A heuristic-based approach for assessing usability in electric powered wheelchairs: A preliminary investigation

Objective: An important issue related to electric powered wheelchair (EPW) is usability. Recent studies did not use heuristic evaluation and did not consider users’ and developers’ participation in the usability evaluation process of the EPW, especially when it has to be driven using alternative commands. Thus, this study investigates the use of heuristics to evaluate the usability of EPW driven by alternative commands, considering the opinion of users and assistive technology (AT) development professionals.MethodsThe study was carried out with 54 participants: 28 EPW users (Group I) and 26 AT developers (Group II). We built a set of 25 heuristics that affects EPW usability. Participants rated each of the 25 heuristics according to their importance for the usability of EPW using the five-point Likert scale. We used the R Software to perform the Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney test as a statistical comparisons test between Group I and II.ResultsThe results showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between Group I and II in the evaluation of 16 heuristics. We identified an important set of heuristics that could help evaluate and improve the usability of EPW.ConclusionThe findings highlighted the importance of considering users’ and developers’ points of view in developing an EPW and its evaluation criteria. It could help the design of the device match the user's needs and expectations. The set of heuristics in this study can be adapted to evaluate other devices’ usability using the heuristic evaluation approach. (AU)

Objetivo: La usabilidad es una cuestión importante relacionada con las sillas de ruedas eléctricas (SRE). Los estudios recientes no han utilizado evaluaciones heurísticas ni han contemplado la participación de los usuarios y desarrolladores en el proceso de evaluación de dichas sillas, especialmente cuando deben conducirse utilizando comandos alternativos. Por ello, este estudio investiga el uso de la heurística para evaluar la usabilidad de las SRE impulsadas por comandos alternativos, considerando la opinión de los usuarios y los profesionales del desarrollo de la tecnología asistencial (TA).MétodosEl estudio se realizó con 54 participantes: 28 usuarios de SRE (Grupo I) y 26 desarrolladores de TA (Grupo II). Construimos un conjunto de 25 heurísticas que afectan a la usabilidad de las SRE. Los sujetos calificaron cada una de las 25 heurísticas de acuerdo con su importancia para la usabilidad de las SRE utilizando la escala de Likert de cinco puntos. Utilizamos el software R para realizar la prueba de Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney como prueba de comparación estadística entre los Grupos I y II.ResultadosLos resultados reflejaron una diferencia estadística significativa (p < 0,05) entre los Grupos I y II en la evaluación de las 16 heurísticas. Identificamos un conjunto importante de heurísticas que podrían ayudar a evaluar y mejorar la usabilidad de las SRE.ConclusiónLos hallazgos subrayaron la importancia de estimar los puntos de vista de los usuarios y desarrolladores a la hora de desarrollar una SRE, así como sus criterios de evaluación. Estos podrían contribuir a que el diseño del dispositivo coincidiera con las necesidades y expectativas de los usuarios. El conjunto de heurísticas de este estudio puede adaptarse, para evaluar la usabilidad de otros dispositivos, utilizando el enfoque de evaluación heurística. (AU)

[Synthetic indicator of compliance with standards for Quality Units of health centers and multicenter prospective pilot study]. / Indicador sintético de cumplimiento de estándares para Unidades de Calidad de centros sanitarios y estudio de pilotaje prospectivo multicéntrico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In Spain, Quality Units play a key and unique role in advising healthcare centers on the methodology of healthcare quality. The objectives of the study were to develop computer algorithms to obtain a synthetic indicator of standard compliance for Quality Units and to pilot its functioning in these units. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Excel program was used to establish evaluation algorithms, and quantitatively interrelate and weight various categories of standards, as a computer evaluation tool, to build a continuous improvement cycle system, and offer a global synthetic indicator of compliance. The tool was tested in a prospective multicenter pilot study, in which coordinators of Quality Units from different health centers and care settings participated, to evaluate the usefulness of the tool and compliance with the standards, in addition to analyzing the content validity of each standard. RESULTS: The formulas for the structured computer algorithms were developed, consecutively, in a «PLAN-DO-CHECK-ACT¼ improvement cycle for the 9 categories of standards, resulting in a single synthetic indicator of compliance. Twenty-one Quality Units participated in the piloting. The overall average compliance rate for the synthetic indicator was 55.63% with differences between centers (P=.002) and between categories (P<.0001), but not by autonomous communities (P=.86) or by areas (P=.97). Content validity was ensured through the variable of «understanding¼ of the standards (P<.001), and through their «justification¼ with documentary evidence (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The computer tool with the synthetic indicator have allowed for the evaluation of standard compliance in Quality Units of healthcare centers.

[Concordance of medication prescription records in the hospitalised surgical patient]. / Concordancia de los registros de prescripción de medicamentos en el paciente quirúrgico hospitalizado.

