Surgical waiting lists and queue management in a Brazilian tertiary public hospital.

BACKGROUND: Centralized management of queues helps to reduce the surgical waiting time in the publicly funded healthcare system, but this is not a reality in the Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (BUHS). We describe the implementation of the "Patients with Surgical Indication" (PSI) in a Brazilian public tertiary hospital, the impact on waiting time, and its use in rationing oncological surgeries during the COVID-19 Pandemic. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of elective surgical requests (2016-2022) in a Brazilian general, public, tertiary university hospital. We recovered information regarding the inflows (indications), outflows and their reasons, the number of patients, and waiting time in queue. RESULTS: We enrolled 82,844 indications in the PSI (2016-2022). The waiting time (median and interquartile range) in days decreased from 98(48;168) in 2016 to 14(3;152) in 2022 (p < 0.01). The same occurred with the backlog that ranged from 6,884 in 2016 to 844 in 2022 (p < 001). During the Pandemic, there was a reduction in the number of non-oncological surgeries per month (95% confidence interval) of -10.9(-18.0;-3.8) during Phase I (January 2019-March 2020), maintenance in Phase II (April 2020-August 2021) 0.1(-10.0;10.4) and increment in Phase III (September 2021-December 2022) of 23.0(15.3;30.8). In the oncological conditions, these numbers were 0.6(-2.1;3.3) for Phase I, an increase of 3.2(0.7;5.6) in Phase II and 3.9(1,4;6,4) in Phase III. CONCLUSION: Implementing a centralized list of surgical indications and developing queue management principles proved feasible, with effective rationing. It unprecedentedly demonstrated the decrease in the median waiting time in Brazil.

Waiting time for kidney transplantation based on calculated panel reactive antibodies: experience of a southern Brazilian center / Tempo de espera para transplante renal com base em painel de reatividade de anticorpos calculado: experiência de um centro do sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the waiting list for kidney transplantation in our hospital according to candidate's panel reactive antibodies (cPRA) and its outcomes. Methods: One thousand six hundred forty patients who were on the waiting list between 2015 and 2019 were included. For the analysis, hazard ratios (HR) for transplant were estimated by Fine and Gray's regression model according to panel reactivity and HR for graft loss and death after transplantation. Results: The mean age was 45.39 ± 18.22 years. Male gender was predominant (61.2%), but the proportion decreased linearly with the increase in cPRA (p < 0.001). The distribution of patients according to panels were: 0% (n = 390), 1% - 49% (n = 517), 50% - 84% (n = 269), and ≥ 85% (n = 226). Transplantation was achieved in 85.5% of the sample within a median time of 8 months (CI 95%: 6.9 - 9.1). The estimated HRs for transplantation during the follow-up were 2.84 (95% CI: 2.51 - 3.34), 2.41(95%CI: 2.07 - 2.80), and 2.45(95%CI: 2.08 - 2.90) in the cPRA range of 0%, 1%-49%, and 50%-84%, respectively, compared to cPRA ≥ 85 (p < 0.001). After transplantation, the HR for graft loss was similar in the different cPRA groups, but the HR for death (0.46 95% CI 0.24-0.89 p = 0.022) was lower in the 0% cPRA group when adjusted for age, gender, and presence of donor specific antibodies (DSA). Conclusion: Patients with cPRA below 85% are more than twice as likely to receive a kidney transplantation with a shorter waiting time. The risk of graft loss after transplantation was similar in the different cPRA groups, and the adjusted risk of death was lower in nonsensitized recipients.

RESUMO Introdução: O objetivo foi analisar a lista de espera para transplante renal em nosso hospital segundo o painel de reatividade de anticorpos (PRAc) do candidato e seus desfechos. Métodos: Incluímos 1.640 pacientes em lista de espera entre 2015 e 2019. Para a análise, estimou-se a razão de risco (HR) para transplante pelo modelo de regressão de Fine e Gray conforme o painel de reatividade e HR para perda do enxerto e óbito após o transplante. Resultados: A idade média foi 45,39 ± 18,22 anos. Sexo masculino foi predominante (61,2%), mas a proporção diminuiu linearmente com o aumento do PRAc (p < 0,001). A distribuição de pacientes conforme os painéis foi: 0% (n = 390), 1% - 49% (n = 517), 50% - 84% (n = 269), e ≥85% (n = 226). O transplante foi realizado em 85,5% da amostra em tempo mediano de 8 meses (IC 95%: 6,9 - 9,1). As HRs estimadas para transplante durante o acompanhamento foram 2,84 (IC 95%: 2,51 - 3,34), 2,41 (IC 95%: 2,07 - 2,80) e 2,45 (IC 95%: 2,08 - 2,90) no intervalo de PRAc de 0%, 1%-49% e 50%-84%, respectivamente, comparadas com PRAc ≥ 85 (p < 0,001). Após o transplante, a HR para perda do enxerto foi semelhante nos diferentes grupos de PRAc, mas HR para óbito (0,46 IC 95% 0,24-0,89 p = 0,022) foi menor no grupo PRAc 0% quando ajustada para idade, sexo e presença de anticorpos doador específico (DSA). Conclusão: Pacientes com PRAc abaixo de 85% têm mais que o dobro de probabilidade de receber transplante renal com tempo de espera menor. Risco de perda do enxerto após o transplante foi semelhante nos diferentes grupos PRAc, e risco ajustado de óbito foi menor em receptores não sensibilizados.

