Outpatient and inpatient dental care for patients with disabilities in Brazil's public healthcare system: A population-based approach from 2014 to 2023.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate outpatient and inpatient dental care for patients with disabilities from 2014 to 2023. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A time series analysis was carried out with data from Brazil's public healthcare system, considering the outpatient productivity of Special Needs Dentistry specialists and hospitalizations (inpatient admissions) of patients with disabilities for dental procedures, both normalized to every 100,000 inhabitants (incidence). The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: In the last 10 years, 22,420,859 procedures were carried out and 89,380 hospitalizations were approved. Trend analysis showed no significant temporal variation in the incidence of both variables. Regarding the procedures, the majority were low-complexity (82.1%, p < .001) and clinical (71.2%, p < .001). Periodontal (19.9%) and restorative (19.5%) procedures were the most frequent. Considering the hospitalizations, almost (R$) 40 million was allocated, and the majority were classified as elective (71.9%, p = .002) and of short duration (less than a day). CONCLUSION: Dental care for patients with disabilities presented patterns related to the types of procedures, complexity and circumstance, in addition to not showing significant temporal variation over the last 10 years.

Outpatient Palliative Care Program: Impact on Home Death Rate in Brazil.

While the positive impact of early palliative care on the quality of life of cancer patients is well established, there is a noticeable research gap in developing countries. This study sought to determine the impact of an outpatient palliative care (OPC) program on the location of death among patients in Brazil. This was a retrospective study including patients with cancer who died between January 2022 and December 2022 in 32 private cancer centers in Brazil. Data were collected from medical records, encompassing demographics, cancer characteristics, and participation in the OPC program. The study involved 1980 patients, of which 32.3% were in the OPC program. OPC patients were predominantly younger (average age at death of 66.8 vs. 68.0 years old, p = 0.039) and composed of women (59.4% vs. 51.3%, p = 0.019) compared to the no-OPC patients. OPC patients had more home/hospice deaths (19.6% vs. 10.4%, p < 0.001), and participation in the outpatient palliative care program strongly predicted home death (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.54-2.64). Our findings suggest a significant impact of the OPC program on increasing home and hospice deaths among patients with cancer in our sample. These findings emphasize the potential of specialized OPC programs to enhance end-of-life care, particularly in low-resource countries facing challenges related to social and cultural dimensions of care and healthcare access.

Clínicas Populares de Saúde a partir da perspectiva de empresários e de representantes da classe médica / Popular Health Clinics from the perspective of entrepreneurs and representatives of the medical profession

Resumo Este artigo pretende compreender a perspectiva de empresários de Clínicas Populares de Saúde (CPS) e representantes da classe médica sobre serviços ofertados pelo setor; impactos decorrentes da pandemia covid-19; e futuro do mercado de trabalho médico. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa, da área de saúde coletiva, com enfoque nas representações sociais. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, entre março e julho de 2021, com quatro empresários locais e três representantes de classe médica de uma cidade da região Nordeste do Brasil. As CPS ofertam serviços assistenciais restritos a consultas e exames e com estratégias de lógica financeirizada; se apresentam como "alternativa" ao SUS, uma suposta "lacuna" entre planos de saúde privados e serviços públicos, e como "novo" trabalho médico. As empresas ofertam consultas com especialistas a preços "populares" e sem fila de espera. A assistência prestada é restrita e os profissionais não têm garantia de direitos trabalhistas. Para os entrevistados, o acesso à saúde representa acessibilidade geográfica e temporal de serviço a preço reduzido. O direito universal à saúde e princípios do SUS são confrontados com a defesa da autonomia dos clientes e dos profissionais visando suas necessidades: saúde e trabalho.

Abstract The objective is to understand the perspective of entrepreneurs from Popular Health Clinics (PHC) and representatives of the medical profession on services offered by the sector; impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; and future of the medical job market. This is a qualitative research, in the area of collective health, focused on social representations. Semi-structured interviews were carried out, from March to July 2021, with four local entrepreneurs and three representatives of the medical profession from a municipality in the Northeast region of Brazil. PHC offer assistance services restricted to consultations and exams and with financialized logic strategies. The PHC are presented as an "alternative" to the SUS, a supposed "gap" between private health plans and public services, and as a "new" medical work. Companies offer consultations with specialists at "popular" prices and without a waiting list. The assistance provided is restricted and professionals have no guarantee of labor rights. For those interviewed, access to healthcare represents geographic and temporal accessibility of services at a reduced price. The universal right to health and SUS principles are confronted with the defense of the autonomy of clients and professionals targeting their needs: health and work.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Psychometric Evaluation of the Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Quality in Psychiatric Care-Outpatients Instrument.

Measuring the quality of care received by patients of mental health services is necessary to determine the effectiveness of prevention programs and mental health treatment. This study translated the original Swedish Quality in Psychiatric Care-Outpatient (QPC-OP) instrument to Brazilian Portuguese, adapted it to the context of Brazilian psychosocial care centers (CAPS), and evaluated its psychometric properties. The instrument was translated and back-translated by two independent professional translators. A seven-person expert group of professionals and 31 psychiatric outpatients verified the content validity of the Brazilian Portuguese QPC-OP, which then was completed by 253 outpatients from 16 CAPS in São Paulo, Brazil. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed adequate goodness of fit for the factor structure corresponding to the original Swedish version, except for the discharge dimension. Three additional items added in the Brazilian Portuguese QPC-OP formed a separate factor. The internal consistency of the entire scale was excellent but low in some dimensions. In conclusion, the translation and cultural adaptation of the Brazilian Portuguese QPC-OP was satisfactory, and the psychometric evaluation demonstrated that the concept of quality of mental health care is similarly understood in the Brazilian and Swedish cultural context. Thus, the Brazilian Portuguese QPC-OP is a useful instrument for assessing the quality of care in the Brazilian CAPS context and will be useful in quality assurance and in cross-cultural research addressing quality of mental health care from the patient's perspective.

