How can youth involvement in public health conferences promote a tobacco-free generation? Lessons from the ECToH 2023's Youth Committee.

Young health advocates have the legitimate aspiration to be masters of their future and are increasingly contributing to public health research and practice worldwide, yet their potential to contribute to the documentation and communication of outputs from public health conferences has not been fully realised. This short communication highlights the Youth Committee of the 2023 European Conference on Tobacco or Health as an example of youth involvement in a major public health conference focused on tobacco control. The authors explore the benefits, practicalities and challenges of incorporating young professionals into conference workflow, including creativity, networking and engagement with broader public health challenges within their communities. This article emphasises the active participation of Youth Committees in public health fora as a model for future conferences and underscores a commitment to achieving a tobacco-free generation.

The Influence of Infection and Colonization on Outcomes in Inpatients With COVID-19: Are We Forgetting Something?

The COVID-19 epidemic has been a great challenge to health systems and especially hospitals. A prospective observational epidemiological study was planned as of February 26, 2020 in a tertiary hospital in the Valencia region. The total number of patients followed up with complete information during the first year was 2,448. Among other variables, the comorbidities of the patients were collected (and grouped in the Charson index), the stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), the co-infections, and the colonizations. Data on nosocomial infections due to said virus were also collected. The median days from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis were 4 + 4.6, while an additional 4.4 days had to pass for the patients to be admitted to the ICU. The factors associated with a higher risk of death were those with coinfection, especially with Candida auris [odds ratio (OR): 4.6], a situation that also occurred in the ICU (OR: 3.18). Charlson Index comorbidity and C. auris colonization were also very important both in general hospitalization and in the ICU.

Recomendaciones internacionales estándar sobre la ganancia de peso gestacional: adecuación a nuestra población / Standard international recommendations for gestational weight gain: suitability for our population

INTRODUCCIÓN: la ganancia de peso gestacional (GPG) es uno de los indicadores que más se utilizan en el control prenatal y quizás sea el factor que más influya en los resultados perinatales. OBJETIVO: determinar hasta qué punto se ajusta la GPG de las gestantes del Departamento de Salud de la Ribera (Valencia) a los estándares internacionales de GPG recomendados por el Institute of Medicine (IOM) de EE. UU. MÉTODOS: estudio observacional retrospectivo sobre una muestra de 4361 mujeres cuyo parto tuvo lugar en el Hospital Universitario de la Ribera entre el 1 enero de 2010 y el 31 de diciembre de 2015. Las gestantes se clasificaron en función de la GPG según las recomendaciones internacionales: incremento de peso adecuado, superior e inferior. RESULTADOS: una mayor GPG recomendada aumenta el riesgo de terminar el parto en cesárea o en parto instrumentado (OR = 1,454, p < 0,001; OR = 1,442, p < 0,001, respectivamente), y de obtener un recién nacido macrosómico o grande para la edad gestacional (OR = 3,851, p = 0,008; OR = 1,749, p < 0,001, respectivamente) con respecto a obtener una GPG adecuada. La GPG está relacionada con el peso al nacer (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: las recomendaciones de GPG emitidas por el IOM se adaptan en general a las gestantes de nuestro entorno. Se ha constatado que una GPG distinta a dichas recomendaciones aumenta la probabilidad de tener resultados perinatales desfavorables. Sin embargo, es necesaria una aproximación más personalizada, adaptando las recomendaciones internacionales al control prenatal en cada una de las categorías de IMC pregestacional

BACKGROUND: gestational weight gain (GWG) is one of the most commonly used indicators in prenatal care, and probably the most influential factor in perinatal outcomes. OBJECTIVE: to determine the extent to which the GWG of pregnant women from the Ribera Health Department (Valencia) meets GWG international standards as recommended by the U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM). METHODS: a retrospective observational study of a sample of 4,361 women who gave birth at Hospital Universitario de la Ribera between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015. Pregnant women were classified according to GWG international recommendations: adequate weight gain, above and below. RESULTS: a higher GWG increases the risk of cesarean delivery or instrumental delivery (OR = 1.454, p < 0.001; OR = 1.442, p < 0.001, respectively), and of having a macrosomic or larger newborn for gestational age (OR = 3.851, p = 0.008; OR = 1.749, p < 0.001, respectively) as compared to an appropriate GWG. GWG is related to birth weight (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: the GPG recommendations issued by the IOM are generally well adapted to pregnant women in our environment. It has been found that a GPG other than these recommendations increases the probability of obtaining poor perinatal outcomes. Nevertheless, a more personalized approach is needed, adapting international recommendations to prenatal control for each of the pre-pregnancy BMI categories