Decentralizing referral prioritization to general practitioners at the primary care level: A qualitative case study based on the Grounded Theory.

BACKGROUND: Patient referral prioritizations is an essential process in coordinating healthcare delivery, since it organizes the waiting lists according to priorities and availability of resources. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to highlight the consequences of decentralizing ambulatory patient referrals to general practitioners that work as family physicians in primary care clinics. METHODS: A qualitative case study was carried out in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. The ten health regions of Rio de Janeiro were visited during fieldwork, totalizing 35 hours of semi-structured interviews and approximately 70 hours of analysis based on the Grounded Theory. RESULTS: The findings of this study show that the obstacles to adequate referrals are beyond the management of vacancies, ranging from the standardization of prioritization criteria to ensuring the proper employment of referral protocols in diverse locations assisted by overloaded health workers with different backgrounds and perceptions. Efforts in decentralizing patient referral to primary care still face the growing dilemmas and challenges of expanding the coverage of health services while putting pressure on risk assessment, as well as sustaining the autonomy of physicians' work while respecting the eligibility when ordering waiting lists. CONCLUSION: A major strength of this work is on the method to organize and aggregate qualitative data using visual representations. Limitations concerning the reach of fieldwork in vulnerable and hardly accessible areas were overcame using snowball sampling techniques, making more participants accessible.

Educational technology for multidisciplinary training for managing waiting lists for elective patients / Tecnología educativa para la formación multidisciplinaria en la gestión de listas de espera de pacientes electivos / Tecnologia educativa para a formação multiprofissional no gerenciamento de listas de espera de pacientes eletivos

ABSTRACT Objectives: to construct and assess an educational technology for managing patient waiting lists for multidisciplinary training. Methods: study supported by Instructional Design - ADDIE model, whose stages of construction of educational technology were developed in the form of a multi-professional training course. Its respective content assessment was carried out by a committee of experts from 2021 to 2022. The analysis occurred based on the proportion of content adequacy with 95% Confidence Interval. Results: seventeen products were created as educational technology learning objects: five storyboards; four videos; three comic books; two pedagogical action plans; a mind map; and a YouTube® playlist. Nine experts assessed content adequacy, which reached 0.89. Conclusions: this educational technology contributes to the performance of professionals who manage waiting lists by reducing inequalities, alleviating differences, in addition to promoting equity in care and good health for patients in the Brazilian Health System.

RESUMEN Objetivos: construir y evaluar una tecnología educativa para la gestión de listas de espera de pacientes para formación multidisciplinaria. Métodos: estudio apoyado en Diseño Instruccional - modelo ADDIE, cuyas etapas de construcción de tecnología educativa se desarrollaron en forma de curso de formación multiprofesional. Su respectiva evaluación de contenidos fue realizada por un comité de expertos del 2021 al 2022. El análisis se realizó utilizando la proporción de adecuación del contenido con un Intervalo de Confianza del 95%. Resultados: se crearon 17 productos como objetos de aprendizaje de tecnología educativa: cinco storyboards; cuatro vídeos; tres cómics; dos planes de acción pedagógicos; un mapa mental; y una lista de reproducción de YouTube®. Nueve expertos evaluaron la adecuación de los contenidos, que alcanzó un 0,89. Conclusiones: esta tecnología educativa contribuye al desempeño de los profesionales que gestionan las listas de espera, reduciendo las desigualdades, aliviando las diferencias, además de promover la equidad en la atención y la buena salud de los pacientes del Sistema de Salud Brasileño.

RESUMO Objetivos: construir e avaliar uma tecnologia educativa de gerenciamento de listas de espera de pacientes para a formação multiprofissional. Métodos: estudo sustentado pelo Design Instrucional - modelo ADDIE, cujas etapas de construção da tecnologia educativa foram desenvolvidas na modalidade de curso de formação multiprofissional. Sua respectiva avaliação de conteúdo foi realizada por um comitê de especialistas de 2021 a 2022. A análise ocorreu pela proporção de adequação de conteúdo com Intervalo de Confiança de 95%. Resultados: elaboraram-se 17 produtos como objetos de aprendizagem da tecnologia educativa: cinco storyboards; quatro vídeos; três histórias em quadrinhos; dois planos de ação pedagógica; um mapa mental; e uma playlist do YouTube®. Nove especialistas avaliaram adequação de conteúdo, que atingiu 0,89. Conclusões: essa tecnologia educativa contribui na atuação dos profissionais que gerenciam listas de espera ao reduzir desigualdades, amenizar diferenças, além de promover equidade no atendimento e boa saúde ao paciente no Sistema Único de Saúde.

