Temporally Prescription of Care: a Challenge to Advance in Nursing Sciences

Within the Nursing field, it is common that when talking about prescription an association is established among drug administration, prescribed dosage, frequency and route of administration and it is also normal for this to be the case; a drug without dosage, frequency and route of administration is not of much use, given that little could be decided about its effects, safety in administration, and response of the body to substances prescribed to solve health problems. Following this common thread, when we nurses hear about prescription, we quickly associate this term with drugs, opening a collective debate between what can be prescribed and what cannot. However, we often forget our real competence in prescribing, which is undoubtedly care.

Consideraciones bioéticas en el manejo de la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica: Una aproximación al quehacer fonoaudiológico

Introducción: La esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) es la forma más común de enfermedad degenerativa de motoneurona en la edad adulta y es considerada una enfermedad terminal. Por lo mismo, el accionar del fonoaudiólogo debe considerar el respeto a los principios bioéticos básicos para garantizar una asistencia adecuada. Objetivo: Conocer aquellas consideraciones bioéticas relacionadas al manejo y estudio de personas con ELA para luego brindar una aproximación hacia el quehacer fonoaudiológico. Método: Se efectuó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos PubMed, Scopus y SciELO. Se filtraron artículos publicados desde 2000 hasta junio de 2023 y fueron seleccionados aquellos que abordaban algún componente bioético en población con ELA. Resultados: Aspectos relacionados al uso del consentimiento informado y a la toma de decisiones compartidas destacaron como elementos esenciales para apoyar la autonomía de las personas. Conclusión: Una correcta comunicación y una toma de decisiones compartida son claves para respetar la autonomía de las personas. A su vez, la estandarización de procedimientos mediante la investigación clínica permitirá aportar al cumplimiento de los principios bioéticos de beneficencia y no maleficencia, indispensables para la práctica profesional.

Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of degenerative motor neuron disease in adulthood and is considered a terminal disease. For this reason, the actions of the speech therapist must consider respect for basic bioethical principles to guarantee adequate assistance. Objective: To know those bioethical considerations related to the management and study of people with ALS to then provide an approach to speech therapy. Methodology: A bibliographic search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases. Articles published from 2000 to June 2023 were filtered and those that addressed a bioethical component in the population with ALS were selected. Results: Aspects related to the use of informed consent and shared decision-making stood out as essential elements to support people's autonomy. Conclusion: Proper communication and shared decision-making are key to respecting people's autonomy. In turn, the standardization of procedures through clinical research will contribute to compliance with the bioethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, essential for professional practice.

Characteristics associated with the intention to complete advance directives and end-of-life preferences in Brazilians with heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: To identify characteristics associated with an intention to complete advance directives (ADs) and end-of-life treatment preferences for outpatients with heart failure (HF). METHODS: A cross-sectional, analytical study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from 108 patients with HF in an outpatient clinic in São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire; knowledge about HF and the intention to complete ADs were assessed using a script. The relationships among variables were assessed through the chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: The intention to complete ADs was significantly associated with reporting adherence to pharmacological recommendations (99% vs. 88.1%, p = 0.02), worse QoL (29.7 ± 18.2 vs. 20.9 ± 11.0; p = 0.0336), perceived knowledge about HF (89.7% vs. 63.6%, p = 0.0495), not wishing the healthcare providers would decide about treatment (27.3% vs. 2.15, p = 0.0026), and considering ADs useful (91.8% vs. 27.3%, p < 0.001). End-of-life treatment preferences included living as long as possible (50.5%), not being sedated (37.1%), and staying close to family and friends for as long as possible (32.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Characteristics associated with an intention to complete ADs and end-of-life treatment preferences were identified in patients with HF. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: These results can help facilitate patients' completion of their ADs or activate their intention to maximize opportunities to exercise autonomy.

