Endometriosis: «Nivel de conocimiento y expectativas de formación específica entre profesionales especialistas en medicina de familia y comunitaria y matronas en atención primaria en la isla de Gran Canaria» / Endometriosis: “Level of knowledge and expectations of specific training among primary care doctors and midwives on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain”

Objetivo: Analizar el nivel de conocimiento entre profesionales sanitarios de atención primaria sobre endometriosis e identificar sus necesidades formativas en esta materia. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo realizado en atención primaria del Área de Salud de Gran Canaria, mediante cuestionario online anónimo. Resultados: Ciento diecinueve especialistas en medicina de familia y comunitaria y 37 matronas respondieron el cuestionario. El 54,6% de profesionales médicos y el 67,6% de matronas consideran escaso su conocimiento sobre endometriosis. Menos del 50% de profesionales conoce la guía de atención a las mujeres con endometriosis en el Sistema Nacional de Salud. Los síntomas más frecuentes relacionados con endometriosis son: dismenorrea moderada/severa, dolor pélvico crónico, esterilidad. Los menos relacionados son los digestivos y las alteraciones urinarias catameniales. Un 80% de profesionales médicos señalan como menor de 10 el número anual de pacientes en las que piensan que puedan tener endometriosis y menos de 20 para el 75% de matronas. El 40% de profesionales médicos trataría a una paciente con solo dismenorrea y sin planes de gestación con anticonceptivos orales; el 8% considera que el dolor con la menstruación es algo común. El 25% de profesionales especialistas en medicina de familia y comunitaria señalan la terapia de larga duración con antiinflamatorios no esteroideos como tratamiento de primera línea. Menos del 25% de ellos derivarían al especialista en Ginecología con solo sospechar endometriosis. Mayoritariamente los profesionales manifiestan interés en mejorar su formación en endometriosis. El 94,6% de las matronas consideran que tienen un papel estratégico en el manejo de pacientes con endometriosis. Conclusión: La demora en el diagnóstico de la endometriosis se debe en parte al desconocimiento de la enfermedad. Los profesionales de atención primaria constituyen la primera línea de atención sanitaria.(AU)

Objective: To analyze the level of knowledge of endometriosis in primary care doctors and midwives and to identify their training needs in this area. Design: Descriptive study conducted in the primary care services of the Health Area of Gran Canaria, through an anonymous online questionnaire. Results: One hundred and nineteen doctors and 37 midwives completed the questionnaire; 54.6% of doctors and 67.6% of midwives considered that their knowledge about endometriosis was poor. Less than 50% of healthcare professionals knew the National System of Health's guidelines for the management of women with endometriosis. Symptoms most frequently associated to endometriosis included: moderate/severe dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain and sterility. Less frequently related ones included: digestive symptoms and catamenial urinary disorders; 80% of doctors suspected endometriosis in <10 women per year; 75% of midwives suspected this condition in <20 women per year; 40% of doctors would prescribe oral contraceptives to patients with dysmenorrhea who were not planning pregnancy; 8% of doctors considered that menstruation-associated pain was common. Medical therapy was the most frequently chosen first-line treatment; 25% of doctors would choose long-term NSAIDs therapy as a first-line treatment; less than 25% of them would refer a patient to the Gynecology service only for suspected endometriosis. Most health professionals expressed their interest in improving their knowledge about endometriosis; 94.6% of midwives considered that they played a strategic role in the identification and management of patients with endometriosis. Conclusion: Delays in the diagnosis of endometriosis are partially due to ignorance of the disease. Primary care professionals constitute the first line of health care. In this context, it is essential to develop specific training strategies, which would be welcome by health professionals.(AU)

Factors associated with diagnosis delay in head and neck cancer.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Tumour stage is an important prognostic factor in head and neck tumours. Many tumours are diagnosed in advanced stages despite almost universal healthcare and their being symptomatic. This paper seeks to determine the diagnostic delay in head and neck tumours in our health department, to analyse factors associated with delay and if it is associated with diagnosis in advanced stages. METHODS: Retrospective study of 137 patients with head and neck cancer diagnosed from 2016-2018. Patient delay, delay in primary health care, delay in secondary health care, diagnostic delay and possible associated factors (smoking, location, stage, …) were evaluated. RESULTS: Many patients (44.5%) were diagnosed in advanced stages. The median patient delay was 30 days. The median referral to otorhinolaryngology was 3.5 days. If the referral was made by another specialist (p = .008), the patients were under previous treatment (P=.000) and the tumours were in initial stages (P=.038) this delay was greater. The median from the first visit to otorhinolaryngology was 15 days, higher in regular referrals (43%) (P=.000). The median diagnostic delay was 12 days, higher in surgical biopsies (P=.000). The median professional delay was 58.5 days and total delay was 118.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: Many head and neck tumours are diagnosed in advanced stages. A relationship was not found between diagnosis in advanced stages and diagnostic delay. However, steps must be taken to reduce these excessive delays.