INTRODUCTION: Electronic prescription is the prescription system that allows healthcare professionals to send medication prescriptions directly to community pharmacies and the outpatient unit of Hospital Pharmacy Services for dispensing. However, there is difficulty in obtaining a reliable pharmacotherapeutic history in chronic patients through electronic prescription upon hospital admission as a critical point for adequate treatment adaptation. Therefore, the pharmacist as a member of the multidisciplinary team must ensure, through medication conciliation, an adequate transition of care through the correct management of the treatment that the chronic patient requires during their hospitalization. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the quality of electronic prescription records for routine chronic treatment by analyzing the concordance of the electronic prescription. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study at the General University Hospital of Elche. Hospitalized patients in charge of the Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Urology and Neurosurgery Services in which the responsible doctor requested medication reconciliation by the Pharmacy Service between January 2022 - December 2022 were included. RESULTS: 378 patients, 209 (55.3%) women and 169 (44.7%) men, with a mean age±standard deviation of 71.0±11.6 years and 69.0±11.8 years, respectively. The total percentage of patients with discrepancies in the electronic prescription with respect to the usual chronic treatment was 60.6%, reflecting that only 39.4% of the patients had non-discordant electronic prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of hospitalized surgical patients present discrepancies in the medications prescribed in the home electronic prescription, which justifies the importance of treatment reconciliation upon admission carried out by hospital pharmacists.

Estudio sobre las características de la información sanitaria en las conducciones entre centros penitenciario / Study of the characteristics of medical information in transfers between prisons

Introducción: La movilidad de la población penitenciaria precisa que la información transmitida en los traslados entre centros garantice una óptima continuidad asistencial. Objetivo: Valorar la calidad de la transmisión de información sanitaria cuando los internos son trasladados en conducción entre centros penitenciarios de todo el territorio español. Material y método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, consistente en la revisión de historias clínicas de los internos que transitaron por el Centro Penitenciario (CP) Madrid III en un periodo de tres meses. Todas las variables medidas fueron cualitativas, expresadas en frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: Durante ese tiempo, 1.168 internos transitaron por el CP Madrid III. Solo 21 procedían de centros penitenciarios de Cataluña, País Vasco o Navarra, cuya historia clínica es diferente a la del resto del Estado, y solo el 57,14% aportaban algún tipo de información sanitaria. Del resto de internos, el 70,79% aportaba algún tipo de información: el 63,90% del total tenía medicación prescrita y el 5% metadona. De aquellos que tenían medicación, el 89,10% la tenían prescrita en la prescripción electrónica, siendo correcta en el 98% de los casos. Respecto a la metadona, solo el 75,44% lo tenía prescrito electrónicamente, siendo correcta en todos los casos. La fecha de la última dosis administrada solo se indicó en el 72,40% de los tratamientos. Discusión: Solo el 34,70% de las historias presentaban una calidad óptima en cuanto a la información transmitida, siendo en el 2,50% de los casos la información recibida deficiente. El uso de herramientas informáticas facilita la transmisión de la información, reduce la carga de trabajo y mejora la seguridad del paciente.(AU)

Introduction: The mobility of the prison population creates a need for information transmitted in transfers between centers that can guarantee optimal care continuity. Objective: To assess the quality of transmission of health information when inmates are transferred between prisons in Spain. Material and method: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, consisting of a review of medical records of inmates who passed through Madrid III Prison in a three-month period. All measured variables were qualitative, and were expressed in absolute and relative frequencies. Results: 1,168 inmates passed through Madrid III Prison in this period. Only 21 came from prisons in Catalonia, the Basque Country or Navarre, where their medical records are different from those in the rest of Spain, and only 57.14% provided some type of health information. Of the remaining inmates, 70.79% provided some type of information: 63.90% of the total had prescriptions for medication and 5% were prescribed with methadone. Of those taking medication, 89.10% were prescribed it in electronic prescriptions, which were correct in 98% of the cases. For methadone, only 75.44% had electronic prescriptions,which were correct in all cases. The date of the last dose administered was only indicated in 72.40% of the treatments. Discussion: Only 34.70% of the records presented optimal quality in terms of the information transmitted, and in 2.50% of the cases the information received was deficient. The use of computerized tools facilitates the transmission of information, reduces the workload and improves patient safety.(AU)

Approach to the care process by nurse case managers in a breast unit.

