Determinants of caregiving burden among informal caregivers of adult care recipients with chronic illness.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study examined the predictors of caregiver burden based on patient and caregiver characteristics in a sample of Spanish caregivers looking after adult patients with chronic disease. The effect of task type and patient-caregiver interaction is also analysed. BACKGROUND: Specific predictors of caregiver burden have been widely examined in the literature. Few studies, however, jointly analyse a wide range of factors, including the effect of task type and patient-caregiver interaction. DESIGN: Correlational study. METHODS: One hundred and thirty five informal caregivers for 148 care recipients were recruited from primary health care centres. The caregivers responded to the short version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), the DEPendency index-6 Dimensions (DEP-6D), and reported how long they spent on caregiving on a daily basis. Sociodemographic and health characteristics were also recorded. Linear and logistic regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with ZBI scores and the likelihood of being severely burdened, respectively. This research complies with STROBE guidelines for observational studies. RESULTS: Severe burden was present in 62% of the caregivers. Regression analysis shows that burden severity increases significantly with the level of dependence when the latter is measured either by DEP-6D or by time spent on basic activities. Care related to incontinence and mobility has the greatest effect on burden, which is aggravated when the patient has behavioural problems. Poor caregiver health or not being retired also contributes to burden levels. CONCLUSIONS: These results establish that caregiver burden is related to characteristics of both the caregiver and the care recipient as well as to their interaction. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings indicate that the socio-sanitary attention focused on reducing caregiver burden must address the caregiver and patient as a dyad. Identifying the dependence level and the patient's aggressive behaviour can be a good predictor of caregiver burden.

[Measurement of dependence based on the care time and the dependency assessment scale]. / La medición de la dependencia a partir del tiempo de cuidado y del baremo de valoración de dependencia.

AIMS: To assign care time to the activities collected in the Dependency Assessment Scale (BVD) and to analyse the relationship between care time and the score received on the BVD. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study of 148 dependent persons was carried out. Socioeconomic and clinical data, the BVD, the 6-dimensional dependency indicator (DEP-6D), as well as data from a diary with the time of care received, were collected. The median time needed to carry out the activities included in the BVD was estimated from the diary. Following the BVD methodology, those who had their mental functions affected were separated. Each person was assigned two scores, one based on BVD and the other based on the time that the caregivers spent to care for them. The correlation between the two was estimated, and a regression was performed to identify the main explanatory factors for the disparity between the two indicators. RESULTS: BVD and hours of care show a moderate positive correlation. The mental impairment of the dependent person increased the time of care in most activities. The regression analysis suggests that while mental impairment is the main explanatory factor of obtaining a higher assessment with care time than with BVD, being bedridden is the main predictor of having a higher sore with the BVD. CONCLUSIONS: The construct that underlies BVD is moderately related to care time. Future research must contrast the robustness of these results and address whether the normative criteria that underlie the BVD is aligned with the weights that characterise it.

Necesidad y uso de productos de apoyo y facilitadores arquitectónicos en población dependiente / Need and use of assistive devices and architectural facilitators in a dependent population

OBJETIVO: Describir la utilización y percepción de la necesidad de productos de apoyo e identificar su asociación con instrumentos para medir la dependencia y la sobrecarga de cuidados. DISEÑO: Estudio transversal. Emplazamiento: Atención Primaria del área sur de Pontevedra. PARTICIPANTES: Un total de 112 personas cuidadoras informales que atienden a 125 personas dependientes. Mediciones principales: Mediante entrevista personal se recogen datos sobre la utilización y percepción de necesidad de estos productos. Además, se obtienen datos sociodemográficos e información referida al tiempo dedicado al cuidado diario, la sobrecarga del cuidador, el Baremo de Valoración de Dependencia y el indicador de dependencia DEP-6D. Se ha utilizado un contraste de medias para identificar si existen diferencias significativas en dichos indicadores en función de si utilizan o no los productos facilitadores. Se ha calculado una regresión logística para identificar aquellas variables asociadas con tener una necesidad no cubierta. RESULTADOS: Un 60% (IC 95%: 50,9-68,7) de las personas dependientes tienen necesidades no cubiertas de estos dispositivos. Estas necesidades se asocian, principalmente, con una renta familiar baja, un mayor grado de dependencia y una mejor salud del cuidador, aunque en situaciones de gran dependencia y muy mala salud del cuidador estas carencias se suavizan. CONCLUSIONES: Existe una fuerte asociación entre grado de dependencia y utilización de estos productos. Sin embargo, también hay un elevado porcentaje de la muestra con necesidades no cubiertas de estos productos que están asociadas tanto con la situación socioeconómica del hogar como con las características del dependiente y de la persona cuidadora

