores de 18 años atendidos en la consulta hospitalaria de reumatología. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y CVRS medida con el EuroQoL de 5 dimensiones y 5 niveles (EQ-5D-5L) que incluye el EQ-Índex (escala 0-1) y una escala visual analógica (EVA, escala 0-100). Se realizó un análisis descriptico y una comparación con la población española según la Encuesta Nacional de Salud. Resultados: Se han incluido 1.144 pacientes, 820 (71,68%) mujeres, con edad media de 56,1 años (rango 18-95), de los que 241 (25,44%) eran pacientes nuevos. En los pacientes con RD, la CVRS medida con el EQ-Index y con la EVA, fue de 0,186 y 12 puntos menor, respectivamente, que en la población general. La CVRS afectó a las 5 dimensiones de salud, especialmente a «dolor/malestar», seguida de «actividades cotidianas» y «movilidad». Esta reducción de la CVRS se mantuvo tanto en varones y mujeres, y en todos los segmentos de edad, aunque fue mayor entre los 18 y 65 años. La reducción de CVRS afectó a todos los subtipos de RD, especialmente a la «Enfermedad mecánica periférica y axial» y al grupo de «Enfermedad de tejidos blandos». Conclusiones: Los pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas declaran peor CVRS en comparación a la población general en todas las dimensiones de la CVRS.(AU)

Quality of life of patients with rheumatic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important indicator of population health and can measure the impact of medical actions. The main objective of this study was to determine the HRQoL of patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) and compare it with that of the general population. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, single-center study, with consecutive inclusion of outpatients over 18 years of age seen at a Rheumatology hospital-based outpatient clinic in Madrid. Sociodemographic, clinical variables and HRQoL were recorded. HRQoL was measured with the 5-dimension, 5-level EuroQoL (EQ-5D-5L), which includes the EQ-Index (0-1 scale) and a visual analog scale (VAS, 0-100 scale). A descriptive analysis and a comparison with the HRQoL of the Spanish general population were performed. RESULTS: 1144 patients were included, 820 (71.68%) women, with a mean age of 56.1 years (range 18-95), of whom 241 (25.44%) were new patients. In patients with RD, the HRQoL measured with the EQ-Index and with the VAS, was 0.186 and 12 points lower, respectively, than in the general population. The decrease in HRQoL affected the 5 health dimensions, especially "pain/discomfort", followed by "daily activities" and "mobility". This reduction in HRQoL was observed in both men and women, and in all age ranges, although it was greater between 18 and 65 years of age. The reduction in HRQoL affected all RD subtypes, especially the "peripheral and axial mechanical pathology" and the "soft tissue pathology" group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with rheumatic diseases report worse HRQoL when compared to the general population in all dimensions of HRQoL.

Cost/efficacy analysis of preferred Spanish AIDS study group regimens and the dual therapy with lopinavir/ritonavir plus lamivudine for initial ART in HIV infected adults / Análisis de coste/eficacia de las pautas preferentes de GESIDA/Plan Nacional sobre el Sida y de biterapia con lopinavir/ritonavir más lamivudina para el tratamiento antirretroviral inicial en adultos infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana

INTRODUCTION: The National AIDS Plan and the Spanish AIDS study group (GESIDA) proposes 'preferred regimens' (PR) of antiretroviral treatment (ART) as initial therapy in HIV-infected patients. In 2013, the recommended regimens were all triple therapy regimens. The Gardel Study assessed the efficacy of a dual therapy (DT) combination of lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) plus lamivudine (3TC). Our objective is to evaluate the GESIDA PR and the DT regimen LPV/r+3TC cost/efficacy ratios. METHODS: Decision tree models were built. Efficacy: probability of having viral load < 50 copies/mL at week 48. ART regime cost: costs of ART, adverse effects, and drug resistance tests during the first 48 weeks. RESULTS: Cost/efficacy ratios varied between 5,817€ and 13,930 € per responder at 48 weeks, for the DT of LPV/r+3TC and tenofovir DF/emtricitabine+raltegravir, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Taking into account the official Spanish prices of ART, the most efficient regimen was DT of LPV/r+3TC, followed by the triple therapy with non-nucleoside containing regimens