[Standard international recommendations for gestational weight gain: suitability for our population]. / Recomendaciones internacionales estándar sobre la ganancia de peso gestacional: adecuación a nuestra población.

INTRODUCTION: Background: gestational weight gain (GWG) is one of the most commonly used indicators in prenatal care, and probably the most influential factor in perinatal outcomes. Objective: to determine the extent to which the GWG of pregnant women from the Ribera Health Department (Valencia) meets GWG international standards as recommended by the U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM). Methods: a retrospective observational study of a sample of 4,361 women who gave birth at Hospital Universitario de la Ribera between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015. Pregnant women were classified according to GWG international recommendations: adequate weight gain, above and below. Results: a higher GWG increases the risk of cesarean delivery or instrumental delivery (OR = 1.454, p < 0.001; OR = 1.442, p < 0.001, respectively), and of having a macrosomic or larger newborn for gestational age (OR = 3.851, p = 0.008; OR = 1.749, p < 0.001, respectively) as compared to an appropriate GWG. GWG is related to birth weight (p < 0.001). Conclusions: the GPG recommendations issued by the IOM are generally well adapted to pregnant women in our environment. It has been found that a GPG other than these recommendations increases the probability of obtaining poor perinatal outcomes. Nevertheless, a more personalized approach is needed, adapting international recommendations to prenatal control for each of the pre-pregnancy BMI categories.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la ganancia de peso gestacional (GPG) es uno de los indicadores que más se utilizan en el control prenatal y quizás sea el factor que más influya en los resultados perinatales. Objetivo: determinar hasta qué punto se ajusta la GPG de las gestantes del Departamento de Salud de la Ribera (Valencia) a los estándares internacionales de GPG recomendados por el Institute of Medicine (IOM) de EE. UU. Métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo sobre una muestra de 4361 mujeres cuyo parto tuvo lugar en el Hospital Universitario de la Ribera entre el 1 enero de 2010 y el 31 de diciembre de 2015. Las gestantes se clasificaron en función de la GPG según las recomendaciones internacionales: incremento de peso adecuado, superior e inferior. Resultados: una mayor GPG recomendada aumenta el riesgo de terminar el parto en cesárea o en parto instrumentado (OR = 1,454, p < 0,001; OR = 1,442, p < 0,001, respectivamente), y de obtener un recién nacido macrosómico o grande para la edad gestacional (OR = 3,851, p = 0,008; OR = 1,749, p < 0,001, respectivamente) con respecto a obtener una GPG adecuada. La GPG está relacionada con el peso al nacer (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: las recomendaciones de GPG emitidas por el IOM se adaptan en general a las gestantes de nuestro entorno. Se ha constatado que una GPG distinta a dichas recomendaciones aumenta la probabilidad de tener resultados perinatales desfavorables. Sin embargo, es necesaria una aproximación más personalizada, adaptando las recomendaciones internacionales al control prenatal en cada una de las categorías de IMC pregestacional.