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use and perception of the need for assistive devices and identify their relationship with instruments to measure dependence and caregiver burden. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LOCATION: Primary Health Care in the southern area of Pontevedra. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 112 informal caregivers providing care to 125 dependent persons. Key measurements: Through a personal interview, data was collected on the use and perception of the need for these devices. In addition, sociodemographic data and information on the time dedicated to daily care, caregiver burden, the Dependency Rating Scale, and the DEP-6D dependency indicator were obtained. A contrast mean was used to identify whether there are significant differences in these indicators, depending on whether or not they use the facilitator devices. A logistic regression was performed to identify those variables most associated with not having a need covered. RESULTS: More than half (60%: 95% CI; 50.9-68.7) of dependent persons have unmet needs for these devices. These needs are mainly associated with a low family income, a high degree of dependence, and better health of the caregiver; although in extreme situations of greater dependence and worse health of the caregiver these deficiencies are smoothed out. CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong association between the level of dependence and the use of these devices. However, there is a high percentage of the sample that do not have the products that they need, which are associated with the socioeconomic situation of the household as well as with the characteristics of the dependent person and the caregiver

[Need and use of assistive devices and architectural facilitators in a dependent population]. / Necesidad y uso de productos de apoyo y facilitadores arquitectónicos en población dependiente.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use and perception of the need for assistive devices and identify their relationship with instruments to measure dependence and caregiver burden. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LOCATION: Primary Health Care in the southern area of Pontevedra. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 112 informal caregivers providing care to 125 dependent persons. KEY MEASUREMENTS: Through a personal interview, data was collected on the use and perception of the need for these devices. In addition, sociodemographic data and information on the time dedicated to daily care, caregiver burden, the Dependency Rating Scale, and the DEP-6D dependency indicator were obtained. A contrast mean was used to identify whether there are significant differences in these indicators, depending on whether or not they use the facilitator devices. A logistic regression was performed to identify those variables most associated with not having a need covered. RESULTS: More than half (60%: 95% CI; 50.9-68.7) of dependent persons have unmet needs for these devices. These needs are mainly associated with a low family income, a high degree of dependence, and better health of the caregiver; although in extreme situations of greater dependence and worse health of the caregiver these deficiencies are smoothed out. CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong association between the level of dependence and the use of these devices. However, there is a high percentage of the sample that do not have the products that they need, which are associated with the socioeconomic situation of the household as well as with the characteristics of the dependent person and the caregiver.

A meta-analysis of the association between caregiver burden and the dependent's illness.

The caregiver burden is frequently used to refer to the physical and psychological problems that may arise from caring for a dependent relative. We conducted a meta-analysis to see whether Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) scores differed by dependent's pathology. Results from 125 studies showed that caregivers of individuals with a physical disability have an estimated mean ZBI score (±SE) of 27 ± 2.6 - a score significantly lower than for caregivers of persons with dementia or cognitive impairment (34.1 ± 1.1), mental illness (32.6 ± 1.7), or Alzheimer's (32.5 ± 1). Our analysis of Alzheimer's revealed differences among cases of mildly (25.8 ± 5.2), moderately (35.6 ± 7.8), and severely (42.6 ± 7.9) afflicted dependents.

Aplicación clínica del manejo de los recursos en crisis / Clinical aplication of resources in crisis managment

Las situaciones de crisis en la sala de operaciones son eventos poco frecuentes, con personal trabajando rápido y bajo presión, intentando sobrellevar el incidente con los menores riesgos para el paciente. Se expone un caso clínico en el marco del trabajo de una unidad de anestesia para cirugía de tórax en la cual se presenta una crisis asistencial abordada por un equipo de trabajo capacitado mediante simulación en la aplicación de la herramienta de "Manejo de los Recursos en Crisis (CRM)". Planteamos que la aplicación de esta herramienta por un equipo capacitado en su utilización contribuyó al éxito y buena evolución de un paciente crítico.