INTRODUCCIÓN: El Plan Nacional sobre el Sida y el grupo de estudio del SIDA-SEIMC (GESIDA) propone «regímenes preferentes» (RP) de tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR) como terapia inicial en pacientes infectados por VIH. Todos los regímenes recomendados en el año 2013 eran de terapia triple. El Estudio Gardel evaluó la eficacia de una doble terapia (DT) que combina lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) más lamivudina (3TC). Nuestro objetivo es evaluar los ratios de coste/eficacia de los RP de GESIDA y el régimen de DT LPV/r+3TC. MÉTODOS: Construcción de árboles de decisión como modelos de evaluación económica. Eficacia: probabilidad de tener una carga viral <50 copias/ml en la semana 48. Coste del régimen de TAR: coste del TAR, efectos adversos y tests de resistencia durante las primeras 48 semanas. RESULTADOS: Los ratios de coste/eficacia variaron entre 5.817€ y 13.930€ por respondedor a las 48 semanas, para la DT LPV/r+3TC y tenofovir DF/emtricitabina+raltegravir, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: Con los precios oficiales españoles de TAR, el régimen más eficiente fue la DT con LPV/r+3TC, seguida de la terapia triple con regímenes que no contienen nucleósidos

Cost/efficacy analysis of preferred Spanish AIDS study group regimens and the dual therapy with lopinavir/ritonavir plus lamivudine for initial ART in HIV infected adults.

INTRODUCTION: The National AIDS Plan and the Spanish AIDS study group (GESIDA) proposes "preferred regimens" (PR) of antiretroviral treatment (ART) as initial therapy in HIV-infected patients. In 2013, the recommended regimens were all triple therapy regimens. The Gardel Study assessed the efficacy of a dual therapy (DT) combination of lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) plus lamivudine (3TC). Our objective is to evaluate the GESIDA PR and the DT regimen LPV/r+3TC cost/efficacy ratios. METHODS: Decision tree models were built. EFFICACY: probability of having viral load <50 copies/mL at week 48. ART regime cost: costs of ART, adverse effects, and drug resistance tests during the first 48 weeks. RESULTS: Cost/efficacy ratios varied between 5,817 and 13,930 euros per responder at 48 weeks, for the DT of LPV/r+3TC and tenofovir DF/emtricitabine+raltegravir, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Taking into account the official Spanish prices of ART, the most efficient regimen was DT of LPV/r+3TC, followed by the triple therapy with non-nucleoside containing regimens.

Delphi consensus statement: Quality Indicators for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Comprehensive Care Units.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: While it is commonly accepted that Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Comprehensive Care Units (ICCUs) facilitate the delivery of quality care to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients, it remains unclear how an ICCU should be defined or evaluated. The aim of the present study was to develop a comprehensive set of Quality Indicators (QIs) of structure, process, and outcomes for defining and evaluating an ICCU. METHODS: A Delphi consensus-based approach with a standardized three-step process was used to identify a core set of QIs. The process included an exhaustive search using complementary approaches to identify potential QIs, and two Delphi voting rounds to select the QIs defining the core requirements for an ICCU. RESULTS: The consensus selected a core set of 56 QIs (12 structure, 20 process and 24 outcome). Structure and process QIs highlighted the need for multidisciplinary management and continuity of care. The minimal IBD team should include an IBD nurse, gastroenterologists, radiologists, surgeons, endoscopists and stoma management specialists. ICCUs should be able to provide both outpatient and inpatient care and admission should not break the continuity of care. Outcome QIs focused on the adequate prophylaxis of disease complication and drug adverse events, the need to monitor appropriateness of treatment and the need to reinforce patient autonomy by providing adequate information and facilitating the patients' participation in their own care. CONCLUSIONS: The present Delphi consensus identified a set of core QIs that may be useful for evaluating and certifying ICCUs.