OBJETIVO: Identificar características associadas à intenção de completar diretivas antecipadas de vontade (DAV) e preferências de tratamento no final da vida de pacientes ambulatoriais com insuficiência cardíaca (IC). MÉTODOS: Estudo analítico, transversal. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e clínicos de 108 pacientes com IC atendidos em um ambulatório de São Paulo­SP, Brasil. A qualidade de vida (QV) foi avaliada por meio do Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, o conhecimento sobre IC e a intenção de completar as DAV foram avaliados por meio de um roteiro. As relações entre as variáveis foram avaliadas por meio dos testes qui­quadrado e Mann­Whitney, sendo considerado significativo p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: A intenção de completar as DAV foi significativamente associada ao relato de adesão às recomendações farmacológicas (99% vs 88,1%, p = 0,02), pior QV (29,7 ± 18,2 vs 20,9 ± 11,0; p = 0,0336), conhecimento percebido sobre IC (89,7% vs 63,6%, p = 0,0495), não desejar que os profissionais de saúde decidissem sobre o tratamento (27,3% vs 2,15, p = 0,0026) e considerar as DAV úteis (91,8% vs 27,3%, p < 0,001). As preferências de tratamento no final da vida incluíam viver o maior tempo possível (50,5%), não ser sedado (37,1%) e permanecer perto da família e amigos o maior tempo possível (32,0%). CONCLUSÕES: Foram identificadas características associadas à intenção de completar DAV e preferências de tratamento no final da vida em pacientes com IC. IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A PRÁTICA DE ENFERMAGEM: Estes resultados podem ajudar a facilitar a conclusão das suas DAV pelos pacientes ou ativar a sua intenção de maximizar as oportunidades de exercício da autonomia.

The Physician Surprise Question in the Emergency Department: prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to test the ability of the surprise question (SQ), when asked to emergency physicians (EPs), to predict in-hospital mortality among adults admitted to an emergency room (ER). METHODS: This prospective cohort study at an academic medical centre included consecutive patients 18 years or older who received care in the ER and were subsequently admitted to the hospital from 20 April 2018 to 20 October 2018. EPs were required to answer the SQ for all patients who were being admitted to hospital. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The cohort included 725 adults (mean (SD) age, 60 (17) years, 51% men) from 58 128 emergency department (ED) visits. The mortality rates were 20.6% for 30-day all-cause in-hospital mortality and 23.6% for in-hospital mortality. The diagnostic test characteristics of the SQ have a sensitivity of 53.7% and specificity of 87.1%, and a relative risk of 4.02 (95% CI 3.15 to 5.13), p<0.01). The positive and negative predictive values were 57% and 86%, respectively; the positive likelihood ratio was 4.1 and negative likelihood ratio was 0.53; and the accuracy was 79.2%. CONCLUSIONS: We found that asking the SQ to EPs may be a useful tool to identify patients in the ED with a high risk of in-hospital mortality.

When and how to discuss about palliative care and advance care planning with cancer patients: A mixed-methods study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the patients who are most likely to participate in discussions about palliative care (PC) and advance care planning (ACP), and to determine their preferred timing and approach of discussion. METHODS: The study included women aged 18-75 years diagnosed with breast cancer. In the quantitative phase, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, knowledge, decision-making, and stigmas were evaluated. The qualitative phase included questions about patients' understanding, timing, and method of discussing PC and ACP, which were analyzed by Bardin's content analysis. RESULTS: In Phase 1, a total of 115 participants were included, with 53.04% completing both phases and 46.96% declining further participation. Those who completed both phases exhibited higher rates of marriage and educational attainment, while those who declined Phase 2 had a higher prevalence of advanced-stage cancer and palliative treatment. Completion of both phases was associated with a greater knowledge of reality and increased awareness of PC and ACP. Furthermore, the qualitative analysis revealed 5 convergent themes: timing, demystification, patient empowerment, misconception elimination, and open communication. These themes informed the development of a conceptual model that provides a framework for discussing PC and ACP with patients at different stages of cancer diagnosis and treatment, highlighting appropriate and inappropriate approaches and timing. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Early discussion is beneficial, but withholding information or infringing on autonomy should be avoided. The study reveals that married and highly educated individuals tend to be more receptive to these discussions. However, patients with late-stage cancer tend to decline participation. Patients value open communication, demystification of PC, and empowering discussions that eliminate misunderstandings. Efforts should be made to reach patients with limited familiarity, particularly those with late-stage cancer, to increase their receptiveness to enable well-informed decision-making.