OBJECTIVE: Breast units led by nurse case managers are being implemented to provide comprehensive care in the detection and treatment of breast cancer. However, their implementation is heterogeneous and the results of the care process with this professional have not been studied. The aim of the study is to describe the management in time and the approach of the process by a nurse case manager in the breast unit of women with suspected breast cancer pathology, derived from the breast cancer screening program. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study carried out in 2021. Women treated in a breast unit managed by a nurse case manager in a hospital in southern Spain were included. Sociodemographic, clinical and care process characteristics were analysed RESULTS: A total of 118 women of Spanish nationality (92%) participated, with a mean age of 59 years. The diagnosis of malignancy was made in 74.6% of them. Seventy-nine percent of the women had their first visit within 3 days. The mean time to diagnosis was 3.98 days (SD: ±3.93), 4.2 weeks (SD: ±1.84) to initiate treatment and a total in-hospital time of 33 days (SD: ±13.45). CONCLUSIONS: The management of nurse case managers in breast units contributes to improving or speeding up times, in accordance with international guidelines, helping this approach in the continuity of the care process for women referred after screening for breast cancer detection.

Perfil clínico, abordaje y pronóstico del paciente con shock cardiogénico sometido a traslado interhospitalario en España / Clinical profile, management and outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock undergoing transfer between centers in Spain

Introducción y objetivos El objetivo es analizar el perfil clínico, el abordaje y el pronóstico del shock cardiogénico (SC) por infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) que requiere traslado interhospitalario, así como el impacto pronóstico de las variables estructurales de los centros en este contexto. Métodos Se incluyó a los pacientes con SC-IAMCEST atendidos en centros con capacidad de revascularización (2016-2020). Se consideró a: a) pacientes atendidos durante todo el ingreso en hospitales con cardiología intervencionista sin cirugía cardiaca; b) pacientes atendidos en hospitales con cardiología intervencionista y cirugía cardiaca, y c) pacientes trasladados a centros con cardiología intervencionista y cirugía cardiaca. Se analizó la asociación del volumen de SC-IAMCEST atendidos y la disponibilidad de cuidados intensivos cardiológicos (UCIC) y trasplante cardiaco con la mortalidad hospitalaria. Resultados Se incluyeron 4.189 episodios, 1.389 (33,2%) del grupo A, 2.627 del grupo B (62,7%) y 173 del grupo C (4,1%). Los pacientes trasladados eran más jóvenes, tenían más riesgo cardiovascular y recibieron más frecuentemente revascularización, asistencia circulatoria y trasplante cardiaco durante el ingreso (p<0,001). Los pacientes trasladados presentaron menor tasa bruta de mortalidad (el 46,2 frente al 60,3% del grupo A y el 54,4% del grupo B; p<0,001). Mayor volumen asistencial (OR=0,75; p =0,009) y disponibilidad de UCIC (OR=0,80; p =0,047) se asociaron con menor mortalidad. Conclusiones El porcentaje de SC-IAMCEST trasladados en nuestro medio es bajo. Los pacientes trasladados son más jóvenes y reciben más procedimientos invasivos. Los traslados a centros con mayor volumen y UCIC presentan menor mortalidad. (AU)

Introduction and objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical profile, management, and prognosis of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock (STEMI-CS) requiring interhospital transfer, as well as the prognostic impact of structural variables of the treating centers in this setting. Methods This study included patients with STEMI-CS treated at revascularization-capable centers from 2016 to 2020. The patients were divided into the following groups: group A: patients attended throughout their admission at hospitals with interventional cardiology without cardiac surgery; group B: patients treated at hospitals with interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery; and group C: patients transferred to centers with interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. We analyzed the association between the volume of STEMI-CS cases treated, the availability of cardiac intensive care units (CICU), and heart transplant with hospital mortality. Results A total of 4189 episodes were included: 1389 (33.2%) from group A, 2627 from group B (62.7%), and 173 from group C (4.1%). Transferred patients were younger, had a higher cardiovascular risk, and more commonly underwent revascularization, mechanical circulatory support, and heart transplant during hospitalization (P<.001). The crude mortality rate was lower in transferred patients (46.2% vs 60.3% in group A and 54.4% in group B, (P<.001)). Lower mortality was associated with a higher volume of care and CICU availability (OR, 0.75, P=.009; and 0.80, P=.047). Conclusions The proportion of transfers in patients with STEMI-CS in our setting is low. Transferred patients were younger and underwent more invasive procedures. Mortality was lower among patients transferred to centers with a higher volume of STEMI-CS cases and CICU. (AU)

Quality indicators for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer integrated assistance: A critical appraisal / Indicadores de calidad para el diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer de mama en el proceso asistencial integrado de cáncer de mama