Evidências de validade de umsoftware para gestão da fila cirúrgica eletiva / Evidence of validity of software for managing the elective surgical queue

Objetivo: Desenvolver um software para gestão da fila cirúrgica eletiva. Métodos: Estudo metodológico, conduzido para desenvolver e validar um protótipo computacional na forma de software. Para validar o conteúdo, participaram 55 juízes selecionados intencionalmente. Empregou-se o Índice de Validação de Conteúdo para medir o grau e a porcentagem de concordância entre os juízes. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Federal do Piauí, com Nº de Parecer 5.306.171. Resultados: As evidências de validade do conteúdo foram consideradas satisfatórias, indicando clareza, adequação aos objetivos propostos, coerência, atualização, organização lógica, precisão e objetividade, além de apresentar potencialidades para que os pacientes possam acompanhar o seu posicionamento na fila. Conclusão: O desenvolvimento do software reúne evidências válidas e favoráveis para a organização e gestão da lista de espera cirúrgica, permitindo a priorização de casos com base na gravidade clínica e no senso de urgência.(AU)

Objective: To develop a software for elective surgery queue management. Methods: Methodological study, conducted to develop and validate a computational prototype in the form of software. To validate the content, 55 intentionally selected judges participated. The Content Validation Index was used to measure the degree and percentage of agreement between the judges. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Piauí, with Opinion No. 5.306.171. Results: The evidence of content validity was considered satisfactory, indicating clarity, adequacy to the proposed objectives, coherence, updating, logical organization, precision and objectivity, in addition to presenting potentialities for patients to monitor their position in the queue. Conclusion: The development of the software brings together valid and favorable evidence for the organization and management of the surgical waiting list, allowing the prioritization of cases based on clinical severity and sense of urgency.(AU)

Objetivo: Desarrollar un software para la gestión de colas de cirugía electiva. Métodos: Estudio metodológico, realizado para desarrollar y validar un prototipo computacional en forma de software. Para validar el contenido, participaron 55 jueces seleccionados intencionadamente. Se utilizó el Índice de Validación de Contenido para medir el grado y el porcentaje de acuerdo entre los jueces. El estudio fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación de la Universidad Federal de Piauí, con el Dictamen nº 5.306.171. Resultados: Las evidencias de validez de contenido fueron consideradas satisfactorias, indicando claridad, adecuación a los objetivos propuestos, coherencia, actualización, organización lógica, precisión y objetividad, además de presentar potencial para que los pacientes monitoreen su posición en la fila. Conclusión: El desarrollo del software reúne evidencias válidas y favorables para la organización y gestión de la lista de espera quirúrgica, permitiendo la priorización de los casos en función de la gravedad clínica y del sentido de urgencia.(AU)

Impacts of the Delayed Surgical Correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and its Repercussions for the Brazilian Unified Health System: Systematic Review Protocol.

Surgical correction is an effective treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with deformities over 45°. In the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS, Sistema Único de Saúde), if the surgical procedure is indicated, the patients are placed on a waiting list and wait until the treatment can be performed. An extended waiting period can be harmful due to worsening symptoms and increased treatment costs. Additionally, it has negative effects on the mental health and quality of life of these patients. This paper is a systematic review protocol to answer the following question: "What is the impact of the delayed surgical correction of AIS considering costs and quality of life?" Collecting health status information is the first step to improve high complex public health actions. Future publications from this protocol may serve as a subsidy to point out potential priority criteria to enhance the global health of AIS patients and the management of Brazilian public health financial resources.

Medical and non-medical factors that influence the kidney transplantation technical registry: a cross-sectional study / Fatores clínicos e não clínicos que influenciam o cadastro técnico para transplante renal: estudo transversa

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide public health problem, because of its association with an elevated risk of mortality, low quality of life, and prohibitive cost to the health system. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors that might influence the kidney transplantation technical registry. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of descriptive analysis conducted in six dialysis health care centers in the south of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Patients over 18 years of age were included in this study in 2016 and 2017. The demographic and clinical variables were subjected to Pearson's chi-square test using Stata Software for statistical analysis. Research approved by the Ethics Committee 1386385. RESULTS: Of 314 participants, 228 (72.6%) were not on the kidney transplantation technical registry. The medical and non-medical factors with statistical significance were age (p<0.01), income (p<0.01), having children (p=0.01), time since diagnosis (p=0.01), and time on hemodialysis (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: There is a substantial proportion of 72.6% of hemodialysis patients not registered on the kidney transplantation technical registry. The identification of factors that influence the kidney transplantation technical registry contributes both theoretically and to healthcare management, by the health team and government who can direct strategies towards the most appropriate health care. Health professionals should be aware of the impact of these factors and how the factors might pose a risk of complications that make it impossible to register on the kidney transplantation waiting list.