La pandemia de la COVID-19: Breve relato siguiendo la estructura de las etapas del duelo y soñando con un mundo mejor / No disponible

Ante la experiencia sin precedentes que supone la pandemia de la COVID-19 causada por el nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, este artículo trata de hacer un resumen tan objetivo como para mí sea posible, a la vez que no exento de las emociones que todas las personas en general y los profesionales de la medicina preventiva y salud pública en particular, han vivido y estamos viviendo. Y con el objeto de que esas emociones estén estructuradas, he optado por intentar clasificarlas evolutivamente de acuerdo con las «cinco etapas del duelo» por las que pasan las personas o comunidades que sufren una catástrofe personal, según el modelo concebido en 1969 por la doctora Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (negación, ira, negociación, depresión y aceptación). Lo he planteado así porque esta pandemia ha constituido una verdadera emergencia y catástrofe incluyendo la experiencia que ha arrasado por sorpresa a muchas poblaciones del mundo, segando muchísimas vidas. Pero junto a la descripción en las etapas descritas, este trabajo añade un paso más: la etapa de aprender de la experiencia y plantear propuestas desde la esperanza, subrayando entre otras cosas la importancia de fortalecer la medicina preventiva y salud pública

In view of the unprecedented experience of the 19-COVID pandemic caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, this article tries to summarize the facts as objectively as possible, while not being free of the emotions that all people in general and preventive medicine and public health professionals in particular have experienced and are experiencing. And in order to structure these emotions, I have chosen to try to classify them evolutionarily according to the "five stages of grief and grieving" through which people or communities who suffer a personal catastrophic experience, according to the model conceived in 1969 by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance). I have framed it in this way because this pan-demic has represented a real emergency and catastrophe including the experience that has swept away by surprise many populations of the world, taking too many lives. But together with the pure description within the stages described, this work adds one more step: the stage of learning from experience and making proposals from hope, underlining, among other things, the importance of strengthening preventive medicine and public health

Frequency, intensity and localization of pain as risk factors for frailty in older adults.

Background: the association between pain characteristics and frailty risk is uncertain. Objective: to investigate the separate impact of the frequency, intensity and location of pain on frailty risk and its possible mechanisms. Methods: prospective cohort of 1505 individuals ≥63 years followed between 2012 and 2015 in Spain. In 2012, pain was classified into: lowest pain (Score 0), middle pain (Score 1-4) and highest pain (Score 5-6). Incident frailty was assessed in 2015 as having ≥3 Fried criteria or a Frailty Index (FI) ≥0.30. Results: in multivariate analyses, the risk of frailty (measured with the Fried criteria or the FI) increased progressively with the frequency of pain, its intensity and the number of pain locations. Compared with those having the lowest pain score, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of Fried-based frailty was 1.24 (0.56-2.75) in the middle score and 2.39 (1.34-4.27; P-trend <0.01) in the highest score. Corresponding values for frailty as FI ≥0.30 were 1.39 (0.80-2.42) and 2.77 (1.81-4.24; P-trend <0.01). Odds ratios did not change after adjustment for alcohol intake, Mediterranean diet adherence or sedentary time, but were reduced with adjustment for pain-associated chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, osteomuscular disease and depression). A higher pain score was linked to higher risk of exhaustion and low physical activity (two out of five Fried criteria) and to a worse score in all FI domains. Conclusion: frequency, intensity and location of pain were associated with higher risk of frailty. Study associations were partly explained by pain-associated morbidity.

Strengthening global health security by embedding the International Health Regulations requirements into national health systems.

The International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, as the overarching instrument for global health security, are designed to prevent and cope with major international public health threats. But poor implementation in countries hampers their effectiveness. In the wake of a number of major international health crises, such as the 2014 Ebola and 2016 Zika outbreaks, and the findings of a number of high-level assessments of the global response to these crises, it has become clear that there is a need for more joined-up thinking between health system strengthening activities and health security efforts for prevention, alert and response. WHO is working directly with its Member States to promote this approach, more specifically around how to better embed the IHR (2005) core capacities into the main health system functions. This paper looks at how and where the intersections between the IHR and the health system can be best leveraged towards developing greater health system resilience. This merging of approaches is a key component in pursuit of Universal Health Coverage and strengthened global health security as two mutually reinforcing agendas.