Crisis situations on the operation room seldom happen, with staff working fast and under pressure, trying to overcome the incident at the same time as reducing the risks for the patient. Here we expose a clinical case on the frame of work of an anesthesia unit assembled for thorax surgery during which an asistential crisis occurs and is managed by a group of coworkers trained by means of simulation on the appliance of the tool called "Crisis Resource Management (CRM)". We support the idea that the appliance of this tool by a team of professionals trained on its use, contributed to the success and good evolution on a critical patient.

[Cerebral palsy associated urological pathologies. Nurse´s role.] / Patologias urologicas asociadas a paralisis cerebral. El rol de la enfermera.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were: To analyze the causes of urological consultation of the child with CP, to analyze the role of nursing in the urological care of children with CP referred to Urology, and to know the relationship between the child's urinary tract infection and CP and its degree of independence. METHOD: Retrospective analytical observational study based on the review of the clinical records of patients diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Forty-seven patients selected by simple randomization in an age range of 2 to 16 years were included in the study in an outpatient clinic for CP patients located in a town in northern Mexico. RESULTS: The causes of urological consultation of the child with CP, referred by nursing were: urinary infection, phimosis, retractable testicle, cryptorchidism, hypogonadism, overactive bladder, and hypospadias. The relationship between the urinary infection of the child with CP and its degree of independence was established with the level of urinary sphincter control. CONCLUSIONS: The nursing staff is a key and decisive factor in the diagnosis, early reference for treatment and monitoring of the evolution of urinary disorders in children with CP. It is not indicated to start a toilet training program in children with CP, without having previously ruled out a urinary tract infection.

OBJETIVOS: Los objetivos de este estudio fueron: analizar las causas de consulta urológica del niño con Parálisis Cerebral (PC), analizar el rol de enfermería en el cuidado urológico de niños con PC referidos a Urología, y conocer la relación entre la infección urinaria del niño con PC y su grado de independencia. MATERIAL Y METODO: Estudio observacional analítico retrospectivo en base a la revisión del expediente clínico de pacientes con diagnóstico de parálisis cerebral. Se incluyeron en el estudio a 47 pacientes seleccionados mediante aleatorización simple en un rango de edad de 2 a 16 años en una clínica de atención ambulatoria para pacientes con PC, ubicada en una población del norte de México. RESULTADOS: Las causas de consulta urológica del niño con PC, referidos por enfermería fueron: infección urinaria, fimosis, testículo retráctil, criptorquidia, hipogonadismo, vejiga hiperactiva, e hipospadias. La relación entre la infección urinaria del niño con PC y su grado de independencia se estableció con el nivel de control de esfínter urinario. CONCLUSIONES: El personal de enfermería es factor clave y decisivo en el diagnóstico, referencia temprana para tratamiento y vigilancia de la evolución de los trastornos urinarios en niños con PC. No está indicado iniciar un programa de control de esfínteres en niños con PC, sin haber descartado antes una infección urinaria.

Patologias urologicas asociadas a paralisis cerebral. El rol de la enfermera / Cerebral palsy associated urological pathologies. Nurse's role

Objetivos: Los objetivos de este estudio fueron: analizar las causas de consulta urológica del niño con Parálisis Cerebral (PC), analizar el rol de enfermería en el cuidado urológico de niños con PC referidos a Urología, y conocer la relación entre la infección urinaria del niño con PC y su grado de independencia. Material y método: Estudio observacional analítico retrospectivo en base a la revisión del expediente clínico de pacientes con diagnóstico de parálisis cerebral. Se incluyeron en el estudio a 47 pacientes seleccionados mediante aleatorización simple en un rango de edad de 2 a 16 años en una clínica de atención ambulatoria para pacientes con PC, ubicada en una población del norte de México. Resultados: Las causas de consulta urológica del niño con PC, referidos por enfermería fueron: infección urinaria, fimosis, testículo retráctil, criptorquidia, hipogonadismo, vejiga hiperactiva, e hipospadias. La relación entre la infección urinaria del niño con PC y su grado de independencia se estableció con el nivel de control de esfínter urinario. Conclusiones: El personal de enfermería es factor clave y decisivo en el diagnóstico, referencia temprana para tratamiento y vigilancia de la evolución de los trastornos urinarios en niños con PC. No está indicado iniciar un programa de control de esfínteres en niños con PC, sin haber descartado antes una infección urinaria