Estudo transversal sobre ausências de pacientes em consultas médicas agendadas em ambulatórios de hospital terciário / Cross-sectional Study On Patient Absences In Medical Consultations Scheduled In Outpatient Clinics Of Tertiary Hospital / Estudio Transversal Sobre Ausencias de Pacientes Em Citas Médicas Programadas Em Pacientes Ambulatorios de Hospitales Terciarios

Objetivo: Analisar variáveis relacionadas ao agendamento de consultas ambulatoriais que não se realizaram pela ausência dos pacientes. Métodos: Estudo transversal produzido em hospital público terciário de referência para o Sistema Único de Saúde. Foram sorteados aleatoriamente 493 pacientes, e a amostra final totalizou 317 pacientes que faltaram a consultas médicas. Variáveis investigadas: recebimento de mensagens via celular informando a data da consulta, intervalo entre a data do agendamento e da consulta e a realização de reagendamento. Os dados foram oriundos de relatórios informatizados de faltosos a consultas agendadas e entrevistas telefônicas. Análises estatísticas realizadas no programa SAS® for Windows, versão 9.3. Resultados: 49.8% dos pacientes informaram não terem recebido mensagem lembrando sobre a data da consulta. O tempo entre o agendamento e a data da consulta ficou entre 180 e 365 dias para 36,6% dos pacientes. Reagendaram a consulta 24,6% dos pacientes. Conclusão: É necessário ampliar procedimentos para prevenção de faltas às consultas, independentemente do tempo entre o agendamento e a consulta. (AU)

Objective: To analyze variables related to the scheduling of outpatient appointments that did not take place due to patient no-show. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary public referral hospital providing services to the Brazilian Unified Health System. A total of 493 patients were randomly selected, and the final sample totaled 317 no-show patients. Variables investigated: receipt of messages via cell phones informing the appointment date, interval between the scheduling date and the appointment date, and rescheduling. Data were obtained from computerized reports regarding absenteeism from scheduled appointments and telephone interviews. Statistical analyses were performed using the SAS® for Windows software, version 9.3. Results: 49.8% of patients reported not having received a message reminding them of the appointment dates. The interval between scheduling and the appointment dates was from 180 to 365 days for 36.6% of patients. A total of 24.6% of patients rescheduled their appointments. Conclusion: It is necessary to expand procedures to prevent missed appointments regardless of the time between scheduling and the appointment. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar variables relacionadas con la programación de consultas externas que no se realizaron por ausencia del paciente. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado en un hospital público terciario de referencia del Sistema Único de Salud. Se seleccionó aleatoriamente a 493 pacientes y la muestra final fue de 317 pacientes que faltaron a las citas médicas. Variables investigadas: recepción de mensajes vía celular informando la fecha de la cita, intervalo entre la cita y la fecha de la cita y reprogramación. Los datos provienen de informes computarizados de ausencias n citas programadas y entrevistas telefónicas. Análisis estadísticos realizados en SAS® para Windows versión 9.3. Resultados: En el 49.8% de los pacientes informaron no haber recibido un mensaje recordando la fecha de la cita. Conclusión: Es necesario ampliar los procedimientos para evitar citas perdidas independientemente del tiempo entre citas y citas. (AU)

Factors associated with the time to treat breast cancer in the pandemic period: an observational study / Factores relacionados al tiempo para tratamiento del cáncer de la mama en período pandémico: estudio observacional / Fatores associados ao tempo para tratamento do câncer de mama em período pândemico: estudo observacional

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the factors associated with the time to surgical treatment for breast cancer in patients seen at a reference mastology outpatient clinic in the State of Ceará. Methods: analytical, longitudinal study with medical charts from the Mastology Outpatient Clinic of Assis Chateaubriand Maternity School. We used 140 medical charts of breast cancer patients with surgeries performed during the pandemic. Results: the study evidenced associations between schooling and shorter time to treatment in patients who underwent biopsy before the first outpatient visit (p = 0.026; OR: 0.16; CI = 0.03-0.85); in the group who had the biopsy performed by the outpatient clinic, was associated the type of tumor (p = 0.019) and neoadjuvant therapy (p = 0.000). Conclusions: the lesser educational level, tumor type, and use of neoadjuvant therapy were factors associated with the time to treatment during the pandemic period.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar los factores relacionados al tiempo para tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de mama en pacientes atendidas en ambulatorio de mastología de referencia en el estado de Ceará. Métodos: estudio analítico, longitudinal, realizado con prontuarios del Ambulatorio de Mastología de la Maternidad Escuela Assis Chateaubriand. Fueron utilizados 140 prontuarios de pacientes con cáncer de mama con cirugías realizadas durante el período pandémico. Resultados: el estudio evidenció relaciones entre la escolaridad y el menor tiempo para tratamiento en las pacientes que realizaron biopsia antes de la primera consulta ambulatoria (p = 0,026; OR: 0,16; IC = 0,03-0,85); en el grupo que realizó la biopsia por el ambulatorio, estuvieron relacionados el tipo de tumor (p = 0,019) y la neoadyuvancia (p = 0,000). Conclusiones: el menor nivel educacional, el tipo de tumor y la utilización de la neoadyuvancia fueron factores relacionados al tiempo para tratamiento durante el período pandémico.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar os fatores associados ao tempo para tratamento cirúrgico do câncer de mama em pacientes atendidas em ambulatório de mastologia de referência no estado do Ceará. Métodos: estudo analítico, longitudinal, realizado com prontuários do Ambulatório de Mastologia da Maternidade Escola Assis Chateaubriand. Foram utilizados 140 prontuários de pacientes com câncer de mama com cirurgias realizadas durante o período pandêmico. Resultados: o estudo evidenciou associações entre a escolaridade e o menor tempo para tratamento nas pacientes que realizaram biópsia antes da primeira consulta ambulatorial (p = 0,026; OR: 0,16; IC = 0,03-0,85); no grupo que realizou a biópsia pelo ambulatório, estiveram associados o tipo de tumor (p = 0,019) e a neoadjuvância (p = 0,000). Conclusões: o menor nível educacional, o tipo de tumor e a utilização da neoadjuvância foram fatores associados ao tempo para tratamento durante o período pandêmico.

