[Hospital standardized mortality ratio: limits and potential of the indicator for assessing hospital performance in the Brazilian Unified National Health System]. / Razão de mortalidade hospitalar padronizada: limites e potencialidades do indicador para a avaliação do desempenho hospitalar no Sistema Único de Saúde, Brasil.

Comparative analyses based on clinical performance indicators to monitor the quality of hospital care have been carried out for decades in several countries, most notably the hospital standardized mortality ratio (HSMR). In Brazil, studies and the adoption of methodological tools that allow regular analysis of the performance of institutions are still scarce. This study aimed to assess the use of HSMR to compare the performance of hospitals funded by the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). The Hospital Information System was the source of data on adult hospitalizations in Brazil from 2017 to 2019. The methodological approach to estimate HSMR was adapted to the available data and included the causes of hospitalization (main diagnosis) responsible for 80% of deaths. The number of expected deaths was estimated using a logistic regression model that included predictor variables widely described in the literature. The analysis was conducted in two stages: (i) hospitalization level and (ii) hospital level. The final risk adjustment model showed a C-statistic of 0.774, which is considered adequate. The variation in HSMR was wide, especially among the worst-performing hospitals (1.54 to 6.77). Private hospitals performed better than public hospitals. Although the limits of the available data and the challenges still face its more refined use, HSMR is applicable and has the potential to become an important tool for assessing hospital performance in the SUS.

Análises comparativas, baseadas em indicadores de desempenho clínico, para monitorar a qualidade da assistência hospitalar vêm sendo realizadas há décadas em vários países, com destaque para a razão de mortalidade hospitalar padronizada (RMHP). No Brasil, ainda são escassos os estudos e a adoção de instrumentos metodológicos que permitam análises regulares do desempenho das instituições. O objetivo deste artigo foi explorar o uso da RMHP para a comparação do desempenho dos hospitais remunerados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). O Sistema de Informações Hospitalares foi a fonte de dados sobre as internações de adultos realizadas no Brasil entre 2017 e 2019. A abordagem metodológica para estimar a RMHP foi adaptada aos dados disponíveis e incluiu as causas de internação (diagnóstico principal) responsáveis por 80% dos óbitos. O número de óbitos esperados foi estimado por um modelo de regressão logística que incluiu variáveis preditoras amplamente descritas na literatura. A análise foi realizada em duas etapas: (i) nível da internação e (ii) nível do hospital. O modelo final de ajuste de risco apresentou estatística C de 0,774, valor considerado adequado. Foi observada grande variação da RMHP, especialmente entre os hospitais com pior desempenho (1,54 a 6,77). Houve melhor desempenho dos hospitais privados em relação aos hospitais públicos. Apesar de limites nos dados disponíveis e desafios ainda vislumbrados para a sua utilização mais refinada, a RMHP é aplicável e tem potencial para se tornar um elemento importante na avaliação do desempenho hospitalar no SUS.

Durante décadas se han realizado en varios países análisis comparativos basados en indicadores de desempeño clínico para monitorear la calidad de la atención hospitalaria, con énfasis en la razón de mortalidad hospitalaria estandarizada (RMHE). En Brasil, aún son escasos los estudios y la adopción de instrumentos metodológicos que permitan análisis regulares del desempeño de las instituciones. El objetivo fue explorar el uso de la RMHE para comparar el desempeño de los hospitales remunerados por el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). El Sistema de Información Hospitalaria fue la fuente de datos sobre las hospitalizaciones de adultos realizadas en Brasil entre el 2017 y el 2019. El enfoque metodológico para estimar la RMHE se adaptó a los datos disponibles e incluyó las causas de hospitalización (diagnóstico principal) responsables del 80% de las muertes. El número de muertes esperadas se estimó mediante un modelo de regresión logística que incluyó variables predictoras ampliamente descritas en la literatura. El análisis se realizó en dos etapas: (i) nivel de la hospitalización y (ii) nivel del hospital. El modelo final de ajuste de riesgo presentó una estadística C de 0,774, valor considerado adecuado. Se observó una gran variación en la RMHE, especialmente entre los hospitales con peor desempeño (1,54 a 6,77). Hubo un mejor desempeño de los hospitales privados en comparación con los hospitales públicos. A pesar de las limitaciones de los datos disponibles y de los desafíos aún previstos para su uso más refinado, la RMHE es aplicable y tiene el potencial de convertirse en un elemento importante en la evaluación del desempeño hospitalario en el SUS.

Segurança dos profissionais de saúde que atuaram na linha de frente da pandemia por covid-19 no Brasil / Safety of health professionals who worked in the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil / Seguridad de los profesionales de la salud que actuaron en primera línea de la pandemia de COVID-19 en Brasil