Estándares de calidad asistencial para las consultas de enfermería en reumatología / Quality of care standards for nursing clinics in rheumatology

Introducción. Las consultas de enfermería en reumatología (CER) son modelos organizativos asistenciales en el ámbito de competencias de enfermería. Hay diversos modelos de CER, pero no existe una definición operacional. El objetivo del proyecto es elaborar estándares de calidad para definir y caracterizar una CER. Método. Estudio Delphi a 2 rondas. El panel estuvo constituido por 67 expertos: reumatólogos y enfermeras del Grupo de Trabajo de Enfermería de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología (SER). El cuestionario se elaboró tras revisión bibliográfica y experiencias de proyectos previos de la SER. El cuestionario consta de 7 apartados: consideraciones generales, estándares de estructura, de proceso, de tratamiento y seguimiento, educación sanitaria, formación e investigación y calidad asistencial. Cada ítem se puntuó de 1 (menos importante) a 9 (más importante) o mediante una cifra. El grado de acuerdo de los expertos se categorizó según el coeficiente de variación (CV) entre muy alto (CV ≤ 25%) y muy bajo (CV > 100%). Resultados. El cuestionario de la segunda ronda (182 ítems) fue respondido por 46 panelistas (34 reumatólogos y 12 enfermeras). Se obtuvo un grado de acuerdo muy importante en los estándares generales, de estructura, de proceso, de tratamiento y seguimiento, educación sanitaria y calidad asistencial. Se encontró menor acuerdo en los estándares relacionados con el tiempo para formación, el número de proyectos de investigación propios de enfermería y de publicaciones recomendables. Conclusión. Los estándares desarrollados en este estudio permitirían establecer mínimos deseables de calidad de estructura, proceso, labor asistencial, investigadora y docente que se pueden utilizar para desarrollar y evaluar las CER (AU)

Background. Nursing clinics in rheumatology (NCR) are organizational models in the field of nursing care. There are various NCR models, but there is no consensus on its operational definition. Our objective is to develop quality standards to define and characterize a NCR. Method. Two-round Delphi method. The panel consisted of 67 experts: rheumatologists and nurses of the nursing working group of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SSR). The Delphi questionnaire was developed after a literature and experience review from previous SSR projects. The questionnaire consists of 7 sections: general considerations, standards of structure, process, treatment and monitoring, health education, training and research and quality of care. Each item was scored from 1 (least important) to 9 (most important) or by assigning a number (e.g. waiting days). The degree of agreement among the experts was categorized according to the coefficient of variation (CoV) between very high (CoV≤25%) and very low (CoV>100%). Results. The second round questionnaire (182 items) was answered by 46 panelists (34 rheumatologists and 12 nurses). A very important agreement was reached on the general standards of structure, process, treatment and monitoring, health education and quality of care. Less agreement was observed on standards related to training time, number of recommended nurses’ research projects and publications. Conclusion. The standards developed in this study would be useful for establishing desirable quality standards of structure and process, and criteria for clinical work, research and teaching that can be used to develop and evaluate the NCRs (AU)

Quality of care standards for nursing clinics in rheumatology.

BACKGROUND: Nursing clinics in rheumatology (NCR) are organizational models in the field of nursing care. There are various NCR models, but there is no consensus on its operational definition. Our objective is to develop quality standards to define and characterize a NCR. METHOD: Two-round Delphi method. The panel consisted of 67 experts: Rheumatologists and nurses of the nursing working group of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SSR). The Delphi questionnaire was developed after a literature and experience review from previous SSR projects. The questionnaire consists of 7 sections: general considerations, standards of structure, process, treatment and monitoring, health education, training and research and quality of care. Each item was scored from 1 (least important) to 9 (most important) or by assigning a number (e.g., waiting days). The degree of agreement among the experts was categorized according to the coefficient of variation (CoV) between very high (CoV≤25%) and very low (CoV>100%). RESULTS: The second round questionnaire (182 items) was answered by 46 panelists (34 rheumatologists and 12 nurses). A very important agreement was reached on the general standards of structure, process, treatment and monitoring, health education and quality of care. Less agreement was observed on standards related to training time, number of recommended nurses' research projects and publications. CONCLUSION: The standards developed in this study would be useful for establishing desirable quality standards of structure and process, and criteria for clinical work, research and teaching that can be used to develop and evaluate the NCRs.

Rheumatology in the community of Madrid: current availability of rheumatologists and future needs using a predictive model.