Objectives: The objectives of this study were: To analyze the causes of urological consultation of the child with CP, to analyze the role of nursing in the urological care of children with CP referred to Urology, and to know the relationship between the child’s urinary tract infection and CP and its degree of independence. Method: Retrospective analytical observational study based on the review of the clinical records of patients diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Forty-seven patients selected by simple randomization in an age range of 2 to 16 years were included in the study in an outpatient clinic for CP patients located in a town in northern Mexico. Results: The causes of urological consultation of the child with CP, referred by nursing were: urinary infection, phimosis, retractable testicle, cryptorchidism, hypogonadism, overactive bladder, and hypospadias. The relationship between the urinary infection of the child with CP and its degree of independence was established with the level of urinary sphincter control. Conclusions: The nursing staff is a key and decisive factor in the diagnosis, early reference for treatment and monitoring of the evolution of urinary disorders in children with CP. It is not indicated to start a toilet training program in children with CP, without having previously ruled out a urinary tract infection

Estudio observacional transversal de la sobrecarga en cuidadoras informales y los determinantes relacionados con la atención a las personas dependientes / Cross-sectional study of informal caregiver burden and the determinants related to the care of dependent persons

OBJETIVO: Describir la sobrecarga de las cuidadoras informales de personas dependientes e identificar las variables relacionadas. DISEÑO: Estudio transversal descriptivo observacional. Emplazamiento: Atención Primaria del área sur de Pontevedra. PARTICIPANTES: Un total de 97 cuidadoras/es de dependientes. Mediciones principales: Mediante una entrevista personal se recogen datos socioeconómicos y del estado de salud de la cuidadora y del dependiente, el tiempo dedicado al cuidado y la carga del cuidador (Zarit abreviada). Además de una descripción de la muestra -incluyendo su nivel de sobrecarga-, se ha utilizado un contraste de medias para identificar aquellas características que inciden en la puntuación de la escala Zarit y una regresión logística para analizar aquellas que inciden en la probabilidad de experimentar sobrecarga. RESULTADOS: Un 61,9% de las cuidadoras están sometidas a sobrecarga intensa. El ítem de la escala que más contribuye a la sobrecarga es la falta de tiempo para uno mismo, seguida de los efectos negativos en las relaciones interpersonales. El contraste de medias muestra que el grado de parentesco, el número de horas de cuidado, la salud de la cuidadora y la agresividad del dependiente producen diferencias significativas en la escala Zarit. La salud física y psicológica de la cuidadora, y la agresividad del dependiente, se asocian a la probabilidad de padecer sobrecarga. CONCLUSIONES: Las cuidadoras informales de personas dependientes presentan un alto nivel de sobrecarga, que se relaciona tanto con sus características, como con las del dependiente. La sobrecarga replantea la necesidad de que las políticas públicas enfocadas en la dependencia adopten una visión integradora cuidadora-dependiente

OBJECTIVE: To describe the burden of informal carers of dependent people and to identify related variables. DESIGN: Descriptive observational cross-sectional study. LOCATION: Primary Health Care in the southern area of Pontevedra. PARTICIPANTS: 97 caregivers of dependent persons. Key measurements: We collected socioeconomic data and health conditions from caregivers and dependent persons, time spent on the daily care and caregiver burden (Zarit abbreviate) through a personal interview. Besides the description of the sample-including their burden level-, a contrast mean was used to identify characteristics that influenced in punctuation of Zarit scale. A logistic regression was used to analyse characteristics that increase the likelihood to experiment burden. RESULTS: 61.9% of caregivers are subject to intense burden. The item on the scale which contributes most to the caregiver burden is the lack of time for oneself, followed by the negative effects of interpersonal relationships. Contrast means shows that degree of relationship, number of care hours, caregiver health and aggressiveness of dependent persons produce significant differences in Zarit scale. Physic and psychological health of caregivers and aggressiveness of dependent persons is associated with the likelihood of developing caregiver burden. CONCLUSIONS: Informal caregivers of dependent persons show a high level of burden, both related to their characteristics and those of the dependent persons. Caregiver burden rethinks the need for public policies focused on dependence to adopt an integrative caregiver-dependent vision