Introduction Quality indicators (QIs) are essential for adequate control of the health care management process, recognizing areas of improvement and providing solutions. We aimed to evaluate the Integrated Breast Cancer (BC) Care Process QIs. Methods We studied 487 consecutive BC cases diagnosed from November 1st, 2013, to November 30th, 2019, in a Spanish healthcare area, and we estimated the associated QIs. Results Four indicators did not meet the standards and were analysed based on related sociodemographic and clinical variables. The surgical delay after a multidisciplinary team discussion (mean 64%, IQR 59.6–68.5) was lower in elder people (p=0.027), and early histological grades (p=0.019) and stages (p=0.008). The adjuvant treatment delay (mean 55.7%, IQR 51.1–60.3) was lower in advance stages (p=0.002) and when there was no reoperation (p=0.001). The surgical delay after inclusion (mean 83.2%, IQR 79.3–87.2) was lower in early histological grades (p=0.048). The immediate reconstruction (mean 42.3%, IQR 34.0–50.5) reached 72.3% in young women compared to 11.8% in older than 70 years (p=0.001) and it was higher in early stages (45.3% vs 36.2%; p=0.049). Conclusion The study of QIs evaluated their compliance and analysed the variables influencing them to propose improvement measures. Not all the indicators were equally valuable. Some depended on the available resources, and others on the mix of patients or complementary treatments. It would be essential to identify the specific target populations to estimate the indicators or provide standards stratified by the related variables (AU)

Introducción Los indicadores de calidad (IC) son esenciales para el adecuado control del proceso asistencial en el sistema sanitario, permitiendo el reconocimiento de áreas de mejora y proporcionando soluciones. Nuestro propósito ha sido evaluar los IC en el proceso asistencial integrado cáncer de mama (CM). Métodos Se estudiaron 487 casos consecutivos de CM diagnosticados desde noviembre de 2013 hasta 2019 en un área sanitaria de España y se estimaron los IC asociados. Resultados Cuatro indicadores no cumplieron los estándares de calidad y fueron analizados en función de las variables sociodemográficas posiblemente relacionadas. El retraso quirúrgico tras el comité multidisciplinar (media 64%, rango intercuartílico [IQR] 59,6-68,5) fue menor en pacientes más mayores (p=0,027), y en grados histológicos (p=0,019) y estadios (p=0,008) más tempranos. El retraso en el tratamiento adyuvante (media 55,7%, IQR 51,1-60,3) fue menor en estadios más avanzados (p=0,002) y cuando no hubo necesidad de rescisión (p=0,001). El retraso quirúrgico tras la inclusión en lista de espera (media 83,2%, IQR 79,3-87,2) fue menor en grados histológicos más tempranos (p=0,048). La reconstrucción inmediata (media 42,3%, IQR 34,0-50,5) se realizó en un 72,3% de las mujeres jóvenes comparado con tan solo un 11,8% de las mayores de 70 años (p=0,001) y fue mayor en estadios tempranos (45,3% vs. 36,2%; p=0,049). Conclusión El estudio de los IC evaluó su cumplimiento y analizó las variables que los influencian para proponer medidas que los mejoren. No todos los indicadores pudieron evaluarse de igual forma. Algunos dependieron de los recursos disponibles, otros del tipo de paciente y otros de los tratamientos complementarios. Sería necesario identificar las poblaciones diana para estimar los IC más adecuados o proporcionar estándares estratificados por las variables relacionadas (AU)

[Interlevel incident management: The experience of a primary care district]. / Gestión de incidencias interniveles. La experiencia de un distrito de atención primaria.

AIM: Determine the prevalence and define the profile of interlevel incidences (ININ) between primary care (PC) and hospital (HC). DESIGN: Multicenter cross-sectional descriptive study. SITE: Primary care. PARTICIPANTS: Professionals from a Health District and its reference hospitals. INTERVENTIONS: ININ are errors in communication between PC and HC professionals derived from administrative, pharmaceutical or clinical procedures not resolved during the formal interlevel communication processes, which requires a coordinated and validated response from the health care directions to not overload the family physician. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: ININ by category, hospital services and health centers, total and validated, relative to the total number of referrals, and the reason for the ININ. RESULTS: We detected 2011 ININs (3.36%) among the 59.859 referrals, although only 1684 were validated (83.7%). Most were administrative (59.5%), followed by pharmaceutical (24.2%), clinical (10.2%) and reverse (6.1%). 41.3% of the clinical ININs were grouped around 5 hospital specialties, and 45.9% in 5 health centers. The main reasons for clinical ININ were non-prescription of the recommended pharmacological treatment in outpatient clinics or on hospital discharge (27.3%), request for referral to another hospital specialist (27.9%), or request to referral in person to patients who had already been referred by teleconsultation (17.8%). CONCLUSIONS: 3.36% of interlevel referrals are accompanied by incidents and 83.7% are validated and processed. It is necessary to develop ININ management tools to guarantee safe healthcare and debureaucratize PC.