OBJECTIVES: To: 1) describe the distribution of the public sector rheumatologists; 2) identify variables on which the workload in Rheumatology depends; and 3) build a predictive model on the need of rheumatologists for the next 10 years, in the Community of Madrid (CM). METHODOLOGY: The information was obtained through structured questionnaires sent to all services/units of Rheumatology of public hospitals in the CM. The population figures, current and forecasted, were obtained from the National Statistics Institute. A predictive model was built based on information about the current and foreseeable supply, current and foreseeable demand, and the assumptions and criteria used to match supply with demand. The underlying uncertainty in the model was assessed by sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: In the CM in 2011 there were 150 staff rheumatologists and 49 residents in 27 centers, which is equivalent to one rheumatologist for every 33,280 inhabitants in the general population, and one for every 4,996 inhabitants over 65 years. To keep the level of assistance of 2011 in 2021 in the general population, it would be necessary to train more residents or hire more rheumatologists in scenarios of demand higher than 15%. However, to keep the level of assistance in the population over 65 years of age it would be necessary to train more residents or hire more specialists even without increased demand. CONCLUSIONS: The model developed may be very useful for planning, with the CM policy makers, the needs of human resources in Rheumatology in the coming years.

Inercia terapéutica en pacientes hipertensos asistidos en atención primaria en España. Estudio Objetivo Kontrol / Objective KONTROL study: therapeutic inertia in hypertensive patients attended in primary care of Spain

ObjetivosConocer el grado de inercia terapéutica (IT) y determinar los factores asociados al paciente, médico y organización sanitaria en pacientes hipertensos asistidos en atención primaria (AP).DiseñoEstudio transversal y multicéntrico.EmplazamentoMuestra de Equipos de AP de toda España.ParticipantesEl estudio fue realizado entre médicos de AP mediante un cuestionario y registro clínico de 4 pacientes.Mediciones principalesSe calculó la IT para cada paciente (ITp) como la proporción de visitas en las que no se produce un cambio en la medicación cuando está indicado.ResultadosUn total de 543 médicos aportaron datos de 2.032 pacientes, que cumplían el requisito de indicación de cambio, en el 77,8% de los casos se actuó con IT. La ITp observada fue inexistente o baja para el 17,1% de los pacientes, intermedia para el 42% y alta para el 40,8%. Los factores, relativos a los pacientes, que más se asociaron con la ITp alta fueron la edad (p<0,001), diabetes (p<0,001), ictus (p<0,01), obesidad (p<0,01) y el nivel bajo de estudios (p<0,001). Ser mujer, tener menos de 45 años o más de 55, ser médico de familia con un programa de formación diferente al MIR y trabajar en el sector público aumentaron la probabilidad de ITp (p<0,001 para todos los supuestos).ConclusionesLos resultados del estudio indican que en 7 de cada 10 visitas realizadas por pacientes hipertensos en AP se produce IT. Existen diferencias importantes en función de las características clínicas de los pacientes, de los médicos y de las consultas(AU)

ObjectivesTo determine the level of therapeutic inertia (TI), and the factors associated to the patient, doctor and the health organisation, in hypertensive patients treated in Primary Care (PC).DesignCross-sectional, multicentre study.SettingA sample of PC Teams from all over Spain.ParticipantsThe study was conducted among PC doctors using a questionnaire and clinical records of 4 patients.Main measurementsThe TI was calculated for each patient (TIp) as the proportion of visits in which there was no change in medication when this was indicated.ResultsA total of 543 PC doctors provided data on 2,032 patients, who fulfilled the indication of a change in requirement. There was TI In 77.8% of cases. The TIp observed was non-existent or low for 17.1% of the patients, intermediate for 42% and high for 40.8%. For the patients, the factors most associated with TIp were, age (P<.001), diabetes (P<.001), stroke (P<.01), obesity (P<.01) and a low education level (P<.001). To be female, be less than 40years or more than 55years, to be a family doctor with a training program other than MIR and to work in the public sector increased the probability of TIp (P<.001 for all the assumptions).ConclusionsThe results of the study indicate that there is TI in 7 out every 10 visits made by hypertensive patients in Primary care. There are significant differences as regards the clinical characteristics of the patients and of the doctors(AU)