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar a segurança dos profissionais de saúde que atuaram no combate à pandemia de covid-19 em 2020 nos serviços de saúde brasileiros. Realizou-se inquérito on line, conduzido entre junho e setembro de 2020, com profissionais de saúde de instituições públicas e privadas brasileiras, com base no questionário Health workers exposure risk assessment and management in the context of COVID-19 virus, da Organização Mundial de Saúde, sendo analisados 2.832 registros. Raça/cor e categoria profissional foram variáveis relacionadas ao aumento de casos de covid-19 dentre os profissionais. Os que se autodeclararam não brancos, técnicos e auxiliares de enfermagem tiveram chance maior de resultado positivo, indicando maior suscetibilidade à infecção relacionada ao nível socioeconômico e/ou categoria profissional e papel desempenhado no cuidado ao paciente. As variáveis estrutura das unidades de saúde, localização, teste e disponibilidade de equipamentos de proteção individual relacionaram-se ao grau de risco de contrair a doença. Ressalta-se a importância da garantia de insumos e equipamentos aos profissionais de saúde, sobretudo em um contexto pandêmico e entre aqueles com baixo nível socioeconômico que atuam na linha de frente. Riscos em situações de emergência e escassez devem ser prospectivamente monitorados, ajustando-se às iniciativas no tocante à segurança do paciente.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of health professionals who worked in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 in Brazilian health services. An online survey was conducted between June and September 2020, with health professionals from Brazilian public and private institutions, based on the Health workers exposure risk assessment and management in the context of COVID-19 virus, from the World Health Organization, and 2,832 records were analyzed. Race/color and professional category were variables related to the increase of covid-19 cases among professionals. Those who self-declared themselves non-white, technical and nursing assistants had a higher chance of positive results, indicating a higher susceptibility to infection related to socioeconomic level and/or professional category and a role played in patient care. The variables structure of the health units, location, test and availability of personal protective equipment were related to the degree of risk of contracting the disease. The importance of ensuring inputs and equipment to health professionals is highlighted, especially in a pandemic context and among those with low socioeconomic level who work on the front line. Risks in emergency and scarcity situations should be prospectively monitored, adjusting to patient safety initiatives.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la seguridad de los profesionales de la salud que actuaron en la lucha contra la pandemia de COVID-19 en 2020 en los servicios de salud brasileños. Entre junio y septiembre de 2020 se realizó una encuesta en línea con profesionales de la salud de instituciones públicas y privadas brasileñas, basada en la evaluación y gestión del riesgo de exposición de los trabajadores de la salud en el contexto del virus COVID-19, de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, y se analizaron 2.832 registros. Raza/color y categoría profesional fueron variables relacionadas con el aumento de casos de COVID-19 entre profesionales. Los que se autodeclararon no blancos, técnicos y auxiliares de enfermería tuvieron una mayor probabilidad de resultados positivos, lo que indica una mayor susceptibilidad a la infección relacionada con el nivel socioeconómico y/o categoría profesional y un papel desempeñado en la atención al paciente. Las variables estructura de las unidades de salud, ubicación, prueba y disponibilidad de equipo de protección personal se relacionaron con el grado de riesgo de contraer la enfermedad. Se destaca la importancia de garantizar insumos y equipos a los profesionales de la salud, especialmente en un contexto pandémico y entre aquellos con bajo nivel socioeconómico que trabajan en primera línea. Los riesgos en situaciones de emergencia y escasez deben ser monitoreados prospectivamente, ajustándose a las iniciativas de seguridad del paciente.

Razão de mortalidade hospitalar padronizada: limites e potencialidades do indicador para a avaliação do desempenho hospitalar no Sistema Único de Saúde, Brasil / Hospital standardized mortality ratio: limits and potential of the indicator for assessing hospital performance in the Brazilian Unified National Health System / Razón de mortalidad hospitalaria estandarizada: límites y potencialidades del indicador para la evaluación del desempeño hospitalario en el Sistema Único de Salud, Brasil

Resumo: Análises comparativas, baseadas em indicadores de desempenho clínico, para monitorar a qualidade da assistência hospitalar vêm sendo realizadas há décadas em vários países, com destaque para a razão de mortalidade hospitalar padronizada (RMHP). No Brasil, ainda são escassos os estudos e a adoção de instrumentos metodológicos que permitam análises regulares do desempenho das instituições. O objetivo deste artigo foi explorar o uso da RMHP para a comparação do desempenho dos hospitais remunerados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). O Sistema de Informações Hospitalares foi a fonte de dados sobre as internações de adultos realizadas no Brasil entre 2017 e 2019. A abordagem metodológica para estimar a RMHP foi adaptada aos dados disponíveis e incluiu as causas de internação (diagnóstico principal) responsáveis por 80% dos óbitos. O número de óbitos esperados foi estimado por um modelo de regressão logística que incluiu variáveis preditoras amplamente descritas na literatura. A análise foi realizada em duas etapas: (i) nível da internação e (ii) nível do hospital. O modelo final de ajuste de risco apresentou estatística C de 0,774, valor considerado adequado. Foi observada grande variação da RMHP, especialmente entre os hospitais com pior desempenho (1,54 a 6,77). Houve melhor desempenho dos hospitais privados em relação aos hospitais públicos. Apesar de limites nos dados disponíveis e desafios ainda vislumbrados para a sua utilização mais refinada, a RMHP é aplicável e tem potencial para se tornar um elemento importante na avaliação do desempenho hospitalar no SUS.

Abstract: Comparative analyses based on clinical performance indicators to monitor the quality of hospital care have been carried out for decades in several countries, most notably the hospital standardized mortality ratio (HSMR). In Brazil, studies and the adoption of methodological tools that allow regular analysis of the performance of institutions are still scarce. This study aimed to assess the use of HSMR to compare the performance of hospitals funded by the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). The Hospital Information System was the source of data on adult hospitalizations in Brazil from 2017 to 2019. The methodological approach to estimate HSMR was adapted to the available data and included the causes of hospitalization (main diagnosis) responsible for 80% of deaths. The number of expected deaths was estimated using a logistic regression model that included predictor variables widely described in the literature. The analysis was conducted in two stages: (i) hospitalization level and (ii) hospital level. The final risk adjustment model showed a C-statistic of 0.774, which is considered adequate. The variation in HSMR was wide, especially among the worst-performing hospitals (1.54 to 6.77). Private hospitals performed better than public hospitals. Although the limits of the available data and the challenges still face its more refined use, HSMR is applicable and has the potential to become an important tool for assessing hospital performance in the SUS.

Resumen: Durante décadas se han realizado en varios países análisis comparativos basados en indicadores de desempeño clínico para monitorear la calidad de la atención hospitalaria, con énfasis en la razón de mortalidad hospitalaria estandarizada (RMHE). En Brasil, aún son escasos los estudios y la adopción de instrumentos metodológicos que permitan análisis regulares del desempeño de las instituciones. El objetivo fue explorar el uso de la RMHE para comparar el desempeño de los hospitales remunerados por el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). El Sistema de Información Hospitalaria fue la fuente de datos sobre las hospitalizaciones de adultos realizadas en Brasil entre el 2017 y el 2019. El enfoque metodológico para estimar la RMHE se adaptó a los datos disponibles e incluyó las causas de hospitalización (diagnóstico principal) responsables del 80% de las muertes. El número de muertes esperadas se estimó mediante un modelo de regresión logística que incluyó variables predictoras ampliamente descritas en la literatura. El análisis se realizó en dos etapas: (i) nivel de la hospitalización y (ii) nivel del hospital. El modelo final de ajuste de riesgo presentó una estadística C de 0,774, valor considerado adecuado. Se observó una gran variación en la RMHE, especialmente entre los hospitales con peor desempeño (1,54 a 6,77). Hubo un mejor desempeño de los hospitales privados en comparación con los hospitales públicos. A pesar de las limitaciones de los datos disponibles y de los desafíos aún previstos para su uso más refinado, la RMHE es aplicable y tiene el potencial de convertirse en un elemento importante en la evaluación del desempeño hospitalario en el SUS.