Resumen ejecutivo sobre la optimización del abordaje multidisciplinar e integrado de la polimialgia reumática y la arteritis de células gigantes en la Comunidad de Madrid / Executive summary on the optimization of the multidisciplinary and integrated approach to polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis in Madrid region

La polimialgia reumática y la arteritis de células gigantes pueden suponer una emergencia médica en la que el retraso en su correcto diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico pueden asociar complicaciones graves. Con el objetivo de mejorar la atención de los pacientes con estas patologías en el entorno de la Comunidad de Madrid, se diseñó un estudio para identificar las causas y las posibles soluciones para hacer frente los problemas relacionados con el diagnóstico de estas patologías. Tras un análisis preliminar, se identificaron 11 áreas de mejora relacionadas con cuatro aspectos diferenciados del proceso asistencial: coordinación y protocolos, equipamientos, formación y concienciación sobre las patologías y experiencia del paciente. De todas ellas, se priorizó resolver aquellas relacionadas con la generación de protocolos de abordaje integral de las patologías y que contemplen todas las especialidades y niveles asistenciales implicados. Otro aspecto crucial es el incremento del grado de sospecha clínica de estas patologías. (AU)

Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis can be a medical emergency in which a delay in correct diagnosis and therapeutic management can cause serious complications. With the aim of improving the care of patients with these pathologies in the Community of Madrid, a study was designed to identify the causes and possible solutions to address the problems related to the diagnosis of these pathologies. After the analysis, 11 areas of improvement related to four different aspects of the care process were identified: coordination and protocols, equipment, training and awareness of pathologies, and patient experience. Of all the areas identified, it was considered a priority to resolve those related to the generation of protocols for the comprehensive management of the pathologies, which include all the specialties and levels of care involved. Another crucial aspect is the increase in the degree of clinical suspicion of these pathologies. (AU)

Resumen ejecutivo sobre la optimización del abordaje multidisciplinar e integrado de la polimialgia reumática y la arteritis de células gigantes en la Comunidad de Madrid / Executive summary on the optimization of the multidisciplinary and integrated approach to polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis in Madrid region

La polimialgia reumática y la arteritis de células gigantes pueden suponer una emergencia médica en la que el retraso en su correcto diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico pueden asociar complicaciones graves. Con el objetivo de mejorar la atención de los pacientes con estas patologías en el entorno de la Comunidad de Madrid, se diseñó un estudio para identificar las causas y las posibles soluciones para hacer frente los problemas relacionados con el diagnóstico de estas patologías. Tras un análisis preliminar, se identificaron 11 áreas de mejora relacionadas con cuatro aspectos diferenciados del proceso asistencial: coordinación y protocolos, equipamientos, formación y concienciación sobre las patologías y experiencia del paciente. De todas ellas, se priorizó resolver aquellas relacionadas con la generación de protocolos de abordaje integral de las patologías y que contemplen todas las especialidades y niveles asistenciales implicados. Otro aspecto crucial es el incremento del grado de sospecha clínica de estas patologías. (AU)

Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis can be a medical emergency in which a delay in correct diagnosis and therapeutic management can cause serious complications. With the aim of improving the care of patients with these pathologies in the Community of Madrid, a study was designed to identify the causes and possible solutions to address the problems related to the diagnosis of these pathologies. After the analysis, 11 areas of improvement related to four different aspects of the care process were identified: coordination and protocols, equipment, training and awareness of pathologies, and patient experience. Of all the areas identified, it was considered a priority to resolve those related to the generation of protocols for the comprehensive management of the pathologies, which include all the specialties and levels of care involved. Another crucial aspect is the increase in the degree of clinical suspicion of these pathologies. (AU)

Clinical profile, management and outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock undergoing transfer between centers in Spain.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical profile, management, and prognosis of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock (STEMI-CS) requiring interhospital transfer, as well as the prognostic impact of structural variables of the treating centers in this setting. METHODS: This study included patients with STEMI-CS treated at revascularization-capable centers from 2016 to 2020. The patients were divided into the following groups: group A: patients attended throughout their admission at hospitals with interventional cardiology without cardiac surgery; group B: patients treated at hospitals with interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery; and group C: patients transferred to centers with interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. We analyzed the association between the volume of STEMI-CS cases treated, the availability of cardiac intensive care units (CICU), and heart transplant with hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 4189 episodes were included: 1389 (33.2%) from group A, 2627 from group B (62.7%), and 173 from group C (4.1%). Transferred patients were younger, had a higher cardiovascular risk, and more commonly underwent revascularization, mechanical circulatory support, and heart transplant during hospitalization (P<.001). The crude mortality rate was lower in transferred patients (46.2% vs 60.3% in group A and 54.4% in group B, (P<.001)). Lower mortality was associated with a higher volume of care and CICU availability (OR, 0.75, P=.009; and 0.80, P=.047). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of transfers in patients with STEMI-CS in our setting is low. Transferred patients were younger and underwent more invasive procedures. Mortality was lower among patients transferred to centers with a higher volume of STEMI-CS cases and CICU.

Quality indicators for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer integrated assistance: A critical appraisal.