[Objective KONTROL study: therapeutic inertia in hypertensive patients attended in primary care of Spain]. / Inercia terapéutica en pacientes hipertensos asistidos en atención primaria en España. Estudio Objetivo Kontrol.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of therapeutic inertia (TI), and the factors associated to the patient, doctor and the health organisation, in hypertensive patients treated in Primary Care (PC). DESIGN: Cross-sectional, multicentre study. SETTING: A sample of PC Teams from all over Spain. PARTICIPANTS: The study was conducted among PC doctors using a questionnaire and clinical records of 4 patients. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The TI was calculated for each patient (TIp) as the proportion of visits in which there was no change in medication when this was indicated. RESULTS: A total of 543 PC doctors provided data on 2,032 patients, who fulfilled the indication of a change in requirement. There was TI In 77.8% of cases. The TIp observed was non-existent or low for 17.1% of the patients, intermediate for 42% and high for 40.8%. For the patients, the factors most associated with TIp were, age (P<.001), diabetes (P<.001), stroke (P<.01), obesity (P<.01) and a low education level (P<.001). To be female, be less than 40 years or more than 55 years, to be a family doctor with a training program other than MIR and to work in the public sector increased the probability of TIp (P<.001 for all the assumptions). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that there is TI in 7 out every 10 visits made by hypertensive patients in Primary care. There are significant differences as regards the clinical characteristics of the patients and of the doctors.

Health economics and RSV.

An economic analysis was performed in Spain to evaluate the efficiency (cost-effectiveness) of palivizumab in preventing severe RSV infection in premature infants with GA 32-35 and two or more risk factors (RF). The design was a decision tree model using data from the scientific literature and the FLIP I and FLIP II studies IRIS Study Group. The main effectiveness measure was quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained from both the National Health System (NHS) and societal perspectives. Prophylaxis with palivizumab was found to produce an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of 13,849euro/QALY from the NHS perspective, and 4,605euro/QALY from the societal perspective. Palivizumab is a cost-effective therapy as prophylaxis against RSV in infants with GA 32-35 and two or more RF. Its use is efficient from the NHS perspective, since the cost of a QALY, even in the least favourable scenarios, is lower than the threshold of 30,000euro/QALY considered socially acceptable in Europe.

Estudio “Objetivo Kontrol”: inercia terapéutica en hipertensión arterial. Diseño y metodología / “Kontrol Objective” Study: therapeutic inertia in arterial hypertension. Design and methodology

Introducción: En la actualidad, únicamente el 40% de los hipertensos tratados mantienen cifras tensionales dentro de los límites recomendados por las guías de práctica clínica. La inercia terapéutica (IT) es uno de los problemas para alcanzar un buen control de la presión arterial, y se desconoce en gran medida los factores que influyen en ella. Objetivos: elaborar y validar un cuestionario para medir la IT en el control de la HTA e identificar factores relacionados con la organización sanitaria que faciliten o prevengan la IT.Métodos: En la elaboración del cuestionario se utilizarán técnicas cualitativas (revisión de la literatura, informantes clave, grupos de discusión, análisis semiológico de la discusión y extracción de ítems). Posteriormente, mediante técnicas cuantitativas, se validará el cuestionario en un trabajo de campo, comparando la puntuación obtenida en el cuestionario con la medida directa de la IT obtenida a partir de las historias clínicas de pacientes (validez de criterio). Simultáneamente se identificarán factores asociados a la IT, en particular en aspectos del paciente, del médico, de enfermería y del tiempo dedicado a la consulta.Conclusiones: El producto principal de este estudio será un instrumento que ayude a medir el grado de IT del médico y a conocer qué factores del paciente, del médico y de su entorno contribuyen a producir en el médico la intención de actuar o no frente a un fracaso terapéutico. La principal limitación del estudio dependerá de en qué medida un test autoaplicable sobre conocimientos teóricos y juicios de valor sobre situaciones clínicas concretas pueda ser un reflejo fiable de la actuación clínica en circunstancias reales(AU)