Portuguese Advance Directives-a twist against futility? A cross sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Advance Directive documents allow citizens to choose the treatments they want for end-of-life care without considering therapeutic futility. OBJECTIVES: To analyze patients' and caregivers' answers to Advance Directives and understand their expectations regarding their decisions. DESIGN AND SETTING: This study analyzed participants' answers to a previously published trial, conceived to test the document's efficacy as a communication tool. METHODS: Sixty palliative patients and 60 caregivers (n = 120) registered their preferences in the Advance Directive document and expressed their expectations regarding whether to receive the chosen treatments. RESULTS: In the patient and caregiver groups, 30% and 23.3% wanted to receive cardiorespiratory resuscitation; 23.3% and 25% wanted to receive artificial organ support; and 40% and 35% chose to receive artificial feeding and hydration, respectively. The participants ignored the concept of therapeutic futility and expected to receive invasive treatments. The concept of therapeutic futility should be addressed and discussed with both the patients and caregivers. Legal Advanced Directive documents should be made clear to reduce misinterpretations and potential legal conflicts. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that all citizens should be clarified regarding the futility concept before filling out the Advance Directives and propose a grammatical change in the document, replacing the phrase "Health Care to Receive / Not to Receive" with the sentence "Health Care to Accept / Refuse" so that patients cannot demand treatments, but instead accept or refuse the proposed therapeutic plans. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05090072 URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05090072.

Voluntades Anticipadas y Planificación Anticipada de Cuidados en personas con demencia

La prevalencia de personas con demencias ha aumentado progresivamente y actualmente constituye un desafío en salud pública. Además de fortalecer las herramientas necesarias para su diagnóstico y tratamiento, es necesario desarrollar estrategias que promuevan el respeto de quienes la padecen y mejorar su participación social. El deterioro cognitivo interfiere progresivamente en la toma de decisiones, especialmente en la etapa final de la enfermedad, generando conflictos en torno al respeto por la autonomía y la atención clínica. Las Voluntades Anticipadas y la Planificación Anticipada de Cuidados ofrece la oportunidad de reflexionar sobre valores, deseos y preferencias de atención a futuro, así como la posibilidad de comunicarlos a familiares y equipos de atención, promoviendo el respeto por la autonomía y disminuyendo los conflictos asociados a la atención, especialmente en la etapa terminal. En Chile se ha avanzado progresivamente, pero aun es un desafío implementar las estrategias para consolidar este proceso, superando las barreras existentes y potenciando sus beneficios.

The prevalence of people with dementia has progressively increased and currently constitutes a public health challenge. In addition, to strengthening the necessary tools for diagnosis and treatment, it is essential to develop strategies that promote respect for those who suffer from it and improve their social participation. Cognitive impairment progressively interferes with decision-making, especially in the final stages of the disease, generating conflicts regarding autonomy and clinical care. Advance Directives and Advance Care Planning offer the opportunity to reflect on values, desires, and future care preferences, as well as the possibility to communicate them to family members and care teams, promoting respect for autonomy and reducing conflicts associated with care, especially in the terminal stage. In Chile, there has been gradual progress, but it is still a challenge to implement the strategies to consolidate this process, overcoming existing barriers and maximizing its benefits.

Ordens de não ressuscitar por pacientes com câncer avançado no Brasil: uma análise bioética / Do not resuscitate orders by advanced cancer patients in Brazil: a bioethical analysis

As Ordens de Não Ressuscitar (ONR) consistem na determinação expressa de não Reanimação Cardiopulmonar (RCP) em pacientes com perda irreversível de consciência ou parada cardíaca não tratável. Embora complexo e multifatorial, o processo decisório das ONR faz parte da rotina dos departamentos de oncologia, que deve se basear em regulações éticas sobre o tema. Portanto, o objetivo do trabalho foi mapear diretrizes sobre ONR para pacientes oncológicos avançados e analisar tais orientações técnicas à luz da bioética. Realizou-se uma revisão integrativa em bases de dados científicas nacionais e internacionais e pesquisa documental nos sites do Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM) e da Sociedade Brasileira de Oncologia Clínica (SBOC). Das referências selecionadas, constatou-se que: i) os documentos éticos e oncológicos nacionais não mencionam diretamente as ONR; ii) as diretrizes internacionais indicam passos na discussão das ONR com pacientes com câncer avançado, desde a construção de um vínculo de confiança com o paciente/família até a discussão das ONR e a elaboração de um plano de cuidados compartilhado. Conclui-se que, o câncer é um dos principais fatores para que um paciente solicite ONR e a ausência de diretrizes técnicas específicas sobre ONR para pacientes oncológicos avançados no Brasil pode acarretar reanimações cardiorrespiratórias fúteis e/ou gerar conflitos entre médico, pacientes e seus familiares, evidenciando desrespeito aos princípios bioéticos da autonomia, beneficência e não-maleficência.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders consist of the explicit determination not to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in patients with irreversible loss of consciousness or untreatable cardiac arrest. Although complex and multifactorial, the decision-making process regarding DNR is part of the routine in oncology departments and should be based on ethical regulations on the subject. Therefore, the aim of this study was to map guidelines on DNR for advanced cancer patients and analyze these technical recommendations in light of bioethics. An integrative review was conducted in national and international scientific databases, as well as a documentary search on the websites of the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) and the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC). From the selected references, it was found that: i) national ethical and oncological documents do not directly mention DNR; ii) international guidelines suggest steps in discussing DNR with advanced cancer patients, from building a trusting relationship with the patient/family to discussing DNR and developing a shared care plan. It is concluded that cancer is one of the main factors leading a patient to request DNR, and the lack of specific technical guidelines on DNR for advanced cancer patients in Brazil may result in futile cardiopulmonary resuscitations and/or create conflicts between doctors, patients, and their families, thus highlighting the disrespect for the bioethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence.