INTRODUCTION: Quality indicators (QIs) are essential for adequate control of the health care management process, recognizing areas of improvement and providing solutions. We aimed to evaluate the Integrated Breast Cancer (BC) Care Process QIs. METHODS: We studied 487 consecutive BC cases diagnosed from November 1st, 2013, to November 30th, 2019, in a Spanish healthcare area, and we estimated the associated QIs. RESULTS: Four indicators did not meet the standards and were analysed based on related sociodemographic and clinical variables. The surgical delay after a multidisciplinary team discussion (mean 64%, IQR 59.6-68.5) was lower in elder people (p=0.027), and early histological grades (p=0.019) and stages (p=0.008). The adjuvant treatment delay (mean 55.7%, IQR 51.1-60.3) was lower in advance stages (p=0.002) and when there was no reoperation (p=0.001). The surgical delay after inclusion (mean 83.2%, IQR 79.3-87.2) was lower in early histological grades (p=0.048). The immediate reconstruction (mean 42.3%, IQR 34.0-50.5) reached 72.3% in young women compared to 11.8% in older than 70 years (p=0.001) and it was higher in early stages (45.3% vs 36.2%; p=0.049). CONCLUSION: The study of QIs evaluated their compliance and analysed the variables influencing them to propose improvement measures. Not all the indicators were equally valuable. Some depended on the available resources, and others on the mix of patients or complementary treatments. It would be essential to identify the specific target populations to estimate the indicators or provide standards stratified by the related variables.

A heuristic-based approach for assessing usability in electric powered wheelchairs: A preliminary investigation.

OBJECTIVE: An important issue related to electric powered wheelchair (EPW) is usability. Recent studies did not use heuristic evaluation and did not consider users' and developers' participation in the usability evaluation process of the EPW, especially when it has to be driven using alternative commands. Thus, this study investigates the use of heuristics to evaluate the usability of EPW driven by alternative commands, considering the opinion of users and assistive technology (AT) development professionals. METHODS: The study was carried out with 54 participants: 28 EPW users (Group I) and 26 AT developers (Group II). We built a set of 25 heuristics that affects EPW usability. Participants rated each of the 25 heuristics according to their importance for the usability of EPW using the five-point Likert scale. We used the R Software to perform the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test as a statistical comparisons test between Group I and II. RESULTS: The results showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between Group I and II in the evaluation of 16 heuristics. We identified an important set of heuristics that could help evaluate and improve the usability of EPW. CONCLUSION: The findings highlighted the importance of considering users' and developers' points of view in developing an EPW and its evaluation criteria. It could help the design of the device match the user's needs and expectations. The set of heuristics in this study can be adapted to evaluate other devices' usability using the heuristic evaluation approach.

Integração ensino-serviço-comunidade: perspectivas do Comitê Gestor Local do Contrato Organizativo de Ação Pública Ensino-Saúde / Integración enseñanza-servicio-comunidad: perspectivas del Comité Gestor Local del Contrato Organizativo de Acción Pública Enseñanza-Salud / Teaching-service-community integration: perspectives of the Local Management Committee of the TeachingHealth Public Action Organizational Contract

Com o objetivo de compreender o desenvolvimento da integração ensino-serviço-comunidade (Iesc) no município de Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, por meio do Contrato Organizativo de Ação Pública Ensino-Saúde (Coapes), realizou-se um estudo de caso. Uma amostra intencional com dez integrantes do Comitê Gestor Local que participaram de entrevistas semiestruturadas, em ambiente virtual, gravadas e transcritas na íntegra. Os relatos passaram por análise de conteúdo na modalidade temática e os resultados indicaram que a condução da Iesc e do Coapes foi bem-sucedida. A sustentabilidade e os êxitos da contratualização estão relacionados a estratégias, como aproximação, diálogo institucional, igualdade de valor e transparência, provenientes de discussões técnicas, compreensão do processo, escolha do formato, sensibilização e engajamento dos atores. A combinação desses elementos, aliada a novos projetos e atitudes, aponta caminhos para a consolidação da Iesc no território, que apresenta desafios a serem superados.

Con el objetivo de comprender el desarrollo de la integración enseñanza-servicio-comunidad (IESC) en el municipio de Braganza Paulista (Estado de São Paulo), a partir del Contrato Organizativo de Acción Pública Enseñanza-Salud (Coapes), se realizó un estudio de caso. Una muestra intencional con diez integrantes del Comité Gestor Local participó en entrevistas semiestructuradas, realizadas en ambiente virtual, grabadas y transcritas integralmente. Los relatos pasaron por un análisis de contenido en la modalidad temática. Los resultados indicaron que la conducción de la IESC y del Coapes fue exitosa. La sostenibilidad y los éxitos de la contractualización están relacionados con estrategias tales como la aproximación, el diálogo institucional, la igualdad de valor y transparencia, provenientes de discusiones técnicas, comprensión del proceso, elección del formato, sensibilización y compromiso de los actores. La combinación de esos elementos, aliada a nuevos proyectos y actitudes, señala caminos para la consolidación de la IESC en el territorio que presenta desafíos que hay que superar.