Prevalência das Dermatoses Atendidas no Mutirão Dermatológico de um Ambulatório Universitário / Prevalence of Dermatoses Treated in the Dermatological Task Force of a University Outpatient Clinic

As dermatoses referem-se às patologias que acometem a pele e seus anexos, sendo, muitas delas, manifestações iniciais de distúrbios subjacentes. O exame dermatológico indica diversas alterações e lesões cutâneas, possibilitando melhor acurácia diagnóstica dentro da variedade de doenças que acometem a pele. As afecções na dermatologia impactam na qualidade de vida do paciente, elevando riscos para transtornos psicossociais e depressão. Porém, existe negligência nas políticas públicas de saúde relacionadas a essas patologias, devido à subestimação das suas taxas de morbimortalidade e letalidade. O objetivo desse estudo se baseia no levantamento de dados estatísticos a respeito das principais afecções dermatológicas. É um estudo transversal prospectivo, cujos dados foram coletados, por meio de anamnese e exame físico, no ambulatório do Centro Universitário São Camilo (PROMOVE), em novembro/2021, em São Paulo. Foram atendidos 92 pacientes, sendo o CID primário L70 ("acne vulgar") o mais prevalente, seguido pelos CIDs L81 ("outros transtornos de pigmentação"), D21 ("neoplasias benignas do tecido conjuntivo e de tecidos moles") e L20 ("dermatite atópica"), respectivamente. Com base na distribuição das doenças dermatológicas por idade, os DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years) atingem o pico entre 10 e 20 anos, devido à acne. Isto explica o fato da ser uma doença de grande impacto psicológico, principalmente nesta faixa etária. Dessa maneira, essas informações podem auxiliar no alinhamento de políticas de prevenção; conscientização do médico generalista acerca das principais dermatopatologias, incentivando o início de tratamentos para doenças como acne e dermatite atópica; diagnósticos precoces e consequente melhora da qualidade de vida.

Dermatoses refer to pathologies that affect the skin and its appendages, many of which are initial manifestations of underlying disorders. Dermatological examination indicates various skin changes and lesions, enabling better diagnostic accuracy within the variety of diseases that affect the skin. Conditions in dermatology impact the patient's quality of life, increasing risks for psychosocial disorders and depression. However, there is negligence in public health policies related to these pathologies, due to the underestimation of their morbidity, mortality and lethality rates. The goal of this study is based on the collection of statistical data regarding the main dermatological conditions. It is a prospective cross-sectional study, whose data were collected, through anamnesis and physical examination, at the outpatient clinic of São Camilo University Center (PROMOVE), in November/2021, in São Paulo. 92 patients were treated, with primary ICD L70 ("acne vulgaris") being the most prevalent, followed by ICDs L81 ("other pigmentation disorders"), D21 ("benign neoplasms of connective tissue and soft tissue") and L20 ("atopic dermatitis"), respectively. Based on the distribution of dermatological diseases by age, DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years) peak between 10 and 20 years old, due to acne. This explains the fact that it is a disease with a great psychological impact, especially in this age group. In this way, this information can help align prevention policies; general practitioner awareness of the main dermatopathologies, encouraging the initiation of treatments for diseases such as acne and atopic dermatitis; early diagnoses and consequent improvement in quality of life.

Perfil dos pacientes atendidos em uma unidade de tratamento integral de ferida / Profile of the patients treated in a comprehensive wound care unit / Perfil de los pacientes atendidos en una unidad de tratamiento integral de heridas

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar os perfis demográfico, clínico e terapêutico dos pacientes atendidos em uma Unidade de Tratamento Integral de Ferida. Método: estudo quantitativo, retrospectivo, que analisou relatórios gerenciais e prontuários de pacientes com feridas crônicas atendidos em uma Unidade de Tratamento Integral de Ferida, em Vitória da Conquista-Bahia, Brasil. Os dados, coletados em fevereiro de 2020, foram submetidos a análises descritiva e inferencial e, para a associação entre variáveis, foi utilizado o teste Qui-quadrado com valor de p<0,05. Resultados: dentre os 176 pacientes, média de idade de 71,4 anos (DP±16,5). Houve associação estatística entre incontinência fecal e Lesão por pressão estágio dois (p=0,018); Diabetes Mellitus e Lesão por pressão estágio três (p<0,001); Alzheimer e lesão por dispositivo médico (p=0,028); Diabetes Mellitus e Úlcera Diabética (p<0.001); insuficiência vascular e Úlcera Venosa (p<0.001). Conclusão: o conhecimento dos perfis propicia a fundamentação da assistência integral prestada por uma unidade especializada, não hospitalar, em feridas.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the demographic, clinical and therapeutic profiles of the patients treated in a Comprehensive Wound Care Unit. Method: a quantitative and retrospective study that analyzed management reports and medical records of patients with chronic wounds treated at a Comprehensive Wound Care Unit in Vitória da Conquista-Bahia, Brazil. The data, collected in February 2020, were submitted to descriptive and inferential analysis, and the Chi-square test with p-value<0.05 was used for the association between variables. Results: the mean age among the 176 patients was 71.4 years old (SD±16.5). There was a statistical association between fecal incontinence and stage two Pressure Injury (p=0.018); Diabetes Mellitus and stage three Pressure Injury (p<0.001); Alzheimer's disease and medical device-related injury (p=0.028); Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Ulcer (p<0.001); and between vascular insufficiency and Venous Ulcer (p<0.001). Conclusion: knowledge about the profiles provides the basis for the comprehensive assistance provided by a non-hospital unit specialized in wounds.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar los perfiles demográfico, clínico y terapéutico de los pacientes atendidos en una Unidad de Tratamiento Integral de Heridas. Método: estudio cuantitativo y retrospectivo, que analizó informes gerenciales e historias clínicas de pacientes con heridas crónicas atendidos en una Unidad de Tratamiento Integral de Heridas de Vitória da Conquista-Bahía, Brasil. Los datos, recolectados en febrero de 2020, fueron sometidos a análisis descriptivo e inferencial, y la prueba de chi-cuadrado con valor p<0,05 se utilizó para la asociación entre variables. Resultados: entre los 176 pacientes, la media de edad fue de 71,4 años (DE±16,5). Se registraron asociaciones estadísticas entre incontinencia fecal y Lesión por Presión en etapa dos (p=0,018); Diabetes Mellitus y Lesión por Presión en etapa tres (p<0.001); Mal de Alzheimer y lesiones a raíz dispositivos médicos (p=0,028); Diabetes Mellitus y Úlcera Diabética (p<0,001); y entre insuficiencia vascular y úlcera venosa (p<0,001). Conclusión: conocer los perfiles favorece la fundamentación de la atención integral provista por una unidad no hospitalaria especializada en heridas.