Diretivas antecipadas de vontade como temática da educação médica / Advance directives as a topic in medical education / Voluntades anticipadas como tema de la educación médica

Resumo A pesquisa investigou o conhecimento de professores e alunos do internato médico acerca das diretivas antecipadas de vontade, que visam assegurar os direitos dos pacientes de registrar sua preferência pelos cuidados médicos a que serão submetidos quando estiverem incapacitados de tomar decisões. Trata-se de estudo transversal, descritivo, observacional, com abordagem majoritariamente quantitativa, que contou com a participação de 30 professores do curso de medicina e 121 acadêmicos de medicina vinculados a duas instituições de ensino localizadas em Belém/PA. Os resultados revelaram lacunas no conhecimento a respeito do tema, apontando a necessidade de uma abordagem mais aprofundada durante a formação e a prática médica. Conclui-se que é necessário intensificar a divulgação de diretivas antecipadas de vontade no âmbito do ensino médico, de forma a favorecer a autonomia e o compartilhamento das decisões.

Abstract This study investigated the knowledge of medical professors and students during internship regarding advance directives, a device that aims to ensure the right of patients to record their preference for medical care they will be subject to when incapable of making decisions. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and observational study with a mostly quantitative approach, of which participated 30 professors and 121 medical students from two teaching institutions in Belém/PA. The results identified gaps in the knowledge about the topic, pointing to the need for a deeper approach during medical training and practice. It is concluded that the divulging of advance directives in medical training should be more intense to favor autonomy and share decision making.

Resumen Esta investigación analizó el conocimiento de profesores y estudiantes de medicina sobre las directivas anticipadas, cuyo objetivo es garantizar los derechos de los pacientes a expresar su preferencia por la atención médica cuando ya no son capaces de comunicarse. Se trata de un estudio transversal, descriptivo, observacional, con enfoque mayoritariamente cuantitativo, en el que participaron 30 profesores de medicina y 121 estudiantes de medicina de dos instituciones de enseñanza situadas en Belém/PA. Los resultados revelaron vacíos en el conocimiento sobre el tema, lo que demuestra la necesidad de un abordaje en profundidad durante la formación y la práctica médica. Se concluye que hay una necesidad de intensificar el conocimiento de las voluntades anticipadas en la formación médica para favorecer la autonomía y la toma de decisiones compartida.

Diretivas antecipadas de vontade e cuidados paliativos: percepção brasileira / Advance directives and palliative care: Brazilian perception / Voluntades anticipadas y cuidados paliativos: percepción brasileña

Resumo As diretivas antecipadas de vontade são consideradas um componente fundamental do planejamento de cuidados de saúde, recurso comumente empregado por equipes de cuidados paliativos. Dada a importância da rede de cuidado para o paciente com doença incurável e que ameaça sua vida, este estudo tem o objetivo investigar a compreensão que profissionais da saúde, pacientes e cuidadores têm da temática, além de apreender como o tema é conceituado, identificar convergências e divergências nos discursos e discutir como essas noções podem influenciar na qualidade do cuidado. Optou-se pela revisão integrativa da literatura científica, em que foram selecionados e analisados oito artigos. Com isso, priorizou-se dividir a discussão em três tópicos descritivos e analisá-los criticamente. Desse modo, fica evidente a necessidade de continuar a debater essa temática a fim de garantir o desenvolvimento de condutas centradas no paciente, que contemplem suas condições socioeconômicas e seus valores pessoais.