COVID-19 inpatient mortality in Brazil from 2020 to 2022: a cross-sectional overview study based on secondary data.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, the COVID-19 pandemic found the universal and public Unified Health System (SUS) with problems accumulated over time, due, among other reasons, to low investments, and disparities in resource distribution. The preparedness and response of the healthcare system, involving the SUS and a private sector, was affected by large socioeconomic and healthcare access inequities. This work was aimed at offering an overview of COVID-19 inpatient mortality during the pandemic in Brazil, exploring factors associated with its variations and, specifically, differences across public, private (for-profit) and philanthropic (private non-profit) inpatient healthcare units, providers, and non-providers of services to the SUS. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used public secondary data. The main data source was the SIVEP-Gripe, which comprises data on severe acute respiratory illness records prospectively collected. We also employed the National Record of Health Establishments, the SUS' Hospitalization Information System and municipalities' data from IBGE. We considered adult COVID-19 hospitalizations registered in SIVEP-Gripe from February 2020 to December 2022 in inpatient healthcare units with a minimum of 100 cases in the period. Data analyses explored the occurrence of inpatient mortality, employing general linear mixed models to identify the effects of patients', health care processes', healthcare units' and municipalities' characteristics on it. RESULTS: About 70% of the COVID-19 hospitalizations in Brazil were covered by the SUS, which attended the more vulnerable population groups and had worse inpatient mortality. In general, non-SUS private and philanthropic hospitals, mostly reimbursed by healthcare insurance plans accessible for more privileged socioeconomic classes, presented the best outcomes. Southern Brazil had the best performance among the macro-regions. Black and indigenous individuals, residents of lower HDI municipalities, and those hospitalized out of their residence city presented higher odds of inpatient mortality. Moreover, adjusted inpatient mortality rates were higher in the pandemic peak moments and were significantly reduced after COVID-19 vaccination reaching a reasonable coverage, from July 2021. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 exposed socioeconomic and healthcare inequalities and the importance and weaknesses of SUS in Brazil. This work indicates the need to revert the disinvestment in the universal public system, a fundamental policy for reduction of inequities in the country.

In Vitro Anthelminthic Activity and Ultrastructural Analysis of Barbatic Acid against Schistosomulae and Juvenile Worms of Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomiasis affects about 260 million people worldwide and the search for new schistosomicidal compounds is urgent. In this study we evaluated the in vitro effect of barbatic acid against schistosomulae and young worms of Schistosoma mansoni. The barbatic acid was evaluated through the bioassay of motility and mortality, cellular viability and ultrastructural analysis of juvenile stages through Scanning Electron Microscopy. Barbatic acid showed a schistosomicidal effect against schistosomulae and young worms of S. mansoni after 3 h of exposure. At the end of 24 h, barbatic acid showed 100 %, 89.5 %, 52 % and 28.5 % of lethality for schistosomulae at the concentrations of 200, 100, 50 and 25 µM, respectively. For young worms, barbatic acid showed 100 % and 31.7 % of lethality at the concentrations of 200 and 100 µM, respectively. Motility changes were observed at all sublethal concentrations. There was a significant reduction in the viability of young worms after exposure to barbatic acid at 50, 100 and 200 µM. Extensive damage to the schistosomulae and young worm's tegument, was observed from 50 µM. This report provides data showing the schistosomicidal effect of barbatic acid on schistosomulae and young worms of S. mansoni, causing death, motility changes and ultrastructural damage to worms.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture 2.0 - Brazilian version.

BACKGROUND: Patient safety culture concerns the values, beliefs and standards shared by an organisation's health staff and other personnel which influence their care provision actions and conduct. Several countries have made a priority of strengthening patient safety culture to improve the quality and safety of health care. In this direction, measuring the patient safety culture through validated instruments is a strategy applied worldwide. The purpose of this study was to adapt transculturally and validate the HSOPSC 2.0 to Brazilian Portuguese and the hospital context in Brazil. METHODS: Of the various validated scales for measuring safety culture, the instrument most used internationally is the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) developed by the United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in 2004 and revised in 2019, when version 2.0 was released. Adaptation was conducted on a universalist approach and the adapted instrument was then applied to a sample of 2,702 respondents (56% response rate) comprising staff of a large general hospital in the city of São Paulo. Construct validity was investigated by Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling-within-Confirmatory Factor Analysis (ESEM-within-CFA) and reliability was measured in each dimension by means of Cronbach alpha coefficients. RESULTS: ESEM fit indexes showed good data fit with the proposed model: χ2 = 634.425 df = 221 χ2/df ratio = 2.9 p-value < 0.0000; RMSEA = 0.045 (90% C.I. = 0.041-0.050) and probability RMSEA < = .05 = 0.963; CFI = 0.986; TLI = 0.968. However, ten items had loads lower than 0.4. Cronbach alpha values were 0.6 or more for all dimensions, except Handoffs and information exchange ([Formula: see text]= 0.50) and Staffing and work pace ([Formula: see text] = 0.41). CONCLUSION: The psychometric properties of the Brazilian version were found to be satisfactory, demonstrating good internal consistency and construct validity as expressed by estimates of reliability and indexes of model fit. However, given factor loadings smaller than 0.4 observed in ten items and considering that the scale translated and adapted to Portuguese was tested on a single sample during the Covid-19 pandemic, the authors recognize the need for it to be tested on other samples in Brazil to investigate its validity.

Clinical nursing care protocol for convalescent plasma transfusion in patients with COVID-19.

Introduction: The treatment of COVID-19 is still challenge. So convalescent plasma can be an important alternative of treatment. Protocols with nursing care during infusion is very important to guide an effective and safety care. Objective: to analyze the evidence in the literature on the action of convalescent plasma, of the use of protocols with nursing care to use convalescent plasma and build a nursing care protocol for transfusion in patients with COVID-19. Methods: Methodological study carried out in two stages: scoping review. The search was done using the descriptors: convalescent plasma transfusion, convalescent plasma, and acute respiratory syndromes or COVID-19, to found protocols and effectiveness of convalescent plasm. Beside was done a specialist panel to build the protocol. Results: Low-evidence studies have shown improvement in the clinical signs of COVID-19 using Convalescent Plasma, reduction or elimination of viral load, benefits in the production of lymphocytes, decreases C-reactive protein, increases titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, positive evolution in lung involvement identified by X-rays, decrease in hospitalization. No studies were found in the databases on the protocol for clinical nursing care in plasma transfusion. Therefore, a protocol was developed with the description of clinical nursing care to be performed before, during and after the transfusion by plasma: checking of vital signs and indicative signs of transfusion reaction, measurement of oxygen saturation, assessment of venous access and checking of the level of consciousness. Conclusion: There are no evidence studies to support the use of plasma, nor anything related to bundles.