Efficiency in hospital care in Brazilian capitals for the period 2014-2017

Objective: Analyze the level of efficiency of the hospital care in the Brazilian capitals and the Federal District between the years 2014 to 2017. Methods: The investigation method used was the Data Envelopment Analysis to estimate resource the resource efficiency levels. Results: The results indicate that there are differences in the level of efficiency of the state capitals and the Federal District, making it possible to develop the potential of inefficient units, in order to increase technical efficiency in hospital care. Conclusion: Analyzing the use of public resources helps to identify whether resources are being applied efficiently and when not, they signal the need for decision making that is more consistent with the reality of each capital.

Eficiência nos atendimentos hospitalares nas capitais brasileiras no período de 2014-2017 / Efficiency in hospital care in Brazilian capitals for the period 2014-2017

Objetivo: Analisar o nível de eficiência dos atendimentos hospitalares nas capitais estaduais e Distrito Federal entre os anos de 2014 a 2017. Métodos: O método de investigação utilizado foi a Análise Envoltória de Dados para estimar os níveis de eficiência dos recursos. Resultados: Os resultados indicam que ocorrem diferenças no nível de eficiência das capitais estaduais e Distrito Federal, sendo possível desenvolver o potencial das unidades ineficientes, de forma que aumentem a eficiência técnica nos atendimentos hospitalares. Conclusão: Analisar o uso dos recursos públicos contribui para identificar se os recursos estão sendo aplicados de forma eficiente e, quando não, sinaliza para a necessidade de tomada de decisões mais coerentes com a realidade de cada capital.

Objective: Analyze the level of efficiency of the hospital care in the Brazilian capitals and the Federal District between the years 2014 to 2017. Methods: The investigation method used was the Data Envelopment Analysis to estimate resource the resource efficiency levels. Results: The results indicate that there are differences in the level of efficiency of the state capitals and the Federal District, making it possible to develop the potential of inefficient units, in order to increase technical efficiency in hospital care. Conclusion: Analyzing the use of public resources helps to identify whether resources are being applied efficiently and when not, they signal the need for decision making that is more consistent with the reality of each capital.

Outpatient 180 W XPS GreenLight Laser Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate: 7-Year Experience.

Purpose: GreenLight XPS Laser System (GL-XPS) photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) is not only noninferior to transurethral resection of the prostate, but also with shorter rates of hospital stay and length of catheterization. Scarce literature has been published about the feasibility and safety of performing GL-XPS PVP in an outpatient setting. Our aim is to report our 7-year experience with outpatient GL-XPS PVP. Methods: Medical charts of all patients who underwent GL-XPS PVP between 2013 and 2020 were reviewed. Patients were discharged after careful monitoring in the recovery room and the catheter was removed either at home or at a scheduled hospital visit. We used the Shapiro-Wilk test to assess for normal distribution, and the evaluation of homoscedasticity was performed with the SD test. For qualitative variables, the comparison between groups was carried using the chi-square test and for the quantitative variables we used the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. Results: A total of 537 patients were treated, 517 in an outpatient basis. Median age was 68 years (interquartile range [IQR] 62-76), median prostate volume 50 cc (IQR 40-70). 22.8% were on anticoagulants or antiplatelet therapy. Median operative time was 100 minutes (IQR 75-125), length of hospital stay 5 hours (IQR 4-6.45), mean length of catheterization 48 hours (SD 14.92). Readmission rate within 90 days of surgery was 11.7%, 58 (10.8%) for surgical-related complications. Median time for readmission was 4 days (IQR 2-24). Immediate readmission (within 10 days) was recorded in 7.6% of patients, urinary retention was the main cause. No significant differences were found trying to find perioperative predictors for readmission. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that outpatient GL-XPS PVP could be performed safely with a predefined outpatient pathway, with a low readmission and complication rate. (IRB number CEI-521).

Autologous ATG-free hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for refractory autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a Latin American cohort.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been recognized as treatment alternative for patients with severe, refractory autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs). Usually, anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)-containing conditioning regimens are employed; however, ATG is unavailable in some developing nations. We report our 15-year clinical experience autografting patients with ARDs with an ATG-free conditioning regimen and a brief assessment of patient-reported outcomes post-HSCT. All patients had active disease and were resistant to multiple lines of treatment. Event-free survival (EFS) was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Eight patients underwent autologous HSCT. Diagnoses included juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n = 3), systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 2), systemic sclerosis (n = 2), and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 1). Median time from diagnosis to HSCT was 3 years (0.75-19). Hematological recovery was documented in all recipients, and 4 patients (50%) completed the procedure in a completely ambulatory setting. Five (62.5%) patients achieved complete response and 3 (37.5%) partial response. The median EFS was 7 months (95% CI, 4.97-9.02), and the 1-year EFS rate was 21.9% (95% CI, 18.25-25.76). Transplant-related mortality was 0%, and 1 recipient died 8 years post-HSCT due to chronic kidney disease. Six (75%) patients presented steroid dosage reduction post-HSCT, and 2 (25%) perceived improvement in functionality despite having relapsed. HSCT is a viable treatment alternative for selected patients with severe therapy-resistant ARDs, as an improvement in disease management and quality of life was documented. The need remains to elucidate the characteristics of the optimal HSCT candidate, as well as the adequate conditioning regimen when ATG is not available. Key Points • Despite advances in the treatment of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, some patients remain refractory. In this context, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) rises as a viable alternative. • Of 8 HSCT recipients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, 5 (62.5%) patients achieved complete response and 3 (37.5%) partial response, with a 1-year event-free survival of 21.9%. • Transplant-related mortality was 0%, with 4 (50%) patients autografted in a completely outpatient setting. • Even when relapse presented, patients reported an improvement in functionality and quality of life; also, a better response to DMARDs and a reduction in steroid dependency post-HSCT were documented.