To comprehend the evolution of education-service-community integration (ESCI) in the municipality of Bragança Paulista, SP, through the Teaching-Health Public Action Organizational Contract (Coapes), a case study was conducted. An intentional sample of ten members from the Local Management Committee participated in semi-structured interviews, conducted virtually, recorded, and transcribed in full. The narratives underwent thematic content analysis. The results indicated that the implementation of IESC and Coapes was successful. The sustainability and achievements in contractualization are related to strategies such as approaching, institutional dialogue, equal value, and transparency, resulting from technical discussions, understanding of the process, format selection, sensitization, and actor engagement. The combination of these elements, along with new projects and attitudes, points towards the consolidation of IESC in the territory, which presents challenges to be overcome.

Executive summary on the optimization of the multidisciplinary and integrated approach to polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis in Madrid region.

Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis can be a medical emergency in which a delay in correct diagnosis and therapeutic management can cause serious complications. With the aim of improving the care of patients with these pathologies in the Community of Madrid, a study was designed to identify the causes and possible solutions to address the problems related to the diagnosis of these pathologies. After the analysis, 11 areas of improvement related to four different aspects of the care process were identified: coordination and protocols, equipment, training and awareness of pathologies, and patient experience. Of all the areas identified, it was considered a priority to resolve those related to the generation of protocols for the comprehensive management of the pathologies, which include all the specialties and levels of care involved. Another crucial aspect is the increase in the degree of clinical suspicion of these pathologies.

External urology consultation quality at a third-level public hospital in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Patient satisfaction is the degree of conformity with the healthcare they receive. It is real evidence and one of the most important factors in determining the effectiveness and quality of healthcare systems. OBJECTIVE: To identify the quality of care in the Urology outpatient department of a third-level hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The NHS (National Health Service) 2018 quality of care questionnaire with 11 sections, 133 items, and duration of approximately 25min was randomly administered to 250 patients attending Urology outpatients at a third-level public hospital in Mexico. RESULTS: According to responses, 92% (n=230) knew the reason for the consultation. 64.8% (n=162) had a consultation with the same physician by whom they were initially seen. The longest reported hospital wait time before being seen was more than 2h in 29.6% (n=74). As for consultation time, 212 patients responded and the duration was 11-20min in 52.8% (n=112). Finally, 33.2% (n=83) considered the quality of service to be good. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the NHS 2018 survey in the Urology service at a third-level public hospital in Mexico is feasible, since we managed to obtain a significant and continuous improvement in all its indicators which is satisfactory for all.

Implicaciones jurídicas de los sistemas de notificación y registro de eventos adversos en la esfera sanitaria / [Legal implications of notification and registration systems for adverse events in the healthcare sphere]

La notificación de eventos adversos constituye uno de los instrumentos esenciales de cara a la consecución de mejoras significativas en materia de seguridad del paciente. El presente trabajo pretende concretar las implicaciones jurídicas de las pautas sentadas a nivel internacional (OMS, Consejo de Europa y UE) de cara al establecimiento de un marco legal nacional favorable a la notificación de eventos adversos en la esfera sanitaria. (AU)

The reporting of adverse events is one of the key elements in achieving significant improvements in the field of patient safety. Based on international guidelines (WHO, Council of Europe and EU) this paper aims to analyse their juridical implications when settling a national legal framework for reporting adverse events in the sphere of healthcare. (AU)

Estudio sobre la aproximación al VIH: gestión sanitaria y el proceso asistencial en España / Study on the approach to HIV: health management and the process healthcare in Spain

Introducción: El VIH sigue representando un problema de gran relevancia para la salud pública en España. El objetivo de este estudio es realizar un análisis que permita conocer en profundidad los recursos, cuidados clínicos y la gestión durante las fases de diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de la infección por el VIH en España. Métodos: En la primera fase un comité científico multidisciplinar diseñó una herramienta de recogida de información, en forma de encuesta. En la segunda fase, realizada en las comunidades autónomas de Andalucía, Cataluña y La Rioja, un grupo multidisciplinar de 42 expertos, representantes de la administración pública, perfiles clínicos y representantes de las ONG en el ámbito del VIH contestaron a la encuesta. Resultados: La valoración de los recursos destinados al VIH es en general positiva. En el diagnóstico los expertos consideraron que existía una buena coordinación entre atención primaria y hospitalaria. Con respecto al tratamiento las valoraciones han reflejado una buena opinión sobre la conciliación terapéutica y adherencia, y una valoración negativa sobre la evaluación de las interacciones entre medicamentos con el tratamiento antirretroviral. Sobre el seguimiento, la percepción expresada fue dispar con respecto a la coordinación entre atención hospitalaria y primaria y sobre la adaptación de los cuidados a la cronicidad, envejecimiento, fragilidad, salud mental y los procesos oncológicos. Conclusión: Existen determinados procesos que pueden ser mejorados en relación con el manejo de la infección de las personas con VIH en España, incluyendo protocolos de seguimiento y coordinación entre atención primaria y hospitalaria en el tratamiento y seguimiento de la enfermedad.(AU)