Análise comparativa de classificações de vulnerabilidade para municípios g100 / Comparative analysis of vulnerability ratings for g100 municipalities / Análisis comparativo de calificaciones de vulnerabilidad de municipios g100

Resumo Em 2009, a Frente Nacional de Prefeitos (FNP) denominou g100 um grupo de municípios caracterizados por possuir mais de 80 mil habitantes, baixos níveis de receita pública per capita e alta vulnerabilidade socioeconômica. Este estudo buscou descrever o g100 a partir da posição comparativa segundo três medidas de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica aplicadas aos municípios com mais de 80 mil habitantes, discutindo a pertinência do uso da proposta da FNP como critério de priorização em políticas sociais. Comparou-se a listagem dos 100 primeiros municípios g100 com aquelas do Índice do Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM), Índice de Vulnerabilidade Social (IVS) e Índice Brasileiro de Privação (IBP). Identificou-se que 25 municípios classificados como g100 não estavam entre os 100 primeiros nos demais índices; mas 46 municípios g100 encontravam-se entre os mais vulneráveis nas três medidas. Discute-se a necessidade de amplo debate e consenso sobre as medidas de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica empregadas no planejamento e execução de políticas públicas. Esta reflexão está ancorada na defesa de que as ações e políticas públicas sejam intrinsicamente planejadas para garantia de maior equidade geográfica e alocativa em face da efetividade de resposta às demandas da população.

Abstract In 2009, the Frente Nacional de Prefeitos (FNP) named a group of municipalities with more than 80,000 inhabitants, low levels of public revenue per capita and high socioeconomic vulnerability g100. This study sought to describe the g100 from the comparative position according to three measures of socioeconomic vulnerability applied to municipalities with more than 80,000 inhabitants, and to discuss the pertinence of using the FNP proposal as a suggestion for prioritization in social policies. Comparing the list of the first 100 g100 municipalities with the indices: Municipal Human Development Index (HDIM), Social Vulnerability Index (IVS) and Brazilian Deprivation Index (IBP), we identified 25 municipalities classified as g100 that were not classified among the top 100 in the other indices; but 46 g100 counties were among the most considered in all three measures. The need for broad debate and consensus on measures of socioeconomic vulnerability used in the planning and execution of public policies is discussed. This reflection is based on the belief that public actions and policies are intrinsically implemented to guarantee greater geographic and allocative equity in order to respond to the demands of the population.

Resumen En 2009, el Frente Nacional de Alcaldes (FNP) nombró como g100 a un grupo de municipios caracterizados por tener más de ochenta mil habitantes, bajos niveles de ingreso público per cápita y alta vulnerabilidad socioeconómica. Este estudio buscó describir el g100 a partir de la posición comparativa según tres medidas de vulnerabilidad socioeconómica aplicadas a municipios con más de ochenta mil, y a partir de ahí discutir la pertinencia de utilizar la propuesta del FNP como sugerencia de priorización en las políticas sociales. Para ello se comparó la lista de los primeros cien municipios del g100 con los índices de desarrollo humano municipal (HDIM), de vulnerabilidad social (IVS) y brasileño de privación (IBP). Se identificó que 25 municipios clasificados como g100 no estaban clasificados entre los 100 primeros en los demás índices, aunque 46 estuvieron entre los más considerados en las tres medidas. Se discute la necesidad de un amplio debate y consenso sobre las medidas de vulnerabilidad socioeconómica utilizadas en la planificación y ejecución de políticas públicas. Esta reflexión se ancla en la defensa de que las acciones y políticas públicas se inician intrínsecamente para garantizar una mayor equidad geográfica y distributiva frente a la obediencia para responder a las demandas de la población.

Qualidade do cuidado e segurança do paciente: o papel dos pacientes e familiares / Quality of care and patient safety: the role of patients and families

RESUMO Este ensaio procurou discutir o papel dos pacientes e das famílias na qualidade dos cuidados e na segurança do paciente. Tradicionalmente, o papel dos profissionais de saúde - especialmente, dos médicos - tem sido predominante na discussão e na definição do que constitui um cuidado de saúde de alta qualidade. Entretanto, outros atores foram reconhecidos no debate contemporâneo sobre a qualidade do atendimento e, em particular, sobre a segurança do paciente e a centralidade do atendimento. O papel dos pacientes na qualidade do atendimento e até mesmo o seu protagonismo na identificação dos principais problemas presentes na prestação de cuidados e em como contribuir para um atendimento mais seguro são destacados. Inicialmente, discute-se o papel dos pacientes e seus familiares na qualidade do atendimento e na segurança do paciente. Em seguida, são discutidos os fatores que influenciam e dificultam a sua participação. Finalmente, são propostas estratégias para aumentar a participação dos pacientes. Pacientes e familiares podem desempenhar um papel essencial na melhoria da qualidade dos cuidados de saúde e da segurança do paciente. Entretanto, eles devem estar ativamente envolvidos para que isso ocorra, com suas contribuições consideradas em um ambiente favorável a uma cultura de segurança justa.

ABSTRACT This essay sought to discuss the role of patients and families in quality of care and patient safety. Traditionally, the role of health professionals - especially physicians - has been predominant in discussing and defining what constitutes high-quality health care. However, other actors have been recognized in the contemporary debate on the quality of care and, in particular, patient safety and centrality of care. The patient's role in the quality of care and even their protagonism in identifying the main problems in the provision of care and how to contribute to safer care are highlighted. Initially, discusses the role of patients and relatives in the quality of care and patient safety. Then, the factors that influence and hinder their participation are discussed. Finally, strategies for increasing patient participation are proposed. Patients and families can play an essential role in improving the quality of health care and patient safety. However, they must be actively involved in making this happen, with their contributions considered in an environment favorable to a just safety culture.