Reorganização do serviço ambulatorial de referência para condições crônicas durante a pandemia da COVID-19 / Reorganización del servicio de referencia ambulatoria para condiciones crónicas durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Reorganization of the outpatient reference service for chronic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumo Objetivo Relatar a experiência da equipe de saúde da atenção especializada na reorganização do processo de trabalho para a continuidade do cuidado às pessoas com condições crônicas complexas durante a pandemia da covid-19. Métodos Relato de experiência vivenciada em ambulatório do Estado do Paraná entre março e julho de 2020. O serviço ambulatorial em questão adota o Modelo de Atenção às Condições Crônicas para o atendimento de gestantes, crianças, idosos, pessoas com hipertensão arterial, diabetes mellitus e transtornos mentais, estratificadas como condições complexas. Resultados O avanço da pandemia no Brasil implicou a necessidade de planejar a reorganização da atenção ambulatorial especializada, definindo atividades assistenciais presenciais no serviço, atividades itinerantes nos municípios e uso de tecnologias remotas para assistência e matriciamento. Conclusão e Implicações para a prática O rigor no cumprimento das recomendações sanitárias possibilitou a reorganização dos processos de trabalho no serviço, com modificações que permitiram a continuidade do cuidado de pessoas com condições crônicas complexas. O planejamento e o desenvolvimento das modificações no serviço foram fundamentais para manter o acompanhamento e o monitoramento da saúde das pessoas com condições crônicas complexas em meio a pandemia, minimizando as descompensações e, consequentemente, diminuindo a necessidade de essas pessoas utilizarem os serviços de saúde.

Resumen Objetivo Exponer la experiencia del equipo de atención a la salud especializada, en la reorganización del proceso de trabajo para la continuidad de la atención a personas con enfermedades crónicas complejas durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos Informe de experiencia en un centro ambulatorio del estado brasileño de Paraná entre marzo y julio de 2020. El servicio adopta el Modelo de Atención a Condiciones Crónicas para el atendimiento de: gestantes, niños, ancianos, personas con hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus y trastornos mentales, estratificado como condiciones complejas. Resultados El avance de la pandemia en Brasil implicó en la necesidad de planificar la reorganización de la atención ambulatoria especializada, al definir acciones de actividades asistenciales presenciales en el servicio, actividades itinerantes en los municipios y el uso de tecnologías remotas para la asistencia y apoyo matricial. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica El rigor en el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones sanitarias permitió la reorganización de los procesos de trabajo en el servicio, con cambios que permitieron la continuidad del cuidado de las personas con condiciones crónicas complejas. La planificación y el desarrollo de los cambios en el servicio fueron fundamentales para mantener el acompañamiento y la vigilancia de la salud de personas con condiciones crónicas complejas en medio a la pandemia, minimizando las descompensaciones y, consecuentemente, disminuyendo la necesidad de que estas personas utilicen los servicios de salud.

Abstract Objective To report the experience of the specialized care health team in reorganizing the work process for the continuity of care for people with complex chronic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Experience report lived in an outpatient clinic in Paraná State between March and July 2020. The outpatient service in question adopts the Chronic Conditions Care Model for pregnant women, children, elderly people, people with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and mental disorders, stratified as complex conditions. Results The advance of the pandemic in Brazil implied the need to plan the reorganization of specialized ambulatory care, defining face-to-face care activities in the service, itinerant activities in municipalities, and the use of remote care technologies and matrix support. Conclusion and Implications for practice Rigorous compliance with health recommendations allowed the reorganization of work processes in the service with modifications that allowed continuity of care for people with complex chronic conditions. The planning and development of the modifications in the service were fundamental to maintain the follow-up and monitoring of the health of people with complex chronic conditions amid the pandemic, minimizing decompensations and, consequently, reducing the need for these people to use health services.

COVID-19 and outpatient care: a nationwide household survey / COVID-19 e assistência ambulatorial: uma pesquisa domiciliar de abrangência nacional / COVID-19 y atención ambulatoria: una encuesta domiciliaria a escala nacional

We aimed to assess the proportion of the population in 133 Brazilian municipalities who - from March to August 2020 - had a health problem but failed to seek care or failed to attend to a health service for routine appointment or examination. We conducted a household survey from August 24-27 in 133 Brazilian cities by asking the subjects if, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, they had suffered from a health problem but did not seek care or failed to attend to a routine or screening examination. Poisson regression was used for the analyses. We interviewed 33,250 subjects and 11.8% (95%CI: 11.4-12.1) reported that, since March 2020, they failed to seek care despite being ill, 17.3% (95%CI: 16.9-17.7) failed to attend to a routine or screening examination and 23.9% (95%CI: 23.4-24.4) reported one or both outcomes. Health service closure and fear of the COVID-19 infection were the main reasons for not seeking care. Women and the poorest were more likely to not look for a health service, despite having a health problem or a scheduled routine appointment. On the other hand, those subjects who self-identified as white were less likely to not look for a health service. The COVID-19 pandemic is more critical for the indigenous people and the poorest, and these people are also more likely to not seek care for other health conditions during the pandemic.

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a proporção da população de 133 cidades brasileiras que apresentou algum problema de saúde entre março e agosto de 2020, mas que deixou de procurar atendimento, ou que deixou de buscar um serviço de saúde para consultas ou exames de rotina. Foram realizadas entrevistas domiciliares entre 24 e 27 de agosto de 2020 em 133 áreas urbanas brasileiras. Perguntava-se aos indivíduos se, desde o início da pandemia de COVID-19 em março de 2020, haviam sofrido algum problema de saúde mais não haviam procurado atendimento, ou se haviam deixado de realizar consultas ou exames de rotina. A regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para as análises. Foram entrevistados 33.250 indivíduos, entre os quais 11,8% (IC95%: 11,4-12,1) relataram que desde março de 2020 haviam deixado de procurar atendimento apesar de estarem doentes, 17,3% (IC95%: 16,9-17,7) haviam deixado de comparecer a consultas de rotina ou triagem e 23,9% (IC95%: 23,4-24,4) relataram um ou ambos os desfechos. O fechamento dos serviços de saúde e o medo da infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2 foram os principais motivos para não buscar atendimento. As mulheres e os indivíduos com menor nível socioeconômico mostraram maior probabilidade de não procurarem serviços de saúde em caso de doença, ou de faltar a consultas de rotina previamente agendadas. Por outro lado, indivíduos que se identificavam como brancos eram menos propensos a deixar de procurar os serviços de saúde. A pandemia da COVID-19 está afetando mais duramente os indígenas e as pessoas com menor nível socioeconômico, que também são mais propensos a deixar de procurar atendimento para outras condições de saúde durante a pandemia.