Abstract Advance directives are considered a fundamental component of health care planning, a resource commonly used by palliative care teams. Given the importance of the care network for patients with incurable and life-threatening diseases, this study aims to investigate the understanding that health professionals, patients, and caregivers have of the subject, in addition to understanding how the subject is conceptualized, identifying convergences and divergences in the discourses and how these notions can influence the quality of care. We opted for an integrative review of the scientific literature, in which eight articles were selected and analyzed. Priority was given to dividing the discussion into three descriptive topics and analyzing them critically. Thus, the need to continue debating this topic is evident in order to ensure the development of patient-centered behaviors that take into account their socioeconomic conditions and personal values.

Resumen Las directivas anticipadas se consideran fundamentales en la planificación de la atención de la salud, un recurso comúnmente utilizado por los equipos de cuidados paliativos. Dada la importancia de la red de atención para pacientes con enfermedad incurable y potencialmente mortal, este estudio pretende investigar la comprensión que los profesionales de salud, pacientes y cuidadores tienen sobre el tema, además de comprender cómo se conceptualiza el tema, identificar convergencias y divergencias en los discursos y discutir cómo estas nociones pueden influir en la calidad de la atención. Se realizó una revisión integradora de la literatura científica, en la que se seleccionaron y analizaron ocho artículos. Así, se dio prioridad a dividir la discusión en tres temas descriptivos y analizarlos críticamente. Se evidencia la necesidad de seguir debatiendo este tema para garantizar el desarrollo de comportamientos centrados en el paciente, que incluyan sus condiciones socioeconómicas y valores personales.

Is there interest of Mexican adults in being prepared should they develop Alzheimer's or other dementia? / ¿Existe interés en adultos mexicanos de preparase en caso de llegar a padecer Alzheimer u otra demencia?

Abstract Introduction Alzheimer's disease, as well as other dementias, cause a progressive deterioration of cognitive functions, preventing patients from making decisions and having control over themselves in an advanced stage of the disease. Objective To explore some expectations, wishes and preferences in a sample of mature adults should they develop Alzheimer or other dementia. Method We surveyed 368 mature Mexican adults without dementia using a large survey created by the authors and used in a previous study; data were collected in some public places where mature people were invited to participate. The survey was completed from July 2019 to August 2020. Results Although most participants had considered they might suffer from dementia in the future, less than half had communicated their wishes to their relatives about future medical treatments in case they could no longer decide for themselves; very few had prepared a written advance directive. Most participants agreed that patients should know their initial diagnosis, mainly to be able to prepare themselves. The main reason given by those who would prefer to hide the diagnosis was to avoid suffering. Discussion and conclusion Our results highlight the need for health professionals to promote discussion with people about the possibility of suffering from dementia, as well as the importance of making decisions in advance, and letting their relatives know about them.

Resumen Introducción La enfermedad de Alzheimer, así como las otras demencias, causan un deterioro progresivo de las funciones cognitivas, evitando que en una etapa avanzada de la enfermedad los pacientes puedan tomar decisiones y tener control sobre sí mismos. Objetivo Explorar algunas expectativas, deseos y preferencias en una muestra de adultos maduros en caso de que llegaran a desarrollar Alzheimer u otra demencia. Método Encuestamos a 368 adultos mexicanos maduros sin demencia usando una encuesta creada por los autores y utilizada en un estudio anterior; los datos se recopilaron en algunos lugares públicos donde se invitó a las personas a participar. La encuesta se aplicó de julio de 2019 a agosto de 2020. Resultados Aunque la mayoría de los participantes había considerado que podría sufrir demencia en el futuro, menos de la mitad había comunicado sus deseos a sus familiares sobre futuros tratamientos médicos en caso de que ya no pudieran decidir por sí mismos; muy pocos habían preparado una voluntad anticipada por escrito. La mayoría de los participantes estuvo de acuerdo en que los pacientes deben conocer su diagnóstico inicial, principalmente para poder prepararse. La principal razón aducida por quienes preferirían ocultar el diagnóstico fue el deseo de evitar sufrimiento. Discusión y conclusión Nuestros resultados destacan la necesidad de que el personal de salud promueva la discusión con las personas sobre la posibilidad de padecer demencia, así como la importancia de tomar decisiones por anticipado e informar de ellas a sus familiares.