[Patient safety in childbirth care: what is discussed in Facebook groups?] / Segurança do paciente na assistência ao parto: o que é debatido nos grupos de Facebook?

Patient safety in childbirth care is a current topic on the agendas of discussion about the quality of maternal and child care around the world. This qualitative study sought to discuss the adverse events in childbirth care and its contributing factors, as perceived by patients and family members, using data collected from posts in Facebook groups. A total of 55 posts related to childbirth care made in September and October 2019 underwent content analysis. The findings were classified into two categories: (i) adverse events, including infant, fetal and maternal death, hemorrhages, infections, neurological lesions, surgery-related problems and use of medications; and (ii) contributing factors such as delay in care, diagnosis or treatment, obstetric violence, misdiagnosis and patient identification. Digital media platforms can be legitimate spaces for debating and opining on health-related issues, including those about the quality of obstetric care. Valuing patients' perceptions, whether from these or other sources, is fundamental, but requires the involvement of institutional and professional leaders to operationalize strategies that facilitate the early identification of risk factors, and enable the diagnosis and implementation of timely appropriate treatment with the active participation of patients and families. n the reduction of hospital stay, which is so impactful on the functional condition of the elderly.

A segurança do paciente no contexto da assistência ao parto é um tema que vem ocupando as pautas de discussão sobre qualidade do cuidado materno-infantil ao redor do mundo. Discutir os eventos adversos na assistência ao parto e seus fatores contribuintes, na percepção dos pacientes e familiares, reportados em grupos de Facebook. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo que utilizou a plataforma de mídia digital Facebook como fonte de dados. Foram analisadas 55 postagens relacionadas à assistência ao parto nos meses de setembro e outubro de 2019, quanto ao conteúdo. Os achados foram classificados em duas categorias: (i) eventos adversos incluindo óbitos do recém-nascido, fetal e materno, hemorragias, infecções, lesões neurológicas, problemas relacionados à cirurgia e ao uso de medicamentos; e (ii) fatores contribuintes como atraso no atendimento, diagnóstico ou tratamento, violência obstétrica, erro diagnóstico e identificação do paciente. As plataformas de mídias digitais, podem se constituir espaços legitimados para debates e manifestações acerca de questões relacionadas à saúde incluindo aquelas ligadas à qualidade do cuidado obstétrico. Valorizar a percepção das pacientes, oriundas dessas ou de outras fontes é fundamental, mas requer o envolvimento de lideranças institucionais e profissionais na operacionalização de estratégias que facilitem a identificação precoce de fatores de risco, e possibilitem o diagnóstico e implementação do tratamento adequado oportuno com a participação ativa de pacientes e familiares.

La seguridad del paciente en el contexto de la asistencia al parto es un tema que viene ocupando las pautas de discusión sobre la calidad del cuidado maternoinfantil en todo el mundo. El objetivo fue discutir los eventos adversos en la atención al parto y sus factores contribuyentes, en la percepción de pacientes y familiares, reportados en grupos de Facebook. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo que utilizó la plataforma de medios digitales Facebook como fuente de datos. Se analizaron 55 publicaciones relacionados con la asistencia al parto en los meses de septiembre y octubre del 2019, en cuanto al contenido. Los hallazgos se clasificaron en dos categorías: (i) eventos adversos que incluyen muertes del recién nacido, fetal y materna, hemorragias, infecciones, lesiones neurológicas, problemas relacionados con la cirugía y con el uso de medicamentos; y (ii) factores contribuyentes tales como retraso en la atención, diagnóstico o tratamiento, violencia obstétrica, error diagnóstico e identificación del paciente. Las plataformas de medios digitales pueden constituir espacios legítimos para debates y manifestaciones sobre temas relacionados con la salud, incluidos los relacionados con la calidad del cuidado obstétrico. Valorar la percepción de las pacientes, provenientes de estas o de otras fuentes es fundamental, pero requiere la participación de los líderes institucionales y de los profesionales en la operativización de estrategias que faciliten la identificación temprana de los factores de riesgo, y permitan el diagnóstico y la implementación del tratamiento adecuado y oportuno con la participación activa de pacientes y familiares.

Segurança e qualidade do cuidado em saúde na perspectiva do usuário: estudo exploratório de grupos do Facebook / Safety and quality of healthcare from the user perspective: exploratory study of Facebook groups / Seguridad y calidad de la atención de salud desde la perspectiva del usuario: estudio exploratorio de grupos del Facebook

O objetivo do estudo apresentado neste artigo é discutir segurança e qualidade do cuidado em saúde, usando o conteúdo compartilhado em grupos do Facebook e refletir sobre a perspectiva do paciente quanto ao tema. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo que utilizou, como fonte de dados, postagens de três grupos que abordavam a temática na plataforma de mídia digital Facebook por ocasião da pesquisa. Para analisar os dados, foi utilizado o software Iramutec e realizada a análise de conteúdo temática. Emergiram quatro categorias: incidentes e eventos adversos; fatores contribuintes; consequências dos eventos adversos; reparação ou mitigação desses incidentes e eventos adversos. Os incidentes e eventos adversos foram descritos pelos usuários dos grupos do Facebook como 'erros médicos'. Apesar da relevância para a vida de pacientes e familiares que passaram por incidentes e eventos adversos, o conteúdo das postagens sobre o que ocorreu é pouco compartilhado, o que parece indicar que os grupos funcionam como um portal de notícias da mídia tradicional.

The aim of the study presented in this article is to discuss the safety and quality of health care using content shared in Facebook groups and to reflect on patient's perspective on these issues. It is a qualitative study using as data source posts from three groups that addressed these issues on Facebook during the research period. Data analysis applied the Iramutec software, and it was based on thematic content analysis. Four categories emerged: incidents and adverse events; contributing factors; consequences of adverse events; reparation or mitigation of these incidents and adverse events. The users of Facebook groups described incidents and adverse events as 'medical errors'. Despite the relevance to patients and family members who experienced adverse incidents and adverse events, the content of the posts regarding the events is rarely shared, which seems to indicate that these groups have been functioning as news portal of mainstream media.