Se realizó un estudio con el fin de evaluar la proporción de población en 133 ciudades brasileñas que -de marzo a agosto 2020- tuvieron un problema de salud, pero no consiguieron buscar cuidados, o presentarse en un servicio de salud para consultas de rutina o exámenes. Se llevó a cabo una encuesta domiciliaria entre el 24 y 27 de agosto en 133 áreas urbanas brasileñas. A los encuestados se les preguntó si, desde el principio de la pandemia de COVID-19 en marzo de 2020, habían sufrido algún problema de salud, pero no habían buscado asistencia, o no consiguieron presentarse a exámenes de rutina o de exploración. Se utilizó una regresión de Poisson para los análisis. Se entrevistó a 33.250 individuos, y un 11,8% (IC95%: 11,4-12,1) informaron que desde marzo de 2020 no consiguieron buscar asistencia, a pesar de estar enfermos, un 17,3% (IC95%: 16,9-17,7) no consiguieron presentarse a exámenes de rutina o visitas de exploración, y un 23,9% (IC95%: 23,4-24,4) informaron de uno o ambos resultados. El cierre de los servicios de salud y el miedo a contraer COVID-19 fueron las razones principales para no buscar cuidados. Las mujeres y aquellos que tenían un estatus socioeconómico bajo eran más propensos a no buscar asistencia sanitaria, tanto si tenían un problema médico, como para un chequeo rutinario o se saltaban una cita médica programada. Por otro lado, estas personas que se autoidentificaron como blancas eran menos propensas a no buscar asistencia sanitaria. La pandemia de COVID-19 está golpeando duramente a los indígenas y a quienes tienen un estatus socioeconómico bajo, y estas personas también son más propensas a no conseguir buscar asistencia sanitaria relacionada con otros problemas de salud durante la pandemia.

Social support and depressive symptoms in older adulsts treated in an outpatient service / Apoyo social y síntomas depresivos en ancianos atendidos en un servicio ambulatorio / Apoio social e sintomas depressivos em idosos atendidos em um ambulatório

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess social support, to screen the scores indicative of depression, and to identify if social support is associated in any way with the scores and with the sociodemographic variables. Method: a cross-sectional and analytical study conducted at a Specialty Outpatient Service for Older Adults in São Paulo. A total of 133 aged individuals were selected from February 2019 to July 2021. During data collection, a structured questionnaire with diverse sociodemographic and clinical information was used, as well as having a caregiver or not; in addition, the following instruments were applied: Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, Katz, Lawton and Social Support Scale. Results: the study participants' mean age was 74.2 years old, they were mostly women (72.9%), married (35.3%), white-skinned (70.7%) and retired (74.5%), they had four years of study (31.6%) and incomes up to one minimum wage (30.8%), and they were hypertensive (73.6%), diabetic (38.3%) and dyslipidemic (31.5%). It was observed that, in all the Social Support Scale domains, most of the interviewees perceived high support. It was evidenced that the highest frequency of aged people with normal psychological state corresponded to those with the highest frequency of high support perception in the Emotional and Positive social interaction domains. Conclusion: the study was able to evidence that aged people with a low perception of social support were the ones that presented more depressive symptoms. Therefore, by evidencing and knowing the sociodemographic profile of the service, it is possible to favor planning of the care provided by the multiprofessional team and propose strategic actions for comprehensive care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar el apoyo social, rastrear las puntuaciones que indican depresión e identificar si hay alguna asociación entre el apoyo social con las puntuaciones y las variables sociodemográficas. Método: estudio transversal y analítico realizado en el Servicio Ambulatorio de Especialidades para Ancianos de San Pablo. Se seleccionaron 133 adultos mayores entre febrero de 2019 y julio de 2021. En la recolección de datos se utilizó un cuestionario estructurado con diversa información sociodemográfica y clínica o tener cuidador o no, además de aplicarse los siguientes: Mini-Examen de Estado Mental, Escala de Depresión Geriátrica, Katz, Lawton y Escala de Apoyo Social. Resultados: la media de edad de los participantes del estudio fue de 74,2 años, la mayoría eran mujeres (72,9%), personas casadas (35,3%), de raza blanca (70,7%), jubilados (74,5%), con cuatro años de estudio (31,6%), ingresos de hasta un salario mínimo (30,8%), y con hipertensión (73,6%), diabetes (38,3%) y dislipidemia (31,5%). Se observó que en todos los dominios de la Escala de Apoyo Social, la mayoría de los entrevistados indicó una percepción de apoyo elevado. Se hizo evidente que la mayor frecuencia de personas mayores con estado psicológico normal correspondió con aquellas con mayor frecuencia de percepción de apoyo elevado en los dominios Emocional e Interacción social positiva. Conclusión: el estudio logró evidenciar que los ancianos que presentaron una percepción de apoyo social bajo fueron las que tuvieron más síntomas depresivos. En consecuencia, al poner de manifiesto y conocer el perfil sociodemográfico del servicio, fue posible favorecer la planificación de la asistencia prestada por el equipo multiprofesional y proponer acciones estratégicas para la integralidad de la atención.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o apoio social, rastrear os escores indicativos de depressão e identificar se há associação do apoio social com os escores e as variáveis sociodemográficas. Método: estudo transversal e analítico, realizado no Ambulatório de Especialidades do Idoso em São Paulo. Foram selecionados 133 idosos no período de fevereiro de 2019 a julho de 2021. Na coleta de dados, utilizou-se um questionário estruturado, com informações sociodemográficas, clínicas, ter ou não cuidador e foram aplicados os instrumentos: Miniexame do estado mental, Escala de Depressão Geriátrica, Katz, Lawton, Escala de apoio Social. Resultados: a idade média dos participantes do estudo foi de 74,2 anos, mulher (72,9%), casada (35,3%), branca (70,7%), aposentadas (74,5%), quatro anos de estudos (31,6%), renda de até um salário-mínimo (30,8%) hipertensas (73,6%), diabéticas (38,3%) e dislipidêmicas (31,5%). Observou-se que em todos os domínios da escala de apoio social a maior parte dos entrevistados teve percepção de apoio alto. Evidenciou-se que a maior frequência de pessoas idosas com quadro psicológico normal eram aquelas com maior frequência de percepção de apoio alto nos domínios emocional e interação social positiva. Conclusão: o estudo pode evidenciar que pessoas idosas que apresentaram percepção de apoio social baixo foram as que apresentaram mais sintomas depressivos. Portanto, ao evidenciar e conhecer o perfil sociodemográfico do serviço pode-se favorecer o planejamento do cuidado prestado pela equipe multiprofissional e propor ações estratégicas para integralidade do cuidado.