Factores asociados a la demora diagnóstica en tumores de cabeza y cuello / Factors associated with diagnosis delay in head and neck cancer

Introducción y objetivos: El estadio tumoral al diagnóstico es clave en el pronóstico del cáncer de cabeza y cuello. Pese a un sistema sanitario casi universal y ser tumores generalmente sintomáticos, una gran proporción de tumores son diagnosticados en estadios avanzados. El objetivo es conocer el tiempo que se tarda en diagnosticar los tumores de cabeza y cuello en nuestro departamento de salud, analizar si existen factores asociados a su retraso y si este se asocia al diagnóstico en estadios avanzados. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 137 pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello diagnosticados de 2016-2018. Se evaluó la demora del paciente en la búsqueda de atención médica, en la prestación de la atención y en la obtención del diagnóstico, así como la existencia de factores asociados (tabaquismo, localización, estadio, etc.). Resultados: El 44,5% de los pacientes se diagnosticaron en estadios avanzados. Los pacientes tardaron en consultar una mediana de 30 días desde el inicio de los síntomas. Se tardó en derivar a Otorrinolaringología una mediana de 3,5 días. Se evidenció mayor retraso cuando la derivación la hacía otro especialista (p=0,008), si recibieron tratamiento previo (antibiótico, antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, etc.) (p=0,000) y en tumores en estadios iniciales (p=0,038). En la consulta de Otorrinolaringología fueron valorados 15 días después de la derivación. Este tiempo fue mayor en el 43% de los tumores que fueron remitidos de forma ordinaria (p=0,000). Se obtuvo el diagnóstico en 12 días desde la primera visita a Otorrinolaringología, mayor cuando se tomó la biopsia en quirófano (p=0,000). La mediana de retraso médico fue de 58,5 días y el retraso total 118,5 días. Conclusiones: Muchos tumores de cabeza y cuello siguen diagnosticándose en estadios avanzados. No se ha encontrado relación entre el diagnóstico en estadios avanzados y la demora en el diagnóstico. Aun así, es necesario adoptar medidas para disminuir estas excesivas demoras. (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Tumour stage is an important prognostic factor in head and neck tumours. Many tumours are diagnosed in advanced stages despite almost universal healthcare and their being symptomatic. This paper seeks to determine the diagnostic delay in head and neck tumours in our health department, to analyse factors associated with delay and if it is associated with diagnosis in advanced stages. Methods: Retrospective study of 137 patients with head and neck cancer diagnosed from 2016-2018. Patient delay, delay in primary health care, delay in secondary health care, diagnostic delay and possible associated factors (smoking, location, stage, …) were evaluated. Results: Many patients (44.5%) were diagnosed in advanced stages. The median patient delay was 30 days. The median referral to otorhinolaryngology was 3.5 days. If the referral was made by another specialist (p=.008), the patients were under previous treatment (P=.000) and the tumours were in initial stages (P=.038) this delay was greater. The median from the first visit to otorhinolaryngology was 15 days, higher in regular referrals (43%) (P=.000). The median diagnostic delay was 12 days, higher in surgical biopsies (P=.000). The median professional delay was 58.5 days and total delay was 118.5 days. Conclusions: Many head and neck tumours are diagnosed in advanced stages. A relationship was not found between diagnosis in advanced stages and diagnostic delay. However, steps must be taken to reduce these excessive delays. (AU)

Factors associated with diagnosis delay in head and neck cancer. / Factores asociados a la demora diagnóstica en tumores de cabeza y cuello.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Tumour stage is an important prognostic factor in head and neck tumours. Many tumours are diagnosed in advanced stages despite almost universal healthcare and their being symptomatic. This paper seeks to determine the diagnostic delay in head and neck tumours in our health department, to analyse factors associated with delay and if it is associated with diagnosis in advanced stages. METHODS: Retrospective study of 137 patients with head and neck cancer diagnosed from 2016-2018. Patient delay, delay in primary health care, delay in secondary health care, diagnostic delay and possible associated factors (smoking, location, stage, …) were evaluated. RESULTS: Many patients (44.5%) were diagnosed in advanced stages. The median patient delay was 30 days. The median referral to otorhinolaryngology was 3.5 days. If the referral was made by another specialist (p=.008), the patients were under previous treatment (P=.000) and the tumours were in initial stages (P=.038) this delay was greater. The median from the first visit to otorhinolaryngology was 15 days, higher in regular referrals (43%) (P=.000). The median diagnostic delay was 12 days, higher in surgical biopsies (P=.000). The median professional delay was 58.5 days and total delay was 118.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: Many head and neck tumours are diagnosed in advanced stages. A relationship was not found between diagnosis in advanced stages and diagnostic delay. However, steps must be taken to reduce these excessive delays.