El objetivo del estudio presentado en este artículo es debatir la seguridad y la calidad de la atención de salud a través de los contenidos compartidos en los grupos de Facebook y reflexionar sobre la perspectiva del paciente acerca del tema. Él constituye un estudio cualitativo que utilizó como fuente de datos las publicaciones de tres grupos que abordaron el tema en la plataforma de medios de comunicación digitales Facebook. El análisis de datos se hizo con el programa informático Iramutec y se basó en el análisis de contenido temático. Surgieron cuatro categorías: incidentes y eventos adversos, factores contribuyentes, consecuencias de los eventos adversos, reparación o mitigación de estos incidentes y eventos adversos. Los usuarios de los grupos del Facebook describieron los incidentes y eventos adversos como 'errores médicos'. A pesar de la relevancia para la vida de los pacientes y familiares que experimentaron incidentes y eventos adversos, el contenido es poco compartido, lo que parece indicar que los grupos funcionan como un portal de noticias de los medios de comunicación dominantes.

Skeletal-dental features in 33 bull terrier dogs.

BACKGROUND: The Bull terrier breed has been reported in the veterinary literature to suffer frequent dental and skeletal malocclusions. In this retrospective case series, we report skeletal-dental anomalies in a group of 33 Bull terriers presented for a dental consultation. RESULTS: Out of 33 dogs examined, 24 cases had full mouth radiography or Cone-beam computed tomography performed. Eruption and development abnormalities observed were as follows: hypodontia in 54.1% (13/24), eruption changes in 29.2% (7/24), and tooth shape abnormalities in 33.3% (8/24). All dogs presented with some type of dental or skeletal malocclusion: neutroclusion was the most common (66.7% of the animals), followed by mandibular mesioclusion (18.8%), maxillo-mandibular asymmetry (9.4%), and mandibular distoclusion (6.3%). Dental abnormalities noted included rotation of mandibular and maxillary premolar teeth, distal displacement of the incisor teeth, lingual displacement of the mandibular canine teeth, and absence of mandibular premolar and molar teeth. Lingual displacement of mandibular canine teeth was associated with malocclusion causing trauma (odds ratio 7.1, 95% confidence interval [1.4 to 36.1], p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Malocclusions and tooth shape abnormalities were found to be the most frequent finding in this group of Bull terriers. Although these findings cannot be generalized to the global population further studies are needed to observe the true expression of these anomalies in the general breed population.

Pandemia da Covid-19: variação no uso de internações hospitalares nos municípios g100 / COVID-19 pandemic: hospitalization use variation in the g100 municipalities

RESUMO Este estudo objetivou analisar comparativamente o volume e os fluxos para internações hospitalares antes e durante o primeiro ano da pandemia da Covid-19 nos 112 municípios g100. Esses municípios caracterizam-se por ter mais de 80 mil habitantes, baixa renda e alta vulnerabilidade socioeconômica. Foram utilizados dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde referentes ao período 2017-2020. Selecionaram-se as internações de adultos (idade ≥ 18 anos), que foram classificadas segundo tipo de admissão ou especialidade do tratamento nas seguintes categorias: eletivas ou urgência/ emergência; tratamento clínico, cirúrgico, obstétrico e oncológico. As internações eletivas apresentaram maior redução no volume em 2020 em relação ao ano anterior devido às medidas adotadas para minimizar os riscos de contágio e priorização do cuidado aos pacientes grave por Covid-19. Não foram observadas alterações significativas em relação ao local de realização das internações de residentes de municípios g100. Contudo, no g100, observou-se diferenciação entre localidades nas quais a regionalização em saúde funciona de forma mais adequada, e em outras onde há escassez de recursos ou necessidade de planejamento e gestão mais efetivos.

ABSTRACT This study aims to comparatively analyze the volume and flows for hospital admissions before and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in 112 g100 municipalities, which are characterized by having more than 80,000 inhabitants, low income, and high socioeconomic vulnerability. Data from the SUS Hospital Information System regarding hospitalizations of adults (age ≥ 18 years) in the period 2017-2020. Hospitalizations were classified according to type of admission or specialty of treatment in the following categories: elective, urgency/emergency, clinical, surgical, obstetric, and oncological treatment. Elective hospitalizations showed a greater reduction in volume in 2020 compared to the previous year, probably due to the measures adopted to minimize the risks of contagion and prioritization of care to severe patients by COVID-19. Considering the place of hospitalization, no significant changes were observed in relation to the referral of residents of g100 municipalities to other municipalities. However, there was differentiation between localities in which regionalization in health works in a more appropriate way, and others where there is a scarcity of resources or need for more effective planning and management.

Segurança do paciente na assistência ao parto: o que é debatido nos grupos de Facebook? / Patient safety in childbirth care: what is discussed in Facebook groups? / Seguridad del paciente en la asistencia al parto: ¿de qué se habla en los grupos de Facebook?

A segurança do paciente no contexto da assistência ao parto é um tema que vem ocupando as pautas de discussão sobre qualidade do cuidado materno-infantil ao redor do mundo. Discutir os eventos adversos na assistência ao parto e seus fatores contribuintes, na percepção dos pacientes e familiares, reportados em grupos de Facebook. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo que utilizou a plataforma de mídia digital Facebook como fonte de dados. Foram analisadas 55 postagens relacionadas à assistência ao parto nos meses de setembro e outubro de 2019, quanto ao conteúdo. Os achados foram classificados em duas categorias: (i) eventos adversos incluindo óbitos do recém-nascido, fetal e materno, hemorragias, infecções, lesões neurológicas, problemas relacionados à cirurgia e ao uso de medicamentos; e (ii) fatores contribuintes como atraso no atendimento, diagnóstico ou tratamento, violência obstétrica, erro diagnóstico e identificação do paciente. As plataformas de mídias digitais, podem se constituir espaços legitimados para debates e manifestações acerca de questões relacionadas à saúde incluindo aquelas ligadas à qualidade do cuidado obstétrico. Valorizar a percepção das pacientes, oriundas dessas ou de outras fontes é fundamental, mas requer o envolvimento de lideranças institucionais e profissionais na operacionalização de estratégias que facilitem a identificação precoce de fatores de risco, e possibilitem o diagnóstico e implementação do tratamento adequado oportuno com a participação ativa de pacientes e familiares.