A redução do absenteísmo de usuários em consultas de especialidades no SUS: a experiência de um instituto de referência no Rio de Janeiro / Reducing user absenteeism in specialty appointments at SUS: the experience of a reference institute in Rio de Janeiro

O absenteísmo do usuário aos atendimentos programados é apontado como um dos principais problemas enfrentados na gestão do Sistema Único de Saúde em todos os níveis de atenção. O objeto de pesquisa foi o absenteísmo ambulatorial em consultas especializadas no SUS na perspectiva do acesso e utilização de serviços, a partir da experiência do Projeto de Intervenção do Serviço Social em casos de absenteísmo em consultas subsequentes, ocorrido no período de 2018 a 2020, no Instituto Estadual de Diabetes e Endocrinologia Luiz Capriglione (IEDE). O objetivo principal do estudo foi propor estratégias para redução do absenteísmo dos usuários nos atendimentos subsequentes em unidades públicas de saúde especializadas. Buscou-se contribuir com a reflexão sobre a dimensão do acesso e o absenteísmo dos usuários na unidade especializada de saúde pública, diante da análise da situação-problema e da intervenção no estabelecimento de saúde. Por meio da pesquisa descritiva exploratória foi realizada a descrição e análise dos fluxos de acesso ao IEDE e descrição do Projeto de Intervenção, bem como a apresentação e discussão dos seus resultados. Os resultados do presente estudo, confirmaram a relação intrínseca entre a oportunidade de acesso e a concretização da utilização dos serviços de saúde com o absenteísmo do usuário. As causas apresentadas pelos usuários sobre a situação de absenteísmo foram identificadas como barreiras de acesso aos serviços, no qual seus aspectos ultrapassam a questão individual e abarcam a instituição e as políticas públicas, inclusive de saúde, como por exemplo, o trabalho e a falta de recursos financeiros, cuja solução destas problemáticas depende principalmente de políticas públicas intersetoriais e reorganização institucional. Ao final foi proposto estratégias para redução do absenteísmo dos usuários nos atendimentos subsequentes na unidade pública de saúde especializada.

The absenteeism of users to scheduled appointments is pointed out as one of the main problems faced in the management of the Unified Health System at all levels of care. The object of the research was the outpatient absenteeism in specialty appointments in the SUS from the perspective of access and use of services, from the experience of the Social Service Intervention Project in cases of absenteeism in subsequent appointments, which occurred in the period from 2018 to 2020, at the Luiz Capriglione State Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (IEDE). The main objective of the study was to propose strategies for reducing user absenteeism in subsequent appointments in specialized public health units. The aim was to contribute to the reflection on the dimension of access and user absenteeism in specialized public health units, by analyzing the problem situation and intervening in the health facility. Through descriptive exploratory research, the description and analysis of the access flow to the IEDE and description of the Intervention Project were carried out, as well as the presentation and discussion of its results. The results of the present study confirmed the intrinsic relationship between the opportunity of access and the realization of the use of health services with user absenteeism. The causes presented by users regarding the situation of absenteeism were identified as barriers to accessing services, in which their aspects go beyond the individual question and encompass the institution and public policies, including health policies, such as work and the lack of financial resources, whose solution to these problems depends mainly on intersectoral public policies and institutional reorganization. In the end, we proposed strategies to reduce user absenteeism in subsequent visits to the specialized public health unit.

Série temporal da produção odontológica no Sistema Único de Saúde, Brasil, 2008-2018 / Serie temporal de producción dental en el Sistema Único de Salud de Brasil, 2008-2018 / Time series of the production of dental procedures in the Brazilian National Health System, Brazil, 2008-2018

Objetivo: Analisar a realização de procedimentos odontológicos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), no Brasil e suas regiões geopolíticas, entre 2008 e 2018. Métodos: Estudo de série temporal, com dados do Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais dos SUS. Foram calculadas taxas anuais de procedimentos odontológicos (por 100 mil habitantes), globais e por categorias de procedimentos e regiões. Utilizou-se a regressão de Prais-Winsten para analisar as tendências temporais e foram calculadas variações percentuais anuais (VPA). Resultados: Tendências decrescentes foram encontradas para o Brasil, em ações coletivas (VPA= -13,5%; IC95% -21,1;-5,2), ações preventivas individuais (VPA= -6,2%; - IC95% -7,7;-4,8), restaurações (VPA= -7,3%; IC95% -10,5;-3,9) e exodontias (VPA= -6,9; IC95% -10,5;-3,1). Endodontia e periodontia apresentaram tendências estacionárias para a maioria das regiões e o Brasil. Procedimentos protéticos apresentaram tendência ascendente em todas as regiões e no Brasil (VPA= 16,9%; IC95% 9,1;25,2). Conclusão: A produção odontológica no SUS apresentou decréscimo no período 2008-2018; à exceção de procedimentos protéticos, cuja produção aumentou.

Objetivo: Analizar el desempeño de procedimientos dentales en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) en Brasil y regiones, 2008 - 2018. Métodos: Estudio de series temporales con datos del Sistema de Información Ambulatoria. Se calcularon tasas anuales de procedimientos dentales por 100 mil habitantes, globales y según categorías de procedimientos y regiones brasileñas de 2008 a 2018. Se utilizó la regresión de Prais-Winsten para analizar tendencias temporales y se calcularon los cambios porcentuales anuales. Resultados: Hubo tendencia decreciente en Brasil para acciones colectivas -13,5%; IC95% -21,1;-5,2), acciones preventivas individuales (-6,2%; IC95% -7,7;-4,8), restauraciones (-7,3%; IC95% -10,5;-3,9) y extracciones (-6,9; IC95% -10,5;-3,1%). Endodoncia y periodoncia mostraron tendencias estacionarias para la mayoría de las regiones y Brasil. Procedimientos protésicos mostraron tendencia ascendente en todas las regiones y Brasil (16,9%; IC95% 9,1;25,2). Conclusión: La producción dental en el SUS disminuyó entre 2008 y 2018, a excepción de los procedimientos protésicos cuya producción aumentó.