Eventos adversos relacionados con la medicación en los hospitales de la Comunidad Valenciana. Estudio EPIDEA 2005-2013 / Adverse events related to medication in hospitals from the Valencian Community. EPIDEA Study 2005-2013

Introducción. Determinar la prevalencia de eventos adversos relacionados con la medicación (EAM) en los hospitales de la Comunidad Valenciana en el periodo de estudio 2005-2013. Conocer los factores de riesgo asociados, su análisis e impacto. Material y métodos. El trabajo está basado en los datos y metodología del Estudio de Prevalencia de Eventos Adversos en los hospitales de la Comunidad Valenciana (EPIDEA), desde 2005 hasta 2013. Se analizaron los EAM producidos en cada año. Resultados. Se identificaron 344 EAM que ocurrieron a 337 pacientes, entre 35.103 pacientes estudiados, lo cual constituye una prevalencia de EAM de 0,96% (IC95% 0,89-1,07). Los factores de riesgo intrínseco para EAM más prevalentes fueron hipertensión, diabetes y neoplasia. Los factores de riesgo extrínseco más prevalentes fueron catéter venoso periférico, sonda urinaria cerrada y catéter venoso central. Los grupos terapéuticos más implicados fueron antibióticos sistémicos, fármacos cardiovasculares, y antineoplásicos. El 61,17% de los EAM fue clasificado como moderado, un 27,18% como leve y un 11,65 % como grave. El 33,99% de los EAM prolongaron la estancia del paciente y un 39,90% fueron causa de reingreso del paciente. Globalmente, el 58,5% de los EAM fueron evitables. Según gravedad, fueron evitables el 46.3% de los EAM leves, el 60.3% de los EAM moderados, y el 75% de los EAM graves (p=0.013). Conclusiones. La prevalencia de pacientes con EAM en la Comunidad Valenciana durante el periodo 2005-2013 fue de 0,96%. Más de la mitad de EAM fueron evitables, observándose una relación directa significativa entre la evitabilidad de los EAM con la gravedad de los mismos (AU)

Introduction. To determine the prevalence of Adverse Events related to Medication (AEM) in hospitals of the Valencian Community in the 2005-2013 study period, and to describe the associated risk factors and their impact. Material and methods. This study is based on data and methodology of the Study of Prevalence of Adverse Events in hospitals (EPIDEA), since its inception in 2005 until 2013. AEM produced in each year were analyzed. Results. We identified 344 AEM that occurred in 337 patients, among 35,103 patients studied, giving a prevalence of patients with AEM of 0.96% (IC95% 0.89-1.07). The most prevalent intrinsic risk factors for AEM were hypertension, diabetes and cancer. The most prevalent extrinsic risk factors were peripheral venous catheter, urinary catheter and central venous catheter. Therapeutic groups most frequently involved were systemic antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs and antineoplastics. The 61.17% of AEM was classified as moderate, followed by 27.18% as mild and 11.65% as severe. The 33.99% of EAM caused increase of the patient’s stay and 39.90% of EAM caused the re-entry of patient. The 58.5% of AEM were avoidable. Mild AEM were avoidable in 46.3%, moderate AEM were avoidable in 60.3% and severe AEM were in 75% (p = 0.013). Conclusions. The prevalence of patients with AEM in hospitals of the Community of Valencia for the period 2005- 2013 was 0.96%. More than half of AEM were preventable, and preventability increases significantly with the severity of the event (AU)

Leptin concentration and risk of impaired physical function in older adults: the Seniors-ENRICA cohort.

BACKGROUND: leptin resistance, which may develop during the ageing process, stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and insulin resistance that could impair the muscle function. However, the role of leptin on physical functioning among older adults has not yet been elucidated. OBJECTIVE: to examine the association between serum leptin levels and physical function impairment in older adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: prospective study of 1,556 individuals 60 years and older from the Seniors-ENRICA cohort, who were free of physical function limitation at baseline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: serum leptin was measured in 2008-10, and incident functional limitation was assessed through 2012. Self-reported limitations in agility and mobility were assessed with the Rosow and Breslau scale, limitation in the lower extremity function was measured with the Short Physical Performance Battery, and impairment in the overall physical performance with the physical component summary of the SF-12. RESULTS: after adjustment for potential confounders and compared to individuals in the lowest quartile of leptin concentration, those in the highest quartile showed increased risk of impaired physical function; the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) and P-trend was: 1.95 (1.11-3.43), P = 0.006 for self-reported impaired mobility; 1.76 (1.08-2.87), P = 0.02 for self-reported impaired agility; 1.48 (1.02-2.15), P = 0.04 for limitation in the lower extremity function; and 1.97 (1.20-3.22), P = 0.01, for decreased overall physical performance. These associations were only modestly explained by C-reactive protein and insulin resistance. Moreover, the associations held across groups with varying health status and were independent of estimated total body fat. CONCLUSIONS: higher leptin concentration was associated with increased risk of impaired physical function. Preserving metabolic function during the old age could help delaying physical function decline.