Patient safety in childbirth care is a current topic on the agendas of discussion about the quality of maternal and child care around the world. This qualitative study sought to discuss the adverse events in childbirth care and its contributing factors, as perceived by patients and family members, using data collected from posts in Facebook groups. A total of 55 posts related to childbirth care made in September and October 2019 underwent content analysis. The findings were classified into two categories: (i) adverse events, including infant, fetal and maternal death, hemorrhages, infections, neurological lesions, surgery-related problems and use of medications; and (ii) contributing factors such as delay in care, diagnosis or treatment, obstetric violence, misdiagnosis and patient identification. Digital media platforms can be legitimate spaces for debating and opining on health-related issues, including those about the quality of obstetric care. Valuing patients' perceptions, whether from these or other sources, is fundamental, but requires the involvement of institutional and professional leaders to operationalize strategies that facilitate the early identification of risk factors, and enable the diagnosis and implementation of timely appropriate treatment with the active participation of patients and families. n the reduction of hospital stay, which is so impactful on the functional condition of the elderly.

La seguridad del paciente en el contexto de la asistencia al parto es un tema que viene ocupando las pautas de discusión sobre la calidad del cuidado maternoinfantil en todo el mundo. El objetivo fue discutir los eventos adversos en la atención al parto y sus factores contribuyentes, en la percepción de pacientes y familiares, reportados en grupos de Facebook. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo que utilizó la plataforma de medios digitales Facebook como fuente de datos. Se analizaron 55 publicaciones relacionados con la asistencia al parto en los meses de septiembre y octubre del 2019, en cuanto al contenido. Los hallazgos se clasificaron en dos categorías: (i) eventos adversos que incluyen muertes del recién nacido, fetal y materna, hemorragias, infecciones, lesiones neurológicas, problemas relacionados con la cirugía y con el uso de medicamentos; y (ii) factores contribuyentes tales como retraso en la atención, diagnóstico o tratamiento, violencia obstétrica, error diagnóstico e identificación del paciente. Las plataformas de medios digitales pueden constituir espacios legítimos para debates y manifestaciones sobre temas relacionados con la salud, incluidos los relacionados con la calidad del cuidado obstétrico. Valorar la percepción de las pacientes, provenientes de estas o de otras fuentes es fundamental, pero requiere la participación de los líderes institucionales y de los profesionales en la operativización de estrategias que faciliten la identificación temprana de los factores de riesgo, y permitan el diagnóstico y la implementación del tratamiento adecuado y oportuno con la participación activa de pacientes y familiares.

Patient safety incidents and adverse events reported by Brazilian citizens: a descriptive study, 2014-2018. / Incidentes e eventos adversos de segurança do paciente notificados pelos cidadãos no Brasil: estudo descritivo, 2014-2018.

OBJECTIVE: To describe incidents related to healthcare services reported by Brazilian citizens on the Health Surveillance Notification System. METHODS: This was a descriptive study, using the database from the Health Surveillance Notification System (Notivisa) of the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa), 'citizen' module, between 2014 and 2018. RESULTS: 935 incidents were reported, most of them occurred among females (60.9%), the elderly (20.1%) and those of white race/skin color (51.0%). The majority of the reported incidents were related to the use of medications (50.8%), falls (7.5%) and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) (7.2%), which occurred during provision of healthcare, treatment or surgery (37.3%), in daytime (58.3%) and in hospital setting (37.4%). CONCLUSION: It could be seen a low adherence to the notification system among the citizens. There was a higher frequency of incidents related to medications, falls and HAIs. This shows that citizens have the capability to recognize and report these incidents as patient safety issues.

Quality in healthcare and patient safety: evaluation of the results of a distance learning program. / Qualidade do cuidado em saúde e segurança do paciente: avaliação dos resultados de um programa de formação à distância.

This paper aims to present an analysis of the Quality in Health and Patient Safety Training Program (CQSSP) results of the Sérgio Arouca National School of Public Health. This is a quantitative, qualitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive study based on the Kirkpatrick's Evaluation Model. The findings provide us with a clearer picture of the success of the CQSSP pedagogical intent through a positive assessment for the Reaction, Learning, Behavioral, Results levels. From the analysis of the perception of the graduates, we observed that 82% of them started to fully consider the occurrence of an error in the provision of care, 68% incorporated the acquired knowledge into their professional practice, and 73% started to study and research themes related to Patient Safety (PS). We also conducted a survey on the number of Patient Safety Centers or equivalent bodies established or reformulated during or after the CQSSP. We also evaluated the extent of the contribution of the course in the implementation of Patient Safety protocols and actions in hospitals. The findings point to a significant contribution of the CQSSP to PS and the quality of hospital care.

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma análise dos resultados do Programa de Formação em Qualidade em Saúde e Segurança do Paciente (CQSSP) da Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Trata-se de uma abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa, transversal e descritiva, baseada no Modelo de Avaliação de Kirkpatrick. Os achados dimensionaram o êxito da proposta pedagógica do CQSSP com avaliação considerada positiva nos níveis de Reação, Aprendizagem, Comportamento e Resultados. A partir de análise da percepção de egressos, observou-se que 82% destes passaram a considerar plenamente a ocorrência de erro na prática do cuidado, 68% a incorporar os conhecimentos adquiridos à sua prática profissional, e 73% passaram a estudar e pesquisar temas relacionados à segurança do paciente. Inquérito captando o número de Núcleos de Segurança do Paciente ou instâncias equivalentes constituídos ou reformulados durante ou depois do CQSSP foi realizado. Avaliou-se, ainda, o grau de contribuição do curso na implementação dos protocolos e ações de Segurança do Paciente (SP) nos hospitais, refletindo, assim, a significativa contribuição do CQSSP para a segurança do paciente e qualidade do cuidado hospitalar.

Cladonia verticillaris (lichen) indicates negative impacts derived from the combustion of biodiesel blends: an alert for the environmental management for biofuels use.