Introduction: Only 40% of persons treated for arterial hypertension (AHT) currently maintain blood pressure levels within the limits recommended by clinical practice guidelines. Treatment inertia (TI) is one of the problems in achieving good blood pressure control, however the factors influencing TI are largely unknown.Objectives: To develop and validate a questionnaire to measure TI in controlling AHT and to identify factors related with the organization of healthcare that facilitate or prevent TI. Methods: Qualitative techniques (literature review, key informants, discussion groups, subsequent semiologic analysis of the discussion and extraction of items) were used in developing the questionnaire. Quantitative techniques were then used to validate the questionnaire in fieldwork, comparing the score obtained on the questionnaire with the direct measurement of TI obtained from clinical histories of patients (criterion validity). At the same time, factors associated with TI were identified, in particular, aspects related with the patient, physician, nursing staff and time devoted to the medical consultation.Conclusions: The main product of this study will be an instrument that helps to measure the physician’s degree of TI and to determine what factors related with the patient, physician and setting help produce the physician’s intention to act or not when faced with treatment failure. The main study limitation will depend on the extent to which a self-completed test on theoretical knowledge and value judgments about specific clinical situations can reliably reflect clinical actions in real circumstances(AU)

El impacto de la investigación en la práctica clínica / The impact of research in clinical practice

En este trabajo se analiza el modo en que el conocimiento científico puede modificar la práctica clínica y producir cambios en el comportamiento de los profesionales incorporando los nuevos descubrimientos a su práctica habitual. Tres son las fases principales en el proceso investigador: producción del conocimiento, transmisión y aplicación. Analizar cada una de ellas permitirá evaluar de forma integral el impacto de la investigación en la práctica clínica. Existe gran cantidad de información en relación con la forma en que los nuevos conocimientos deben llegar a los profesionales sanitarios. El reto está en reducir la brecha entre la generación de nuevos conocimientos basados en la mejor evidencia y la práctica clínica (AU)

This work analyzes the way in which scientific knowledge can modify clinical practice and generate changes in the behavior of professionals, incorporating the new discoveries to their common practice. The main phases of the research process are three: knowledge production, transmission and application. Analyzing each of them will allow us to evaluate the overall impact of research in clinical practice. There is a great amount of information related to the way in which new knowledge should reach health care providers. The challenge is to reduce the gap between clinical practice and the generation of new knowledge based on improved evidence (AU)

[Integration and boundaries between health and social care. 2008 SESPAS Report]. / Integración y fronteras entre la atención sanitaria y social. Informe SESPAS 2008.

We examine the opportunities to establish integrated services in Spain. The new law on services for disabled people approved by the Spanish Parliament in December 2006 and the Mental Health Plan of the Spanish Ministry of Health are used to illustrate policies that will require a high degree of integration among organizational, financial and clinical levels. In this context, some of the following questions arise: what do we know about the effectiveness of the integration of health and social services? Who should be the targets of integration and what are the structures needed for patient-centered services? Who should be responsible for and manage these services? An outline of Leutz's five criteria for integration is reviewed and the results from international experiences are discussed. We conclude that Spain is at a crossroads for the integration of services for disabled people and people with mental health problems. We recommend that a system of integrated services be organized for people with moderate or severe disability. This system should be decentralized at the levels of local health and social services, with a single budget estimated on a capitation basis. Clinical and financial responsibility should be shared between the interdisciplinary team and the case manager (nursing or social work professionals).

Integración y fronteras entre la atención sanitaria y social. Informe SESPAS 2008 / Integration and boundaries between health and social care. 2008 SESPAS Report