[Cross-sectional study of informal caregiver burden and the determinants related to the care of dependent persons]. / Estudio observacional transversal de la sobrecarga en cuidadoras informales y los determinantes relacionados con la atención a las personas dependientes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the burden of informal carers of dependent people and to identify related variables. DESIGN: Descriptive observational cross-sectional study. LOCATION: Primary Health Care in the southern area of Pontevedra. PARTICIPANTS: 97 caregivers of dependent persons. KEY MEASUREMENTS: We collected socioeconomic data and health conditions from caregivers and dependent persons, time spent on the daily care and caregiver burden (Zarit abbreviate) through a personal interview. Besides the description of the sample-including their burden level-, a contrast mean was used to identify characteristics that influenced in punctuation of Zarit scale. A logistic regression was used to analyse characteristics that increase the likelihood to experiment burden. RESULTS: 61.9% of caregivers are subject to intense burden. The item on the scale which contributes most to the caregiver burden is the lack of time for oneself, followed by the negative effects of interpersonal relationships. Contrast means shows that degree of relationship, number of care hours, caregiver health and aggressiveness of dependent persons produce significant differences in Zarit scale. Physic and psychological health of caregivers and aggressiveness of dependent persons is associated with the likelihood of developing caregiver burden. CONCLUSIONS: Informal caregivers of dependent persons show a high level of burden, both related to their characteristics and those of the dependent persons. Caregiver burden rethinks the need for public policies focused on dependence to adopt an integrative caregiver-dependent vision.

Implementación de un protocolo de anestesia raquídea para reparación de hernia inguinal en lactantes nacidos prematuros: experiencia en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell / Implementation of a spinal anesthesia protocol to repair inguinal hernia in extremely preterm breastfed babies. Experience conducted at the Pereira Rossel Hospital Center

Introducción: la anestesia raquídea está asociada a una menor incidencia de complicaciones respiratorias y una más rápida recuperación en relación a la anestesia general en lactantes exprematuros (menos de 37 semanas) sometidos a cirugía de reparación de hernia inguinal antes de las 60 semanas. Objetivo: presentar la experiencia de implementación de un protocolo en 15 niños con estas características. Material y método: los pacientes no presentaban comorbilidades, la paraclínica preoperatoria fue normal y la saturación periférica de oxígeno (SpO2) al aire entre 98% y 99%. La punción se realizó con agujas 25G Quincke 2,5 cm de longitud en posición sentada. Se administraron 0,5 ml de bupivacaína, 0,5% hiperbárica. Resultados: la técnica fue exitosa en 11 casos; de los cuatro fracasos, en tres no se accedió al espacio subaracnoideo y en un paciente el tiempo de bloqueo fue insuficiente para finalizar la cirugía requiriendo sedación adicional; promedio de intentos 1,6 ± 0,9 con 66,7% en el primer intento (n = 15); latencia del bloqueo motor 56,7 ± 13,5 seg (n = 12). Para una duración quirúrgica promedio de 46,2 ± 14,8 min, la duración del bloqueo fue de 63,2 ± 8,2 min, lográndose condiciones quirúrgicas adecuadas para finalizar el procedimiento en 11 pacientes. No hubo modificaciones hemodinámicas ni respiratorias significativas, salvo respiración paradojal sin desaturación arterial en dos casos. En sala de recuperación anestésica (SRA) se reinstaló la alimentación habitual junto a la madre, permaneciendo internados 24 horas sin presentar complicaciones. Conclusiones: la evaluación de la aplicación de este protocolo de anestesia raquídea mostró que es seguro, eficaz, y de rápida recuperación en este grupo de pacientes...