The use of biodiesel blends with petroleum diesel in vehicular engines demands the evaluation of the possible impacts and effects of the gases emitted from their combustion on the environment. Among studies on these questions, biomonitoring using lichens is a viable alternative, given their interactions with the elements dispersed in the atmosphere, as well as its sensitivity and capacity to retain contaminants. In this study, we analyzed the effects of gas emissions from the combustion of biodiesel mixture with petroleum diesel on Cladonia verticillaris thalli. Samples of the lichen (10 g) were exposed to the gases emitted by the exhaust of the generator engine during the combustion process of biodiesel mixtures to petroleum diesel (7% (B7), 10% (B10), 40% (B40), 50% (B50), and 70% (B70)). At 90 days after exposure, samples were analyzed for n-alkane profiles, thallus morphology, photosynthetic pigment contents, and secondary lichen metabolites (protocetraric and fumarprotocetraric acids). Sets B7 and B10 showed better resistance of the lichen to pollutants. Set B40 showed a high stress evidenced by the chain elongation of n-alkanes structure and high chlorophyll production, presenting high morphological damages when compared to the control sets, B7 and B10. The results showed significant reductions of n-alkanes profiles for mixtures with high concentrations of biodiesel (B50 and B70), as well as decreases in the chlorophyll content. These groups showed an increase in the synthesis of secondary metabolites, corroborating the hypothesis that high concentrations of biodiesel in the mixture with petroleum diesel have greater impacts on the lichen. Schematic model for demonstration of using the lichen Cladonia verticillaris as biomonitor of effects from gas emissions from the combustion of biodiesel blends with petroleum diesel by a stationary engine.

Qualidade do cuidado em saúde e segurança do paciente: avaliação dos resultados de um programa de formação à distância / Quality in healthcare and patient safety: evaluation of the results of a distance learning program

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma análise dos resultados do Programa de Formação em Qualidade em Saúde e Segurança do Paciente (CQSSP) da Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Trata-se de uma abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa, transversal e descritiva, baseada no Modelo de Avaliação de Kirkpatrick. Os achados dimensionaram o êxito da proposta pedagógica do CQSSP com avaliação considerada positiva nos níveis de Reação, Aprendizagem, Comportamento e Resultados. A partir de análise da percepção de egressos, observou-se que 82% destes passaram a considerar plenamente a ocorrência de erro na prática do cuidado, 68% a incorporar os conhecimentos adquiridos à sua prática profissional, e 73% passaram a estudar e pesquisar temas relacionados à segurança do paciente. Inquérito captando o número de Núcleos de Segurança do Paciente ou instâncias equivalentes constituídos ou reformulados durante ou depois do CQSSP foi realizado. Avaliou-se, ainda, o grau de contribuição do curso na implementação dos protocolos e ações de Segurança do Paciente (SP) nos hospitais, refletindo, assim, a significativa contribuição do CQSSP para a segurança do paciente e qualidade do cuidado hospitalar.

Abstract This paper aims to present an analysis of the Quality in Health and Patient Safety Training Program (CQSSP) results of the Sérgio Arouca National School of Public Health. This is a quantitative, qualitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive study based on the Kirkpatrick's Evaluation Model. The findings provide us with a clearer picture of the success of the CQSSP pedagogical intent through a positive assessment for the Reaction, Learning, Behavioral, Results levels. From the analysis of the perception of the graduates, we observed that 82% of them started to fully consider the occurrence of an error in the provision of care, 68% incorporated the acquired knowledge into their professional practice, and 73% started to study and research themes related to Patient Safety (PS). We also conducted a survey on the number of Patient Safety Centers or equivalent bodies established or reformulated during or after the CQSSP. We also evaluated the extent of the contribution of the course in the implementation of Patient Safety protocols and actions in hospitals. The findings point to a significant contribution of the CQSSP to PS and the quality of hospital care.

Geographical variation in demand, utilization, and outcomes of hospital services for COVID-19 in Brazil: A descriptive serial cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the geographical variation in the provision of health services, namely in demand, patterns of utilization, and effectiveness in the Brazilian Health Regions in four different periods of the COVID-19 pandemic, from February 2020 to March 2021. METHODS: Descriptive serial cross-sectional study based on secondary data on COVID-19 hospitalizations from SIVEP-Gripe, a public and open-access database of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness records collected by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and COVID-19 case notification data from Brasil.io, a repository of public data. Fifty-six epidemiological weeks were split into four periods. The following variables were considered for each Brazilian Health Region, per period: number of hospitalizations, hospitalizations per 100,000 inhabitants, hospitalizations per 100 new cases notified in the Health Region, percentage of hospitalizations with ICU use, percentages of hospitalizations with invasive and non-invasive ventilatory support, percentage of hospitalizations resulting in death and percentage of hospitalizations with ICU use resulting in death. Descriptive statistics of the variables were obtained across all 450 Health Regions in Brazil over the four defined pandemic periods. Maps were generated to capture the spatiotemporal variation and trends during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. RESULTS: There was great variation in how COVID-19 hospitalizations grew and spread among Health Regions, with higher numbers between June and August 2020, and, especially, from mid-December 2020 to March 2021. The variation pattern in the proportion of ICU use in the hospitalizations across the Health Regions was broad, with no intensive care provision in large areas in the North, Northeast, and Midwest. The proportions of hospitalizations and hospitalizations with ICU use resulting in deaths were remarkably high, reaching medians of 34.0% and 62.0% across Health Regions, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Heath Regions in Brazil are highly diverse, showing broad disparities in the capacity to respond to the demands imposed by COVID-19, services provided, use and outcomes.

Patterns of hospital utilization in the Unified Health System in six Brazilian capitals: comparison between the year before and the first six first months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal evolution of the pattern of hospital use in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. METHODS: This retrospective observational study compared hospital use and mortality in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) in the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic with the year before the onset of the pandemic in six Brazilian capitals (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, Fortaleza, Recife, and Brasilia). It was based on secondary administrative data from the SUS Hospital Information System (SIH), focusing on the number of hospitalizations per fortnight, age, and gender of patients, hospital length of stay, and the proportions of surgical, elective, with the use of ICU, and resulting in death hospitalizations. It also compared the number of hospitalizations and mortality related to frequent diagnostic groups. RESULTS: A significant drop was identified in the number of hospitalizations as of March 2020, with the first peak of COVID-19 hospitalizations in five capitals recorded in May 2020. In the six capitals, we observed significant reductions in the mean number of hospitalizations per fortnight from the beginning of the pandemic. We also identified an increase in the mean age of the patients and the proportion of male patients. The proportion of surgical and elective hospitalizations dropped significantly in all capitals, while the proportion of hospitalizations with ICU use increased significantly. Significant increases in-hospital mortality were also recorded in the six capitals with the pandemic, including or excluding COVID-19 hospitalizations from the comparison. CONCLUSION: The pandemic caused changes in the pattern of use and hospital indicators in the first six months in the cities considered, evidencing the need for attention to diseases with a hospital production altered by the COVID-19 course and health system performance problems in the face of challenges.