Neuropalliative care in a tertiary-level hospital.

OBJECTIVES: Palliative care in neurology is a recent specialty to improve the quality of life of patients with severe neurological diseases. This study aims to determine the frequency of neurological inpatients who had indication of palliative care, and evaluate the symptomatology, demographic profile, the need for supportive measures, advance directives for life and medical history of patients in a tertiary hospital in Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study evaluated all patients admitted to the neurological semi-intensive care unit (ICU) at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein with neurological conditions from February through August 2022. The Palliative Performance Scale (weight loss greater than 5% associated with body changes and a negative response to the question: 'Would you be surprised if the patient died within 1 year?') was used to indicate palliative care. Patients were divided into three groups: patients with palliative care needs (groupindication), patients without palliative care needs (groupwithout indication) and patients who received at least one assessment of a palliative care team (grouppalliative). Demographic data were analysed using the Χ2 test for qualitative and Kruskal-Wallis test for quantitative variables. RESULTS: Of the 198 patients included in the study, 115 (58%) had palliative care needs. Only 6.9% received assessment by the palliative care team, and 9.56% had advance directives in their medical records. Patients in groupindication had a higher prevalence of symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, shortness of breath and lack of appetite, and required more supportive measures, such as oxygen therapy, enteral/parenteral nutrition, admissions at ICU and days in hospital. CONCLUSION: Despite the high demand for palliative care in neurology, few patients receive this treatment, resulting in decreased quality of care. Therefore, greater integration and discussion of palliative care in neurology are needed.

Adecuación del esfuerzo terapéutico: retos en pediatría / Adequacy of therapeutic effort: Challenges in pediatrics

La adecuación del esfuerzo terapéutico reemplaza la expresión limitación terapéutica y se define como la decisión de no iniciar medidas diagnósticas y terapéuticas o de suspenderlas en respuesta a la condición del paciente, para evitar conductas potencialmente inapropiadas y redireccionar los objetivos de tratamiento hacia el confort y el bienestar. En la población pediátrica, esta decisión es aún más desafiante debido a la naturaleza de la relación médico-paciente-familia y a la escasez de guías que orienten su implementación. La adecuación del esfuerzo terapéutico está enmarcada en principios éticos y legales, pero existen diversos retos a nivel práctico. Cada proceso de adecuación es único y dinámico, y debe abordarse contemplando a quién realizarlo, cuándo, cómo y con qué medidas.

The term "therapeutic limitation" has been replaced by "adequacy of therapeutic effort" and is defined as the decision to withhold or withdraw diagnostic and therapeutic measures in response to the patient's condition, avoiding potentially inappropriate behaviors and redirectong treatment goals towards comfort and well-being. In the pediatric population, this decision is even more challenging given the nature of the physician-patient-family relationship and the paucity of guidelines to address treatment goals. The adequacy of therapeutic effort is framed by ethical and legal principles, but, in practice, there are several challenges. Each adequacy process is unique and dynamic, and should be addressed by taking into account with what measures, how, when, and in whom it should be implemented

Prevalence and factors associated with the occurrence of pathological fractures and their impact on the overall survival of patients with bone metastases under palliative care.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with the occurrence of pathological fractures and their impact on the overall survival of patients with bone metastases under palliative care. METHODS: An observational retrospective cohort assessment concerning both male and female patients with cancer presenting with bone metastases referred to a palliative care unit. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained before and after care unit referral. Patients were followed up until death or the last follow-up (4 years after referral). Logistic regression models and survival curves employing a log-rank test were applied. RESULTS: A total of 348 patients were included in the study. Most were <65 years (65%) and female (62%), and the most frequent primary tumour site was the breast (40%). The prevalence of pathological fractures was 28%, more frequent in the axial skeleton (49%), with no association with overall patient survival (p=0.348). Patients with breast cancer exhibited a 2.96-fold higher chance (95% CI: 1.80 to 4.86) of developing a fracture compared with other tumours, and not receiving previous radiotherapy increased the chances of fracture occurrence by 5.60-fold (95% CI: 2.46 to 12.77). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of pathological fractures was observed. Presenting with breast cancer and not having undergone previous radiotherapy increase the chances of fracture occurrence, although this is not associated with overall survival in patients under palliative care.