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença renal crônica é um problema de saúde pública mundial, pois está associada ao alto risco de mortalidade, baixa qualidade de vida e elevado custo ao sistema de saúde. OBJETIVO: Identificar os possíveis fatores que podem influenciar o acesso ao cadastro técnico para transplante renal. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal de análise descritiva realizado em seis serviços de diálise da Metade Sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Participaram desse estudo pacientes maiores de 18 anos nos anos de 2016 e 2017. As variáveis demográficas e clínicas foram submetidas ao teste qui-quadrado de Pearson utilizando o Software Stata para a análise estatística. Pesquisa aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética 1.386385. RESULTADOS: dos 314 pacientes em hemodiálise 228 (72,6%) não estavam no cadastro técnico para transplante renal. Os fatores clínicos e não clínicos que apresentaram significância estatística foram: idade (p<0,01), renda (p<0,01) possuir filhos (p=0,01), tempo de diagnóstico (p=0,01) e tempo em hemodiálise (p=0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Há uma proporção substancial de 72,6% pacientes em hemodiálise que não estão no cadastro técnico para transplante renal. A identificação dos fatores que influenciam no cadastro contribui tanto gerencial quanto teoricamente pois, possibilita que a equipe de saúde e os gestores possam direcionar estratégias para o cuidado em saúde mais adequado. Os profissionais de saúde devem estar cientes do impacto que esses fatores exercem e que podem oferecer risco de complicações que inviabilizem o cadastro técnico para transplante renal.

Impacts of the Delayed Surgical Correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and its Repercussions for the Brazilian Unified Health System: Systematic Review Protocol / Impactos da espera para correção cirúrgica da escoliose idiopática do adolescente e suas repercussões para o Sistema Único de Saúde: Protocolo de revisão sistemática

Abstract Surgical correction is an effective treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with deformities over 45°. In the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS, Sistema Único de Saúde), if the surgical procedure is indicated, the patients are placed on a waiting list and wait until the treatment can be performed. An extended waiting period can be harmful due to worsening symptoms and increased treatment costs. Additionally, it has negative effects on the mental health and quality of life of these patients. This paper is a systematic review protocol to answer the following question: "What is the impact of the delayed surgical correction of AIS considering costs and quality of life?" Collecting health status information is the first step to improve high complex public health actions. Future publications from this protocol may serve as a subsidy to point out potential priority criteria to enhance the global health of AIS patients and the management of Brazilian public health financial resources.

Resumo A correção cirúrgica é uma opção efetiva de tratamento para casos de Escoliose Idiopática do Adolescente (EIA) com curvas acima de 45°. No âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), os pacientes avaliados nos centros de referência e com indicação cirúrgica são cadastrados em fila de espera até que o tratamento definitivo possa ser realizado. Um período de espera extenso pode ser prejudicial, do ponto de vista de piora dos sintomas e de aumento do custo de tratamento, além de gerar efeitos negativos na saúde mental e na qualidade de vida do paciente. O presente artigo trata-se do protocolo de uma revisão sistemática que buscará responder o questionamento: "Qual o impacto do tempo de espera para correção cirúrgica da EIA do ponto de vista de custo e qualidade de vida?." O aperfeiçoamento das ações de saúde pública, na esfera da alta complexidade, inicia-se com o levantamento de informações sobre a situação de saúde de determinada condição. Diante disso, as futuras publicações provenientes deste protocolo poderão servir como subsídio para apontar possíveis critérios de prioridade, com o intuito de promover melhoria tanto no âmbito da saúde global de portadores de EIA, quanto na gestão financeira da saúde pública brasileira.

The impacts of waiting for surgical correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and its repercussions for publicly funded health systems: systematic review.

PURPOSE: To investigate, through a systematic review, the impact of the waiting time for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) surgical correction from the point of view of deformity evolution, treatment cost, and quality of life. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, LILACS, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, LIVIVO, and Cochrane Library databases were searched by two researchers to select the articles. The eligibility criteria were: Patients diagnosed with AIS with indication for surgical correction and submitted to waiting lists until treatment. The risks of bias were evaluated using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to classify the level of the evidence for each outcome. The summary of the available evidence is presented in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Six observational studies were included. In a Canadian study, the primary outcome was the need for additional spine surgery in patients who had to wait more than three months due to spine deformity progression. American researchers presented a sample of premenarcheal and skeletally immature patients with AIS showing increased Cobb angle and attributed this to a six-month waiting for the surgical treatment. Another study included 177 patients with AIS with a mean waiting time of 225.7 days. There was a worsening average of 7.7° ± 8.6° in Cobb angle, and there was a change in surgical plan in 28 patients, which increased surgical time. Studies that evaluated the treatment cost showed significantly higher mean costs in those who waited longer than six months. Regarding the quality of life, while waiting for surgery, a retrospective study found that patients who underwent surgery earlier showed better results in a questionnaire that assessed their quality of life compared to those who were still waiting. CONCLUSION: Observational studies show that, in individuals who are on waiting lists for AIS surgery, there is a worsening of the spinal deformity (substantial evidence), an increasing cost of treatment (moderate evidence) and it may negatively impact patients' quality of life (insufficient evidence). Performing better methodological quality studies to investigate these outcomes can violate good research practices since randomized clinical trials on this subject have ethical limitations to be carried out. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The authors declare that the systematic review protocol was registered at the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), CRD42020212134, and it was accepted for publication.