Ranking of Palliative Care Development in the Countries of the European Union.

CONTEXT: There is growing interest in monitoring palliative care (PC) development internationally. One aspect of this is the ranking of such development for comparative purposes. OBJECTIVES: To generate a ranking classification and to compare scores for PC development in the countries of the European Union, 2007 and 2013. PC "development" in this study is understood as a combination of the existence of relevant services in a country ("resources") plus the capacity to develop further resources in the future ("vitality"). METHODS: "Resources" comprise indicators of three types of PC services per population (inpatient palliative care units and inpatient hospices, hospital support teams, and home care teams). "Vitality" of PC is estimated by numerical scores for the existence of a national association, a directory of services, physician accreditation, attendances at a key European conference and volume of publications on PC development. The leading country (by raw score) is then considered as the reference point against which all other countries are measured. Different weightings are applied to resources (75%) and vitality (25%). From this, an overall ranking is constructed. RESULTS: The U.K. achieved the highest level of development (86% of the maximum possible score), followed by Belgium and overall The Netherlands (81%), and Sweden (80%). In the resources domain, Luxembourg, the U.K., and Belgium were leading. The top countries in vitality were Germany and the U.K. In comparison to 2007, The Netherlands, Malta, and Portugal showed the biggest improvements, whereas the positions of Spain, France, and Greece deteriorated. CONCLUSION: The ranking method permitted a comparison of palliative care development between countries and shows changes over time. Recommendations for improving the ranking include improvements to the methodology and greater explanation of the levels and changes it reveals.

Policy on palliative care in the WHO European region: an overview of progress since the Council of Europe's (2003) recommendation 24.

BACKGROUND: With the goal of achieving greater unity and coherence, the Council of Europe developed a national palliative care (PC) policy framework-Recommendation (2003) 24. Although directed at member states, the policy spread to the wider World Health Organisation (WHO) European Region. This article aims to present the current situation relating to national PC health policies in European countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 53 European countries of the WHO European Region. Relevant data reported (i) the existence of official documents concerning the provision of PC; (ii) the role of health departments and policymakers in the evaluation of PC provision and (iii) the availability of financial resources for PC provision. RESULTS: In total, 46/53 (87%) EU and non-EU countries responded. PC legislation is established in 20 (71%) EU and nine (50%) non-EU countries. A total of 12 (43%) EU countries possess a PC plan or strategy in comparison with six (33%) non-EU countries. Individuals from Departments of Health and designated policymakers have established collaborative PC efforts. Quality systems have been initiated in 15 (54%) EU and four (22%) non-EU countries. Significant differences were not found in the reporting of payments for PC services between European regions. CONCLUSION: An improvement in national PC policy in both EU and non-EU countries was observed. Future priorities include potential initiatives to improve relationships with policymakers, establish quality control programmes and ensure financial support for PC.

Study on the Linezolid Prescription According to the Approval of Indication in a University Hospital.

Indications for linezolid use are nosocomial or community-acquired pneumonia and skin infections or soft tissue infection caused by gram-positive microorganisms, but new recommendations may emerge. It is important to balance benefits with risks because severe adverse events have been described in patients taking linezolid treatment. Accordingly, we evaluated the suitability of linezolid prescription according to approval of indication by evaluating the presence of drug-related problems (DRP) in a University hospital. DRP were identified in 36 patients (50.0%). In most cases, they were related to known or established indications (15 patients, 20.8%), to safety (5 patients, 6.9%), and to both in others (16 patients, 22.2%). No DRP were recorded, which modified linezolid efficacy. DRP were significantly higher in the patients treated by an approved indication in Spain (63.3%) than in those treated by an unapproved indication in Spain (28.6%). We concluded that new studies about extending linezolid indications may be necessary.