Bioethics and advance directives in psychiatric in the hospital context / Bioética y directrices anticipadas en psiquiatría en el contexto hospitalario

Abstract Introduction Mental health services have been a focus of human rights advocates and recent legal reforms in some Latin American countries, which have called for a change from the paradigm of hospitalization to one of accompanying and supporting the person with mental health issues, which make it possible to apply the Advance Directives in Psychiatry (PADs). This change will require time, as well as economic, material, and human resources, and transformations in attitudes, culture, and society, but the implementation of PADs cannot be postponed: they must be used to protect the autonomy of the persons affected, within a bioethical framework. Objective Identify possible bioethical conditions in the prevailing conventional hospital context in Latin America that allow for an implementation of PADs. Method A participant-observer study was carried out in two psychiatric hospital services from June to September 2022. Results A thematic analysis found three themes: 1) clinical care, 2) patient predisposition, and 3) medical-legal questions. This study considered part of theme 2, including the following sub-themes: a) patient self-perception, b) biography/narrative versus diagnostic classification, and c) negotiation. Discussion and conclusion Prominent among the sub-themes discussed are recognition of the values of autonomy and its elements in all of the expressions of the person with mental illness, as well as actions of the physician or health care team in synergy with supported decision-making, a distinctive feature of the anticipatory process of the PAD.

Resumen Introducción La atención de la salud mental se ha visto emplazada por los Derechos Humanos y las recientes reformas legales en algunos países latinos, que instan a cambiar el paradigma asistencial de la hospitalización al del acompañamiento y apoyo en la toma de decisiones de la persona en condición mental, que posibilitan la aplicación de las Directrices Anticipadas en Psiquiatría (DAP). Este cambio implica tiempo, recursos económicos, materiales y humanos, transformaciones actitudinales, culturales y sociales. No obstante, la implementación de las DAP no puede postergarse, deben aplicarse basadas en el respeto a las personas en un marco bioético. Objetivo Identificar las condiciones bioéticas posibles en el contexto hospitalario convencional, imperante en los países de América Latina, que permitan la implementación de las DAP. Método Se llevó a cabo una observación participante en dos servicios de hospitalización psiquiátrica, entre junio y septiembre de 2022. Resultados A través de un análisis temático se obtuvieron tres temas: 1) atención clínica, 2) predisposición de los pacientes y 3) asuntos médicos-legales. Este estudio consideró sólo una parte del tema 2 con sus subtemas: a) Autopercepción de los pacientes, b) biografía/narrativa versus clasificación y c) negociación. Discusión y conclusión En los subtemas discutidos se resalta el reconocimiento a los valores de la autonomía y sus elementos presentes en todas las manifestaciones de la persona con enfermedad mental, se reconoce también el actuar del médico o equipo de salud en sinergia con la toma de decisiones apoyada, que distingue el proceso anticipatorio de las DAP.

Advance Care Planning in Ecuador.

Advance Care Planning is a process by which a patient's health care preferences are established in advance in the event that he or she become temporarily or constantly unable to make decisions for themselves in the future. It is also applied early in emergencies, in intensive care treatment, and after surgery where one's ability to decide is reduced. In Ecuador there is currently no legislation on this subject, however, the National Health Bioethics Commission validated and published the document "Advance Living Will" and as an important advance issued a favorable criterion before the National Assembly for it to be incorporated into the Organic Health Code, the concept, regulations, and the text of Vital Advance Will. Instead of, its use is currently not in force. However, the compliance criteria have been established in the Palliative Care Standard since 2015, but are not yet implemented. There are few studies that demonstrate its application in the country, so it is important to know the cultural and social characteristics of both health professionals and patients, which limit its application.

Advance Care Planning in Brazil.