A telemedicine strategy to reduce waiting lists and time to specialist care: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The demand for specialty care is rising worldwide. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, more than 150,000 people were waiting for specialist consultations in 2013. A telemedicine programme (RegulaSUS) developed referral protocols, audited waitlisted cases, authorised/prioritised referrals by risk and discuss deferred cases primary-care physician. This study assesses the effectiveness of RegulaSUS. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis with contemporaneous controls was performed from June 2014 to June 2016. Six medical specialties included in RegulaSUS (50,185 patients) were compared to 50,124 control patients waitlisted according to the usual routine (scheduled for specialty consultation at the next available date). The groups were matched (1:1) by semester and year of waitlisting and by the specialty demand-to-supply ratio. Primary outcomes were referral-to-consultation time and number of waitlisted patients. RESULTS: The mean referral-to-consultation time was 584.8 days in the intervention group and 607.0 days in controls (p<0.001). For specialties regulated by RegulaSUS, the mean referral-to-consultation time was 237.6 days for higher-risk patients. At the end of the observation, 26,708 control patients had been unlisted compared to 31,050 patients in the intervention group (reduction of 53.5% vs. 61.9%, respectively; p<0.001). The number of cancelled referrals was lower in the control group (n=14,403; 28.7%) than in the intervention group (n=16,387; 32.7%; p<0.001). DISCUSSION: Telemedicine support for primary care effectively decreased the time to specialty consultation, reduced the number of waitlisted patients and allowed sicker patients to reach a specialist faster.

Reasons referred by individuals who were not on kidney transplantation waiting lists / Razones referidas por individuos que no estaban en lista de espera de trasplante renal / Motivos referidos pelos indivíduos que não estavam em lista de espera para o transplante renal

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the reasons reported by individuals in hemodialysis that were not registered on kidney transplantation waiting lists. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in six renal replacement therapy services in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil with 214 individuals undergoing hemodialysis who reported the reasons for not being registered on kidney transplantation waiting lists. The data collection was carried out through a questionnaire from March 2016 to March 2017. The Stata software was used to the statistical analysis and independence test. Results: The main reasons reported by the 214 individuals who were not registered on kidney transplantation waiting lists were due to the lack of information of the individuals, not wanting to be on list, due to morbidities and age. Conclusions: The lack of information was associated with the variables low education, male, ≤ 5 years of time since diagnosis and ≤ 5 years in renal replacement therapy. The reason for not wanting to be on the list was associated with the variables illiteracy and age.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir las razones informadas por personas en hemodiálisis que no estaban registradas en lista de espera para trasplante renal. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado en Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil en seis servicios de terapia sustitutiva renal con 214 individuos en hemodiálisis que informaron los motivos de no estar registrados en listade espera para trasplante renal. La recolección de datos se realizó mediante un cuestionario entre marzo de 2016 y marzo de 2017. Para el análisis estadístico descriptivo y test de independencia se utilizó el software Stata. Resultados: Las principales razones reportadas por las 214 personas que no estaban inscritas en listade espera para trasplante renal fueron la falta de información de las personas, no querer estar en lista, impedimento por multimorbilidad y edad. Conclusiones: La falta de información se asoció con las variables baja escolaridad, género masculino, ≤ 5 años de tiempo desde el diagnóstico y ≤ 5 años en terapia de reemplazo renal. El motivo de no querer estar en la lista estuvo asociado a las variables no saber leer y edad.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os motivos referidos pelos indivíduos em hemodiálise que não estavam cadastrados em lista de espera para o transplante renal. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil em seis serviços de terapia de substituição renal com 214 indivíduos em hemodiálise que referiram os motivos de não estarem cadastrados em lista de espera para o transplante renal. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de questionário entre março de 2016 e março de 2017. Para a análise estatística descritiva e do teste de independência, utilizou-se o software Stata. Resultados: Os principais motivos referidos pelos 214 indivíduos que não estavam cadastrados em lista de espera para o transplante renal foram: a falta de informação dos indivíduos, não desejar estar em lista, o impedimento por multimorbidade e a idade. Conclusões: A falta de informação apresentou associação com as variáveis baixa escolaridade, sexo masculino, ≤ 5 anos de tempo de diagnóstico e ≤ 5 anos em terapia de substituição renal. O motivo não desejar estar em lista esteve associado com as variáveis não saber ler e idade.