¿Podemos mejorar la predicción del peso al nacer? Modelo multivariante en mujeres en normopeso / Can we improve prediction of birth weight? A multivariate model in women with normal body mass index

Objetivo. Construir un modelo predictivo que mejore la estimación del peso del recién nacido. Material y métodos. Estudio observacional y descriptivo sobre 140 gestantes seleccionadas con muestreo bietápico en el Departamento de Salud de La Ribera (Valencia). Se clasificaron en 4 grupos dependiendo del índice de masa corporal (IMC) pregestacional. El peso fetal fue estimado por ecografía en la semana 35 a 40 de gestación por un ginecólogo. Resultados. Las variables que se relacionaron estadísticamente con el peso al nacer para la categoría de IMC pregestacional de normopeso fueron: altura uterina medida entre la semana 35-40 de gestación, peso proyectado a la semana 40 por la ecografía del tercer trimestre (PP40s), edad gestacional, ferritina sérica del tercer trimestre y cigarrillos consumidos en el tercer trimestre (p < 0,001; p < 0,001; p < 0,001; p = 0,007; p = 0,006, respectivamente). Se construyó un modelo multivariante para la categoría de normopeso para estimar el peso al nacer (PErm) obteniendo una R2 = 0,72 (F = 47,32; p < 0,001). Las diferencias de las medias obtenidas entre PP40s y PErm, con el peso del recién nacido, fueron significativas (p < 0,001). El modelo multivariante infravalora el peso al nacer en 0,07 g (error medio 0,54%) y la PP40s lo sobrestima en 300,89 g (error medio 10,75%). Conclusiones. El modelo multivariante construido, para la categoría de normopeso, mejora la precisión de la ecografía (AU)

Objectives. To construct a predictive model that improves birthweight estimation. Material and methods. A comparative, descriptive study was carried out in 140 pregnant women selected through two-stage sampling in the health department of La Ribera (Spain). The women were classified in 4 groups depending on their pre-gestational body mass index (BMI). Fetal weight was estimated by ultrasound at 35-40 weeks by a gynecologist. Results. The variables significantly related to birth weight in women with a normal pregestational BMI were, symphysis fundal height between 35-40 weeks, projected birth weight estimated at 40 weeks by ultrasound, gestational age, ferritin level in the third trimester, and the number of cigarettes smoked in the third trimester (P<.001, P<.001, P<.001, P<.007, P<.006, respectively). A multivariate model was created for the normal weight group to estimate birth weight, resulting in R2=.72 (F=47.32, P<.001). The differences in the means for fetal weight at week 40 and projected birth weight estimated by ultrasound at 35-40 weeks with birth weight were significant (P<.001). Birth weight was underestimated by 0.07 g in the multivariate model (mean error 0.54%) and overestimated by 300.89 g by projected birth weight estimated at 35-40 weeks (mean error 10.75%). Conclusions. The multivariate model created for the normal weight group improves the accuracy of ultrasound (AU)

Intervenciones preventivas en el ámbito de la atención primaria. El ejemplo del PAPPS. Informe SESPAS 2012 / Prevention in primary care. The example of the Program for Prevention and Health Promotion. SESPAS Report 2012