Objective: To analyze dental procedures provided by the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) in Brazil and its macro-regions, between 2008 and 2018. Methods: This was a time series study using data from SUS Outpatient Information System. Annual and overall rates of dental procedures (per 100,000 inhabitants), according to the categories of dental procedures and regions were calculated. Prais-Winsten regression was used to analyze time trends, while annual percentage change (APC) was calculated. Results: Decreasing trends were found in Brazil, in collective measures (APC= -13.5%; 95%CI -21.1;-5.2), individual preventive measures (APC= -6.2%; 95%CI -7.7;-4.8), dental restoration (APC= -7.3%; 95%CI -10.5;-3.9) and tooth extraction procedures (APC= -6.9; 95%CI -10,5;-3,1). Endodontics and periodontics showed stationary trend in most regions and Brazil. Prosthetic procedures showed an upward trend in all regions and Brazil (APC= 16.9%; 95%CI 9.1;25.2). Conclusion: Dental procedures in the SUS decreased between 2008-2018; with the exception of prosthetic procedures, which showed a rising trend.

Assessment of the Perception of People Living With HIV Regarding the Quality of Outpatient Care at a Reference Facility in the Federal District, Brazil.

The effectiveness of antiretroviral treatment has transformed HIV infection into a chronic transmissible condition, requiring health systems to adapt in order to care for people living with HIV. The Chronic Care Model (CCM) is the gold standard for this type of care in many countries. Among its tools, the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) questionnaire gives the patient's perspective of the care provided. The aim of the present study was to adapt and apply, for the first time, the questionnaire to people living with HIV to determine their perception of the quality of care provided at a reference hospital in the Federal District of Brazil. This is a case study conducted in 2019 at a teaching hospital, with a convenience sample of 30 individuals treated for at least 1 year at the facility. The median PACIC score (3.5 with a range of 1.0-5.0) seems to suggest that the users perceive the outpatient care provided by the hospital as being basic. The "delivery system design/decision support" component was deemed the best (5.0, with a range of 1.0-5.0) and "follow-up/coordination" the worst (1.0, with a range of 1.0-5.0). The results suggest the need to improve the organization of care and make adequate use of community resources, in line with the CCM. The questionnaire makes it possible to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the care provided to people living with HIV and can be used as a planning and monitoring tool to improve management of the condition, with the contribution of the patient, in particular, thereby strengthening self-care.

Prevalence of crack cocaine use and its associated factors in patients treated in a specialized outpatient service / Prevalência e fatores associados ao uso de crack em pacientes em tratamento em serviço ambulatorial especializado

Abstract Background Despite the advance in studies addressing the use of crack cocaine, knowledge about the characteristics of users that seek treatment in the different modalities of care for substance use disorders is important to plan the operationalization of these services. Objective To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with the use of crack cocaine in outpatients. Method Cross-sectional study consisting in the analysis of the medical records of outpatients of a chemical dependency clinic located in the south of Brazil from 1999 to 2015. The Fisher's exact test and the Poisson regression model were used to analyze the data. Results Medical records from 1,253 patients were analyzed, and 1,196 (95.5%) of them contained information on the use of crack cocaine. Use of this substance was reported by 47% (95% CI [44, 50]) of the outpatients. The risk group was composed of adults aged 20-39 years, with no income, who had three or more children, did not consume alcohol or marijuana, had continuous family assistance, spontaneously looked for the service, and had already been hospitalized or assisted at a therapeutic community or psychosocial center. Conclusion There is great demand for the outpatient care of crack cocaine users. It is crucial that the risk factors guide treatment planning.

Resumo Introdução embora tenhamos avançado nos estudos sobre o consumo de crack, é importante o conhecimento das características dos usuários que buscam tratamento nas diferentes modalidades assistenciais para transtornos relacionados ao uso de substâncias para planejar a operacionalização desses dispositivos. Objetivo analisar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao uso de crack em pacientes em tratamento de modalidade clínico-ambulatorial. Método estudo transversal, com análise dos prontuários dos pacientes do período de 1999 a 2015 de um ambulatório de dependência química no Sul do Brasil. Para análise dos dados foi realizado o teste exato de Fisher e regressão de Poisson. Resultados foram analisados os prontuários de 1.253 pacientes, dos quais 1.196 (95,5%) continham informações sobre o uso de crack. O uso de crack foi relatado por 47% (IC 95% [44, 50]) dos pacientes. O grupo de risco consistiu em adultos de 20 a 39 anos, sem renda, com três ou mais filhos, que não consumiam álcool ou usavam maconha, que tinham acompanhamento familiar contínuo, que buscavam espontaneamente o serviço, que já haviam sido internados em hospital ou feito acompanhamento em comunidade terapêutica ou centro psicossocial. Conclusão existe uma grande demanda no atendimento ambulatorial de pacientes que usam crack. É imprescindível que os fatores de risco orientem o planejamento do tratamento.

Loneliness in Primary Care Patients: Relationships With Body Mass Index and Health Care Utilization.

PURPOSE: Rates of loneliness and obesity have increased in recent decades. Loneliness and obesity independently have been found to be risk factors for negative physical and mental health outcomes. This study examined the rates and interrelationships of loneliness, body mass index (BMI), and health care utilization in a primary care setting. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of adult patients presenting for outpatient care at 7 family medicine clinical practices in Pennsylvania was conducted. Survey questions included self-reported measures of loneliness, height/weight, number of health care visits, and potential confounders (eg, sociodemographic variables, health status). Bivariate and multivariable linear regression models were used to analyze associations among loneliness, BMI, and health care utilization. RESULTS: In all, 464 eligible patients returned surveys for an overall response rate of 26%. Mean (standard deviation) loneliness score was 4.2 (1.7), mean BMI was 30.4 (7.6), and mean number of visits in year prior was 2.7 (3.6). On bivariate analysis, BMI was positively associated with loneliness (effect estimate: 0.50; P=0.03). On multivariable analysis, BMI was negatively associated with attending religious services and self-reported physical health and positively associated with self-reported mental health (P<0.05 for all), but not associated with loneliness. While not associated with loneliness, health care utilization was negatively associated with Hispanic ethnicity, marital status, and self-reported physical health (P<0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Given the detrimental effects loneliness and obesity have on health outcomes, it might be prudent for health care providers to prioritize health concerns for their patients by assessing loneliness and counseling regarding associated risks, particularly in patients with obesity.