Simulación y optimización de sistemas de vacunación con capacidad finita / Simulation and optimization of systems vaccination with finite capacity

Resumen Objetivo: Caracterizar y optimizar el flujo de pacientes dentro de un centro de vacunación, para los casos donde debe tomarse en cuenta que existe una capacidad finita en las colas frente a las estaciones. Materiales y Métodos: Se asume que los sistemas de vacunación se comportan como una red cerrada de colas con capacidad finita; para caracterizar el flujo de pacientes, se aplica simulación y un diseño experimental Box-Bhenken, donde las variables son las capacidades en las colas (buffer); posteriormente se obtienen los metamodelos del tiempo de ciclo y del número de pacientes vacunados, finalmente se calcula la asignación óptima de los lugares en las colas aplicando programación matemática. Resultados: Las colas de llenado de formatos, entrega de información y vacunación son las de mayor efecto sobre el tiempo de estadía; las colas de vacunación y el Triage son las de mayor efecto sobre la cantidad de pacientes vacunados.Si se maximiza la salida de pacientes, la mayor cantidad de lugares deben asignarse a la estación de vacunación y el resto de los espacios se distribuyen en las demás estaciones; por otra parte, si se minimiza el tiempo de estadía, entonces la mayor parte de los lugares se asignan a la estación Triage y a continuación a la estación de Vacunación, el resto de los espacios se asignarán dependiendo de la capacidad total del sistema. Conclusiones: Los responsables de administrar esta clase de sistemas deben definir el criterio bajo el cual deben cuantificar el desempeño del sistema de vacunación y a partir de este, gestionar y controlar el proceso. Cuando la demanda supera las expectativas y no es viable incrementar la capacidad, entonces la alternativa es optimizar el flujo controlando la cantidad de personas dentro del sistema.

Abstract Objective: Characterize and optimize the flow of patients within a vaccination center, for cases where it must be consider that there is a finite capacity in the queues in front of the stations. Materials and Methods: Vaccination systems are assumed to behave as a closed queue network with finite capacity; To characterize the flow of patients, simulation and a Box-Bhenken experimental design are applied, where the variables are the capacities in the queues (buffer); Subsequently, the metamodels of the cycle time and the number of vaccinated patients are obtained. Finally, the optimal allocation of places in the queues is calculated by applying mathematical programming. Results: The queues for filling out forms, delivery of information and vaccination are the ones with the greatest effect on the length of stay; the vaccination and triage queues have the greatest effect on the number of vaccinated patients. If the output of patients is maximized, the greatest number of places should be assigned to the vaccination station and the rest of the spaces are distributed in the other stations; On the other hand, if the length of stay is minimized, then most of the places are assigned to the Triage station and then to the Vaccination station, the rest of the spaces will be assigned depending on the total capacity of the system. Conclusions: Those responsible for managing this class of systems must define the criteria under which they must quantify the performance of the vaccination system and, based on this, manage and control the process. When demand exceeds expectations and increasing capacity is not feasible, then the alternative is to optimize flow by controlling the number of people within the system.

Lista de espera para transplante hepático: impacto clínico e econômico / Waiting list for liver transplantation: clinical and economic burden

ABSTRACT Background Burden of disease is an indicator that relates to health status. United States and European epidemiological data have shown that the burden of chronic liver disease has increased significantly in recent decades. There are no studies evaluating the impact of complications of chronic liver disease on the waiting list for deceased donor liver transplantation (LTx). Objective: To determine the clinical and economic burden of complications of liver disease in wait-listed patients from the perspective of a transplant center. Methods The study retrospectively analyzed medical records of 104 patients wait-listed for deceased donor LTx from October 2012 to May 2016 and whose treatment was fully provided at the study transplant center. Clinical data were obtained from electronic medical records, while economic data were collected from a hospital management software. To allocate all direct medical costs, two methods were used: full absorption costing and micro-costing. Results: The most common complication was refractory ascites (20.2%), followed by portosystemic encephalopathy (12.5%). The mean number of admissions per patient was 1.37±3.42. Variceal hemorrhage was the complication with longest median length of stay (18 days), followed by hepatorenal syndrome (13.5 days). Hepatorenal syndrome was the costliest complication (mean cost of $3,565), followed by portosystemic encephalopathy ($2,576) and variceal hemorrhage ($1,530). Conclusion: The burden of chronic liver disease includes a great cost for health systems. In addition, it is likely to be even greater as a result of the insidious course of the disease.