Objetivos: El Programa de Actividades Preventivas y de Promoción de la Salud (PAPPS), que la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (semFYC) puso en marcha a finales de la década de 1980, tiene como objetivo la integración de las actividades preventivas y de promoción de la salud en el seno de las tareas desarrolladas en las consultas de atención primaria. Se pretende conocer el grado de cumplimentación del PAPPS en atención primaria. Métodos: Se ha realizado una búsqueda bibliográfica de las publicaciones relacionadas con el PAPPS con el fin de evaluar su implementación y el impacto sus programas. Resultados: Las evaluaciones periódicas que se han ido realizando desde su inicio muestran que tanto el cumplimiento como el registro de las actividades preventivas han ido mejorando progresivamente hasta las últimas evaluaciones. El PAPPS es evaluado de forma positiva tanto por los profesionales como por los pacientes. En España, el médico de familia realiza actividades de prevención y promoción de la salud en un mayor porcentaje que el global de Europa. Conclusiones: El PAPPS sigue vigente 24 años después de su puesta en marcha, aunque es necesario un proceso de adaptación al actual escenario sanitario español. Las propuestas de cambio se centran en mejorar la accesibilidad y en ofrecer respuestas más ágiles a los usuarios. En los pacientes ancianos es importante valorar la esperanza de vida y priorizar las intervenciones preventivas basándose en ésta (AU)

The Program for Prevention and Health Promotion (PPHP) of the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine was launched at the end of the 1980s and its main objective is to integrate preventive and health promotion activities in daily clinical practice in primary care. The aim of the present study was to determine the level of compliance with the preventive activities of the PPHP.MethodsWe performed a comprehensive literature search of PPHP publications to assess the implementation and impact of the program.ResultsThe distinct evaluations carried out since the beginning of the program show that both compliance and registration of preventive activities have improved over time. The PPHP has been positively evaluated by both health professionals and patients. Family physicians in Spain carry out preventive activities more often than other European family physicians.ConclusionsThe PHPPS continues to operate 24 years after its initiation. However, some adaptations are needed since the Spanish health system is changing. Proposed modifications are related to accessibility and to providing a more effective response to users. In elderly patients, life expectancy should be assessed and priorities for preventive interventions should be set accordingly (AU)

[Prevention in primary care. The example of the Program for Prevention and Health Promotion. SESPAS Report 2012]. / Intervenciones preventivas en el ámbito de la atención primaria. El ejemplo del PAPPS. Informe SESPAS 2012.

OBJECTIVES: The Program for Prevention and Health Promotion (PPHP) of the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine was launched at the end of the 1980s and its main objective is to integrate preventive and health promotion activities in daily clinical practice in primary care. The aim of the present study was to determine the level of compliance with the preventive activities of the PPHP. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search of PPHP publications to assess the implementation and impact of the program. RESULTS: The distinct evaluations carried out since the beginning of the program show that both compliance and registration of preventive activities have improved over time. The PPHP has been positively evaluated by both health professionals and patients. Family physicians in Spain carry out preventive activities more often than other European family physicians. CONCLUSIONS: The PHPPS continues to operate 24 years after its initiation. However, some adaptations are needed since the Spanish health system is changing. Proposed modifications are related to accessibility and to providing a more effective response to users. In elderly patients, life expectancy should be assessed and priorities for preventive interventions should be set accordingly.

Clinical inertia in diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in primary care: quantification and associated factors.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to quantify both diagnostic and therapeutic inertia in hypertension and to identify patient-associated variables. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, multicenter study of 35 424 subjects carried out in 428 health centers and/or primary care clinics in the Valencian Community, Spain, in a preventive activity conducted during 2003 and 2004. Diagnostic inertia was identified when a patient without known hypertension had high blood pressure (BP) but was labeled "normal" by the medical staff, and therapeutic inertia when treatment was not modified for a hypertensive patient on the presence of high BP values. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to identify patient's characteristics associated with inertia. RESULTS: Diagnostic inertia was present in 32.5% (95% CI 31.4-33.6) and therapeutic inertia in 37.0% (95% CI 35.6-38.5) of the cases. Both were more frequent in cases of isolated systolic or diastolic high BP. In the multivariate models, the factors associated with diagnostic inertia were type-2 diabetes (p=0.041), non-smoking (p=0.004), previous coronary heart disease (p=0.001), BP values (p<0.001) and body mass index (p=0.031), whereas for therapeutic inertia they were type-2 diabetes (p=0.003), previous coronary heart disease (p=0.016) or stroke (p<0.001) and BP values (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical inertia, either diagnostic or therapeutic, was present in one of every three cases of high BP. The most frequent factors associated with clinical inertia were the presence of associated conditions, which requires lower BP goals and the BP values.