Brazil is a country of continental size marked by extreme social inequalities. Its regulation of Advance Directives (AD) was not enacted by law but within the scope of the norms that govern the relationships between patients and physicians, as a resolution of the Federal Medical Council without any specific requirement for notarization. Despite this innovative starting point, most of the debate regarding Advance Care Planning (ACP) in Brazil has been dominated by a legal transactional approach focused on making decisions in advance and the creation of AD. Yet, other novel ACP models have recently emerged in the country with a focus on the creation of a specific quality of relationship between patients, families, and physicians aiming at the facilitating future decision-making. Most of the education on ACP in Brazil happens in the context of palliative care courses. As such, most ACP conversations are performed within palliative care services or by healthcare professionals with training in that area. Hence, the scarce access to palliative care services in the country means that ACP is still rare and that those conversations usually happen late in the course of disease. The authors posit that the existing paternalistic healthcare culture is one of the most important barriers to ACP in Brazil and envision with great concern the risk that its combination with extreme health inequalities and the lack of healthcare professionals' education on shared decision-making could lead to the misuse of ACP as a form of coercive practice to reduce healthcare use by vulnerable populations.

How should Argentina raise Advance Care Planning awareness? Introduction of the Shared Care Planning Group.

The WHO Concept Model of Palliative Care emphasises empowering people and communities with Advance Care Planning (ACP). In Latin America, a more relational approach involving family members is suited to ACP. Improvements in doctor-patient-family relationships are needed. Policy efforts have been made to foster ACP in Argentina's healthcare system, but implementation barriers include a need for more communication skills and coordination between healthcare providers. The Shared Care Planning Group Argentina aims to promote ACP through research and training programs. It has sensitised and trained 236 healthcare providers in short courses to introduce basic information and skills. However, there needs to be specific documentation for ACP in Argentina. Research found obstacles to ACP implementation, such as the inability to converse with patients and the lack of coordination between healthcare teams. A new project will assess the self-efficacy of healthcare professionals who assist patients with Sclerosis Lateral Amyotrophic in ACP and evaluate a specific training program. Patient and public involvement in ACP remains limited in Argentina, with paternalistic medical culture and a need for more awareness and training among healthcare professionals as significant barriers. Collaborative research projects with Spain and Ecuador aim to train healthcare professionals and evaluate ACP implementation in other Latin American countries.

Adequacy of therapeutic effort: Challenges in pediatrics. / Adecuación del esfuerzo terapéutico: retos en pediatría.

The term "therapeutic limitation" has been replaced by "adequacy of therapeutic effort" and is defined as the decision to withhold or withdraw diagnostic and therapeutic measures in response to the patient's condition, avoiding potentially inappropriate behaviors and redirectong treatment goals towards comfort and well-being. In the pediatric population, this decision is even more challenging given the nature of the physician-patient-family relationship and the paucity of guidelines to address treatment goals. The adequacy of therapeutic effort is framed by ethical and legal principles, but, in practice, there are several challenges. Each adequacy process is unique and dynamic, and should be addressed by taking into account with what measures, how, when, and in whom it should be implemented.

La adecuación del esfuerzo terapéutico reemplaza la expresión limitación terapéutica y se define como la decisión de no iniciar medidas diagnósticas y terapéuticas o de suspenderlas en respuesta a la condición del paciente, para evitar conductas potencialmente inapropiadas y redireccionar los objetivos de tratamiento hacia el confort y el bienestar. En la población pediátrica, esta decisión es aún más desafiante debido a la naturaleza de la relación médico-paciente-familia y a la escasez de guías que orienten su implementación. La adecuación del esfuerzo terapéutico está enmarcada en principios éticos y legales, pero existen diversos retos a nivel práctico. Cada proceso de adecuación es único y dinámico, y debe abordarse contemplando a quién realizarlo, cuándo, cómo y con qué medidas.

To Treat or Not to Treat? Dilemmas when Deciding on Antineoplastic Treatment in Patients With Far Advanced Cancers.

Patients with advanced cancers and their oncologists are often faced with difficult treatment decisions, especially when there are borderline situations of expected benefit or increased risk of complications. In this narrative review, we will explore the decision-making process for patients with advanced cancers and provide insights on how to approach this complex task, while didactically dividing the oncologist's assessments according to a mnemonic rule of the ABCDE of therapeutic decision-making. Part A (advanced cancer) recalls that the rule is to be used specifically for advanced cancers. Parts B (potential benefits) and C (clinical conditions and risks) represents the traditional risk vs benefit scale. In Part D, we discuss ways to identify and understand patients' desires, values, preferences, and beliefs. The prognostic estimation, from Part E, may function as an "adjust" for the antineoplastic treatment decision-making. Treatment decisions need to be conducted by skilled oncologists, in a patient-centered care, aiming to promote valuable oncology with lower rates of aggressive care.