RESUMO Contexto O impacto da doença é um indicador relacionado ao estado de saúde. Dados epidemiológicos norte-americanos e europeus mostraram que, nas últimas décadas, o impacto da doença hepática crônica tem aumentado significativamente. Não há estudos que avaliem o impacto das descompensações da doença hepática crônica na lista de espera para transplante hepático (TxH) com doador falecido. Objetivo: Determinar o impacto clínico e econômico das descompensações da doença hepática nos pacientes em lista de espera sob a perspectiva do centro transplantador. Métodos Foram analisados, retrospectivamente, os prontuários de 104 pacientes incluídos em lista de espera para TxH com doador falecido entre outubro de 2012 e maio de 2016 e acompanhados integralmente no centro transplantador. Dados clínicos foram obtidos do prontuário eletrônico, enquanto dados econômicos foram coletados através de software de gestão hospitalar. A apropriação dos custos médicos diretos foi realizada sob duas metodologias: custeio por absorção pleno e microcusteio. Resultados: A descompensação com maior incidência foi a ascite refratária (20,2%) seguida de encefalopatia portossistêmica (12,5%). A média de internações por paciente foi de 1,37±3,42. A hemorragia digestiva alta varicosa foi a descompensação com maior tempo mediano de internação (18 dias), seguida da síndrome hepatorrenal (13,5 dias). A descompensação mais onerosa foi a síndrome hepatorrenal (custo médio de US$ 3.565), seguida encefalopatia portossistêmica (US$ 2.576) e a hemorragia digestiva alta varicosa (US$ 1.530). Conclusão O impacto da doença hepática crônica inclui um custo importante para os sistemas de saúde. Além disso, é provável que seja ainda maior em decorrência do curso insidioso da doença.

Initiatives to reduce the waiting time to initiate oncological treatment: a scoping literature review.

Objective: To identify the managerial actions proposed and employed to reduce the waiting time to initiate oncological treatments in the public health system and its application in Latin America. Method: We searched seven databases in December 2020. Search terms were conceptualized into three groups: waiting time, cancer, and terms related to public sector. The eligibility criteria included theoretical or empirical academic articles written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, that focused on managerial solutions to face oncological healthcare queues' dilemma. Results: The search returned 1 255 articles, and 20 were selected and analysed in this review. Results show that most of the proposals are related to the process and people dimensions. The actions related to the process dimension were mainly associated with programming new treatment pathways and integrating cancer systems. People's dimension initiatives referred mostly to task forces and groups of specialists. Some initiatives were related to implementing technological solutions and the technology dimension, mainly concerning radiotherapy devices' acquisition. Conclusion: Few studies focus on analysing actions to minimize waiting time to initiate oncological treatments. The prevalence of conceptual and illustrative case studies indicates the lack of research maturity on this theme. Future studies should focus on setting the field's theoretical foundations, considering the existing paradigms, or developing new ones. There is a need for empirical studies applying a multidisciplinary approach to face the oncological treatment waiting time challenge and proposing new and innovative initiatives.

Heart transplantation in Mexico. 2006-2019 productivity analysis and Pan American and Iberian comparison.

INTRODUCTION: In Mexico, heart transplants (HTs) have been performed since 1988. OBJECTIVE: To review Mexican productivity in terms of HT between 2006 and 2019 and compare it with that of American and Iberian Peninsula countries. METHODS: Mexican information was collected from HT waiting lists (WL) and from the HTs carried out annually in the period, and was expressed as rates per million population (pmp); 2019 information was compared with that reported at the Pan American and Iberian levels. RESULTS: In the studied period, the rate of HTs in Mexico went from 0.12 pmp in 2006 to 0.25 pmp in 2019, with HTs accounting for between 1 and 2% of all solid organ transplants. Among 13 countries, in 2019 Mexico ranked 12th in the HT rate pmp and 11th in the rate of patients registered for the first time in the WL for a heart (0.42 pmp). Between 2016 and 2019, only one authorized Mexican center reached a volume higher than 10 HT/year. CONCLUSIONS: Given the low figures in the main indicators related to HT in Mexico, it is urgent to rethink health policies in heart failure and HT.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En México se realizan trasplantes de corazón (TC) desde 1988. OBJETIVO: Revisar la productividad mexicana en TC entre 2006 y 2019 y compararla con la de otros países americanos y de la península ibérica. MÉTODOS: Se recabó la información mexicana de las listas de espera (LE) de TC y de los TC realizados anualmente en el periodo, que se expresaron como tasas por millón de pobladores (pmp); la información de 2019 se comparó con la reportada en América y la península ibérica. RESULTADOS: En el periodo estudiado, los TC en México pasaron de 0.12 pmp en 2006 a 0.25 pmp en 2019 y representaron entre 1 y 2 % de todos los trasplantes de órganos sólidos. Entre 13 países, en 2019 México ocupó el 12° lugar en cuanto a la tasa de TC pmp y el 11° lugar en cuanto a la tasa del número de pacientes registrados por primera vez en la LE para un corazón (0.42 pmp). Entre 2016 y 2019, solo un centro mexicano autorizado alcanzó un volumen superior a 10 TC/año. CONCLUSIONES: Debido a las bajas cifras en los principales indicadores relacionados con el TC, en México urge replantear las políticas de salud en insuficiencia cardiaca y TC.