En este trabajo se examinan las posibilidades de integraciónde los servicios sociales y sanitarios en el contexto español.Nos referiremos a la recientemente promulgada Ley de Promociónde la autonomía personal y de atención a las personasen situación de dependencia y al Plan de Atención a la SaludMental como ilustraciones de políticas que necesitan para sudesarrollo un alto grado de integración en los niveles de financiación,organización y atención clínica. Se plantean preguntascomo: ¿qué sabemos sobre la efectividad de la integraciónde los servicios sanitarios con los servicios sociales?,¿quiénes deben ser objeto de integración de servicios y cuálesson las estructuras de apoyo para servicios integrados centradosen las necesidades de los usuarios?, ¿quién debe estaral mando de los servicios integrados?Se definen las cinco leyes sobre la integración de serviciospropuestas por Leutz y se revisan varias experiencias internacionales.Se concluye que estamos en un momento favorablepara transformar los servicios sanitarios y sociales enla atención a la dependencia y a los problemas de salud mentalhacia una mayor integración. Se recomienda un sistemade servicios integrados para personas con dependencia moderaday grave, descentralizado al nivel de zona básica desalud y servicios sociales, con un único presupuesto calculadopor estimación de gasto per cápita, donde el equipo interdisciplinarioy el gestor de caso (profesionales de enfermeríao trabajadores sociales) tengan la responsabilidad clínica yfinanciera de los cuidados prestados a los usuarios(AU)

We examine the opportunities to establish integrated servicesin Spain. The new law on services for disabled peopleapproved by the Spanish Parliament in December 2006and the Mental Health Plan of the Spanish Ministry of Healthare used to illustrate policies that will require a high degreeof integration among organizational, financial and clinicallevels. In this context, some of the following questionsarise: what do we know about the effectiveness of the integrationof health and social services? Who should be the targetsof integration and what are the structures needed forpatient-centered services? Who should be responsible forand manage these services?An outline of Leutz’s five criteria for integration is reviewedand the results from international experiences are discussed.We conclude that Spain is at a crossroads for theintegration of services for disabled people and people withmental health problems. We recommend that a system ofintegrated services be organized for people with moderateor severe disability. This system should be decentralized atthe levels of local health and social services, with a singlebudget estimated on a capitation basis. Clinical and financialresponsibility should be shared between the interdisciplinaryteam and the case manager (nursing or social workprofessionals)(AU)

Integración y fronteras entre la atención sanitaria y social. Informe SESPAS 2008 / Integration and boundaries between health and social care. 2008 SESPAS Report

En este trabajo se examinan las posibilidades de integración de los servicios sociales y sanitarios en el contexto español. Nos referiremos a la recientemente promulgada Ley de Promoción de la autonomía personal y de atención a las personas en situación de dependencia y al Plan de Atención a la Salud Mental como ilustraciones de políticas que necesitan para su desarrollo un alto grado de integración en los niveles de financiación, organización y atención clínica. Se plantean preguntas como: ¿qué sabemos sobre la efectividad de la integración de los servicios sanitarios con los servicios sociales?, ¿quiénes deben ser objeto de integración de servicios y cuáles son las estructuras de apoyo para servicios integrados centrados en las necesidades de los usuarios?, ¿quién debe estar al mando de los servicios integrados? Se definen las cinco leyes sobre la integración de servicios propuestas por Leutz y se revisan varias experiencias internacionales. Se concluye que estamos en un momento favorable para transformar los servicios sanitarios y sociales en la atención a la dependencia y a los problemas de salud mental hacia una mayor integración. Se recomienda un sistema de servicios integrados para personas con dependencia moderada y grave, descentralizado al nivel de zona básica de salud y servicios sociales, con un único presupuesto calculado por estimación de gasto per cápita, donde el equipo interdisciplinario y el gestor de caso (profesionales de enfermería o trabajadores sociales) tengan la responsabilidad clínica y financiera de los cuidados prestados a los usuarios

We examine the opportunities to establish integrated services in Spain. The new law on services for disabled people approved by the Spanish Parliament in December 2006 and the Mental Health Plan of the Spanish Ministry of Health are used to illustrate policies that will require a high degree of integration among organizational, financial and clinical levels. In this context, some of the following questions arise: what do we know about the effectiveness of the integration of health and social services? Who should be the targets of integration and what are the structures needed for patient-centered services? Who should be responsible for and manage these services? An outline of Leutz¿s five criteria for integration is reviewed and the results from international experiences are discussed. We conclude that Spain is at a crossroads for the integration of services for disabled people and people with mental health problems. We recommend that a system of integrated services be organized for people with moderate or severe disability. This system should be decentralized at the levels of local health and social services, with a single budget estimated on a capitation basis. Clinical and financial responsibility should be shared between the interdisciplinary team and the case manager (nursing or social work professionals)