Introduction: HIV continues to represent a problem of great relevance for public health in Spain. This study aims to carry out an analysis that will provide in-depth knowledge of the resources, clinical care, and management during the diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment phases of HIV infection in Spain. Methods: In the first phase, a multidisciplinary Scientific Committee designed an information collection tool in the form of a survey. In the second phase, carried out in the autonomous communities of Andalusia, Catalonia, and La Rioja, a multidisciplinary group of 42 experts, representatives of the public administration, clinical profiles, and representatives of NGOs in the field of HIV answered the survey. Results: The assessment of HIV resources is generally positive. As regards diagnosis, the experts considered that there was good coordination between primary and hospital care. Regarding treatment, the evaluations reflected good opinions on therapeutic conciliation and adherence, with a negative opinion in the evaluation of drug interactions with antiretroviral treatment. Regarding follow-up, the perception expressed was disparate concerning the coordination between hospital and primary care as well as the adaptation of care to chronicity, aging, fragility, mental health, and oncological processes. Conclusion: There are certain processes that can be improved in the management of HIV infection in people with HIV in Spain, including protocols for follow-up and coordination between primary and hospital care in the treatment and follow-up of the disease.(AU)

Diseño de un modelo de ronda de seguridad para unidades de cuidados intensivos / Design of a safety round model for intensive care units

Introducción: Las rondas de seguridad (RS) son una herramienta operativa que permite conocer la adherencia a las buenas prácticas, ayuda a identificar riesgos e incidentes en seguridad del paciente (SP), permitiendo implementar acciones de mejora. El objetivo de este trabajo fue el diseño de un procedimiento para realizar RS en una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Métodos: Elaboración de un listado de verificación para el desarrollo de RS en una UCI mediante técnica de grupo nominal, con la participación de directivos, mandos intermedios y profesionales de diferentes disciplinas y categorías. En primer lugar, un grupo de expertos consensuó, atendiendo a las recomendaciones en buenas prácticas en SP, la definición de ítems, su codificación, los criterios de cumplimiento y el impacto de su incumplimiento. Posteriormente, determinó su viabilidad mediante un estudio transversal a través del pilotaje de 2 RS para ajustar los ítems en condiciones de práctica clínica real. Resultados: Se ha obtenido un modelo de RS específico para UCI mediante un listado de verificación. El grupo de expertos elaboró un primer listado compuesto por 39 ítems de 6 dimensiones esenciales y definió el modo de realización. El tiempo medio de realización de las 2 RS fue de 85minutos, incluyendo el briefing y debriefing posterior. Tras el pilotaje de validación se redujo las dimensiones a 5, se suprimió 3 ítems, se trasladó 2 ítems a otra dimensión y se modificó 3 ítems relativos a infecciones nosocomiales y consentimiento informado. Además, se redefinieron las fuentes de datos, los criterios de cumplimiento y su peso relativo. El listado definitivo fue considerado útil y relevante para mejorar la práctica. Conclusiones: Mediante una metodología de consenso se ha construido un listado de verificación para ser usado en las RS de una UCI. Este modelo puede servir de base para su empleo en servicios asistenciales de similares características.(AU)

Introduction: Safety Rounds (SR) are an operational tool that allow knowing adherence to good practices, help identify risks and incidents in patient safety (PS), allowing improvement actions to be implemented. The objective of this work was the design of a procedure to perform SR in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Methods: Preparation of a checklist for the development of SR in the ICU through the nominal group technique, with the participation of managers, middle managers and professionals from different disciplines and categories. In the first place, a group of experts agreed, based on the recommendations on good practices in PS, the definition of items, their coding, the criteria for compliance and the impact of non-compliance. Subsequently, its viability was determined through a cross-sectional study through the piloting of two SRs to adjust the items in real clinical practice conditions. Results: A specific SR model for ICUs has been obtained through a checklist. The group of experts prepared a first list made up of 39 items of 6 essential dimensions and defined the method of implementation. Mean time to complete the two SRs was 85minutes, including the briefing and subsequent debriefing. After the validation pilot, the dimensions were reduced to 5, 3 items were deleted, 2 items were transferred to another dimension and 3 items related to nosocomial infections and informed consent were modified. In addition, the data sources, the compliance criteria and their relative weight were redefined. The final list was considered useful and relevant to improve practice. Conclusions: Through a consensus methodology, a checklist has been built to be used in the RS of an ICU. This model can serve as a basis for its use in healthcare services with similar characteristics.(AU)