Trasplante de corazón en México. Análisis de la productividad 2006-2019 y comparativa panamericana e ibérica / Heart transplantation in Mexico. 2006-2019 productivity analysis and Pan American and Iberian comparison

Resumen Introducción: En México se realizan trasplantes de corazón (TC) desde 1988. Objetivo: Revisar la productividad mexicana en TC entre 2006 y 2019 y compararla con la de otros países americanos y de la península ibérica. Métodos: Se recabó la información mexicana de las listas de espera (LE) de TC y de los TC realizados anualmente en el periodo, que se expresaron como tasas por millón de pobladores (pmp); la información de 2019 se comparó con la reportada en América y la península ibérica. Resultados: En el periodo estudiado, los TC en México pasaron de 0.12 pmp en 2006 a 0.25 pmp en 2019 y representaron entre 1 y 2 % de todos los trasplantes de órganos sólidos. Entre 13 países, en 2019 México ocupó el 12° lugar en cuanto a la tasa de TC pmp y el 11° lugar en cuanto a la tasa del número de pacientes registrados por primera vez en la LE para un corazón (0.42 pmp). Entre 2016 y 2019, solo un centro mexicano autorizado alcanzó un volumen superior a 10 TC/año. Conclusiones: Debido a las bajas cifras en los principales indicadores relacionados con el TC, en México urge replantear las políticas de salud en insuficiencia cardiaca y TC.

Abstract Introduction: In Mexico, heart transplants (HTs) have been performed since 1988. Objective: To review Mexican productivity in terms of HT between 2006 and 2019 and compare it with that of American and Iberian Peninsula countries. Methods: Mexican information was collected from HT waiting lists (WL) and from the HTs carried out annually in the period, and was expressed as rates per million population (pmp); 2019 information was compared with that reported at the Pan American and Iberian levels. Results: In the studied period, the rate of HTs in Mexico went from 0.12 pmp in 2006 to 0.25 pmp in 2019, with HTs accounting for between 1 and 2% of all solid organ transplants. Among 13 countries, in 2019 Mexico ranked 12th in the HT rate pmp and 11th in the rate of patients registered for the first time in the WL for a heart (0.42 pmp). Between 2016 and 2019, only one authorized Mexican center reached a volume higher than 10 HT/year. Conclusions: Given the low figures in the main indicators related to HT in Mexico, it is urgent to rethink health policies in heart failure and HT.

Factors associated with the waiting time for access to specialized oral healthcare services in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the factors associated with the waiting time for access to specialized care at Dental Specialties Centers (CEO, in Portuguese), by specialty (Stomatology, Surgery, Endodontics, Patients with Special Needs and Periodontology). METHODS: The study was a descriptive and analytic exploratory secondary analysis of data from the 2nd phase of the National Program for Improving the Access to and Quality of CEO (PMAQ-CEO, in Portuguese). All 1097 CEO in Brazil were evaluated in loco in 2018. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse the likelihood of users having a shorter time for assistance at CEO, by specialty. RESULTS: The highest and lowest median waiting times were found for endodontics (30 days) and stomatology (5 days), respectively. Smaller centres (type I CEO) had a shorter waiting list for patients with special needs (95%CI: 1.20-3.37), Endodontics (95%CI: 1.03-3.02) and Surgery (95%CI: 1.04-3.05). As for the specialties with the longest waiting list (Endodontics and Surgery), the direct route of user access to CEO was more effective than that regulated by the Healthcare System. CONCLUSIONS: Factors related to the service, management, and to the form of relationship with primary health care influenced the waiting time for specialized care in CEO. The contact between professionals in the oral health network (primary care and secondary) was associated with a shorter waiting time, regardless of the specialty.

The Waiting Game - How Cooperation Between Public and Private Hospitals Can Help Reduce Waiting Lists.

Prolonged waiting to access health care is a primary concern for nations aiming for comprehensive effective care, due to its adverse effects on mortality, quality of life, and government approval. Here, we propose two novel bargaining frameworks to reduce waiting lists in two-tier health care systems with local and regional actors. In particular, we assess the impact of 1) trading patients on waiting lists among hospitals, the 2) introduction of the role of private hospitals in capturing unfulfilled demand, and the 3) hospitals' willingness to share capacity on the system performance. We calibrated our models with 2008-2018 Chilean waiting list data. If hospitals trade unattended patients, our game-theoretic models indicate a potential reduction of waiting lists of up to 37%. However, when private hospitals are introduced into the system, we found a possible reduction of waiting lists of up to 60%. Further analyses revealed a trade-off between diagnosing unserved demand and the additional expense of using private hospitals as a back-up system. In summary, our game-theoretic frameworks of waiting list management in two-tier health systems suggest that public-private cooperation can be an effective mechanism to reduce waiting lists. Further empirical and prospective evaluations are needed.