[Variations among Spanish regions in the use of three cardiovascular technologies]. / Variabilidad entre comunidades autónomas en el uso de tres tecnologías cardiovasculares.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is evidence that some geographic variations in the use of medical technologies are not explained by differences in disease burden. The objectives of this study were to quantify variability in the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in Spanish autonomous regions and to try to explain the variability found for the first two technologies. METHODS: Linear regression models were developed in which the number of procedures performed per million population (pmp) in 2003 in each autonomous region was the dependent variable. Independent variables used included indices of technology provision, regional wealth, and disease burden. RESULTS: For PCI, the mean utilization rate for the whole of Spain was 1038 procedures pmp, with a high-low ratio of 1.95. Differences in gross domestic product explained 21% of the variability, but there was no relationship between the number of procedures performed and disease burden. For ICDs, the mean number of procedures performed in the whole of Spain was 46 pmp, with a high-low ratio of 3.04. As for PCI, differences in regional wealth explained 40% of the variability, with disease burden making no contribution. For CRT, the mean number of procedures performed in Spain in 2003 was 15 pmp, with a high-low ratio of 15.7. CONCLUSIONS: The considerable regional variation that exists in the use of these three medical technologies is principally explained by differences in regional wealth and not in disease burden.

Variabilidad entre comunidades autónomas en el uso de tres tecnologías cardiovasculares / Variations among spanish regions in the use of three cardiovascular technologies

Introducción y objetivos. Hay evidencia de variabilidad geográfica en el uso de tecnologías médicas no explicada por diferencias en la carga de enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la variabilidad entre comunidades autónomas en el uso de intervenciones coronarias percutáneas (ICP), desfibriladores automáticos implantables (DAI) y terapia de resincronización cardiaca (TRC), y tratar de explicar la variabilidad encontrada en las dos primeras. Métodos. Se construyen modelos de regresión lineal en los que se utilizan como variables dependientes el número de procedimientos realizados por millón de habitantes en cada comunidad autónoma en el año 2003. Como variables independientes se emplearon indicadores de oferta, de riqueza regional y de carga de enfermedad. Resultados. Para la ICP, la media para todo el país es de 1.038 procedimientos/106 habitantes, con una razón de variación de 1,95. El producto interior bruto explica el 21% de la variabilidad, sin que haya relación entre el número de procedimientos y la carga de enfermedad. En cuanto al DAI, el promedio de procedimientos realizados en todo el país es de 46/106 habitantes, con una razón de variación de 3,04. Al igual que en el caso de las ICP, la riqueza regional explica el 40% de la variabilidad, a la que no contribuye la carga de enfermedad. Respecto a la TRC, durante el año 2003 se realizó en España una media de 15 procedimientos/106 habitantes, con una razón de variación de 15,7. Conclusiones. Hay una importante variabilidad intercomunitaria en el uso de estas tecnologías que está fundamentalmente explicada por la riqueza regional, pero no por la carga de enfermedad

Introduction and objectives. There is evidence that some geographic variations in the use of medical technologies are not explained by differences in disease burden. The objectives of this study were to quantify variability in the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in Spanish autonomous regions and to try to explain the variability found for the first two technologies. Methods. Linear regression models were developed in which the number of procedures performed per million population (pmp) in 2003 in each autonomous region was the dependent variable. Independent variables used included indices of technology provision, regional wealth, and disease burden. Results. For PCI, the mean utilization rate for the whole of Spain was 1038 procedures pmp, with a high-low ratio of 1.95. Differences in gross domestic product explained 21% of the variability, but there was no relationship between the number of procedures performed and disease burden. For ICDs, the mean number of procedures performed in the whole of Spain was 46 pmp, with a high-low ratio of 3.04. As for PCI, differences in regional wealth explained 40% of the variability, with disease burden making no contribution. For CRT, the mean number of procedures performed in Spain in 2003 was 15 pmp, with a high-low ratio of 15.7. Conclusions. The considerable regional variation that exists in the use of these three medical technologies is principally explained by differences in regional wealth and not in disease burden