Evaluación y priorización de la investigación científica en España. El punto de vista de los investigadores / Evaluation and prioritisation of the scientific research in Spain. Researchers¿ point of view

Fundamentos y Objetivo: La evaluación y la priorización de la actividad investigadora resultan esenciales para el desarrollo de un sistema de ciencia, tecnología e industria. Los datos sobre la perspectiva de los investigadores al respecto son escasos. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir el punto de vista de los científicos españoles sobre cómo perciben el actual sistema de evaluación de la actividad investigadora en España y cómo creen que, idealmente, dicho sistema debería estar configurado y funcionar. Sujetos y Método: A partir del universo formado por científicos españoles establecidos e identificados en las bases de datos del CSIC y el FIS (Instituto de Salud Carlos III), se seleccionó aleatoriamente a investigadores biomédicos clínicos, biomédicos no sanitarios y físicos y químicos, y se llevaron a cabo 211 entrevistas mediante técnica de entrevista telefónica asistida por ordenador. Resultados y discusión: Los investigadores reconocen un avance en la situación de la investigación española, pero ambicionan progresar hacia mejores escenarios. La actual política científica merece una valoración promedio de 5,4, mientras lo que sería deseable llega a 9,4, lo que refleja que se echa de menos una mejor definición, con objetivos y estrategias estables y con mayor coordinación de las administraciones con responsabilidades en I+D (actualmente se valora en 3,9, mientras que la coordinación deseable se puntúa en 9,2). Hay cierto acuerdo en la necesidad de que exista una política científica que incluya algún tipo de priorización, pero manteniendo una parte abierta a la creatividad de los investigadores. Por otra parte, se echa en falta una estructura representativa independiente con prestigio social. Conclusiones: Los investigadores encuestados opinan que una evaluación adecuada resulta imprescindible en la formulación de una política científica y que la priorización debe ser consecuencia de dicha evaluación. Sobre estas bases deberían asentarse estrategias realmente coordinadas entre todos los sectores implicados (incluido el sector privado), presupuestariamente dotadas, estables temporalmente y vertebrando el colectivo investigador de forma que aumente su capacidad de influir en las futuras políticas científicas (AU)

Background and objectives: The assessment and prioritisation of research activity are essential components of any Science, Technology and Industry System. Data on researchers’ perspectives in this respect are scarce. The objective of this paper was to describe Spanish scientists’ point of view on the current evaluation system in Spain and how they believe this system should be functionally structured. Subjects and method: From the sampling frame formed by established Spanish scientists, listed in the databases of CSIC and FIS (Institute of Health Carlos III), clinical, biomedical-non clinical, and physics and chemical researchers were randomly selected. Two hundred and eleven interviews were carried out by means of a computer-assisted telephone interviewing system. Results: Researchers expressed their acknowledgement of progress in the Spanish research field but made their wish clear to progress towards better scientific scenarios. In their assessment, they gave a score of 5.4 to scientific policy, as opposed to 9.4 when speaking about the goals, reflecting the desire for a better policy definition, with clear objectives, stable strategies and better coordination of R&D activities (the current coordination received a score of 3.9, while the desirable coordination was valued as high as 9.2). There was certain agreement regarding the need for a prioritisation criteria which preserves some degree of creativity by researchers. They also stated that they would like to see an independent research structure with social prestige and influence. Conclusions: The interviewed researchers believe that the evaluation of scientific activities is fundamental in formulating a sound scientific policy. Prioritisation should arise from appropriate evaluation. Strategies properly coordinated among all the stakeholders (including the private sector) should be fostered. Budget sufficiency, stability, and better organization of independent researchers should be the backbone of any strategy tailored to increase their capacity to influence future scientific policies (AU)

SARS: Solución mediante Acciones y Respuestas Sensatas / SARS: solution by actions and responses with sense

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