COVID-19 y el problema de los tiempos en las estrategias de control / COVID-19 and the problem of the times in the control strategies

Introducción: En el proceso de cuidados de paciente con sospecha de infección por el nuevo coronavirus (COVID-19) se incluyen elementos que deben ser considerados en las estrategias de prevención de la transmisión. Objetivo: Describir, a partir de la presentación de un caso confirmado con COVID-19, la cronología de los cuidados del paciente sospechoso o confirmado con la enfermedad y la necesidad de optimizar los tiempos de diagnóstico en la prevención de su transmisión. Presentación de caso: Paciente masculino de 59 años de edad con antecedentes de Hipertensión arterial y gota, y de profesión taxista. Siete días anteriores al ingreso comienza con los síntomas clínicos y se le realiza prueba rápida para COVID-19, la cual resultó negativa. Al quinto día de ingreso de aislamiento en habitación privada se le realiza PCR y se confirma la infección por coronavirus. Se traslada a institución dedicada a la atención de estos pacientes donde presenta recuperación sin complicaciones. Se describen los intervalos de tiempo en relación con los cuidados en especial énfasis a la demora diagnóstica. Conclusiones: Se requiere un monitoreo de la dinámica de los cuidados de los pacientes sospechosos de COVID-19 con un especial enfoque en el fortalecimiento de la prevención de la transmisión nosocomial y en la comunidad(AU)

Introduction: In the process of caring for patients with suspected coronavirus infection (COVID-19), elements that must be considered in transmission prevention strategies are included. Objective: To describe, based on the presentation of a case confirmed with COVID-19, the chronology of patients suspected or confirmed with the disease and the need to optimize diagnosis times in the transmission prevention. Case presentation: Fifty-nine-year-old male patient with a history of high blood pressure and gout, working as a taxi driver. Seven days before admission, he began with symptoms. A rapid test for COVID-19 was performed, which was negative. On the fifth day of isolation in a private room, PCR was performed and coronavirus infection was confirmed. He was moved to an institution dedicated to the care of these patients where he recovered without complications. Time intervals concerning care are described with special emphasis on diagnostic delay. Conclusion: Monitoring of the care dynamics of patients suspected of COVID-19 is required with a special focus on strengthening the prevention of nosocomial transmission and the prevention of the spreading of the disease in the community(AU)

Frecuencia y determinantes del retraso en el diagnóstico de cáncer infantil en Argentina / Frequency and determinants of the delay in the diagnosis of cancer in children, in Argentina

En Argentina, la mortalidad por cáncer infantil es mayor que en países más desarrollados, siendo el diagnóstico tardío una de las posibles causas. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la frecuencia de obstáculos al diagnóstico enfrentados por las familias de niños con cáncer asistidas por un Organismo No Gubernamental, y algunos factores demográficos, institucionales y médicos asociados. Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo observacional y cuantitativo del recorrido diagnóstico de los niños con cáncer asistidos por la Fundación N.D. Flexer, Argentina, entre el 1/1/2011 y el 31/12/2015. El resultado primario fue la presencia de obstáculos para acceder al diagnóstico. Se consideró que existió un obstáculo cuando tuvieron lugar consultas no orientativas, demora familiar, demora institucional, autoderivación y/o más de 30 días entre la aparición de síntomas y el diagnóstico. La frecuencia dentro de cada categoría se contrastó mediante la prueba de χ2. La influencia de distintas variables se evaluó mediante una regresión logística multivariada. De 1818 familias incluidas, 63.5% enfrentaron algún tipo de obstáculos. Resultaron moduladores negativos el diagnóstico antes del año, de tumor renal y la concurrencia a un hospital público de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires o de capital provincial como centro de primer contacto (todos p < 0.0001). Resultaron moduladores positivos el diagnóstico de tumor óseo (p = 0.009) y los centros de atención primaria (p < 0.0001) y consultorios particulares (p = 0.001) como centros de primer contacto. El principal factor no biológico asociado a la frecuencia de obstáculos al diagnóstico de cáncer infantil fue el tipo de centro de primer contacto.

In Argentina, mortality from childhood cancer is higher than in more developed countries, with late diagnosis being one of the possible causes. Our objective was to determine the frequency of barriers to diagnosis faced by families assisted by a Non-Governmental Organization, and some associated demographic, institutional and medical factors. A retrospective observational and quantitative analysis of the diagnosis pathway of children with cancer assisted by the N.D. Flexer Foundation, Argentina, between 1/1/2011 and 12/31/2015 was carried out. The primary outcome was the presence of barriers to diagnosis. It was considered that there was a barrier when there were consultations without diagnostic suspicion, family delay, institutional delay, self-derivation and/ or more than 30 days between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. The frequency of barriers within each category was contrasted by the χ2 test. A multivariate logistic regression was used to examine its association with relevant variables. Among the 1818 families included, 63.5% faced delays/ barriers to diagnosis. Negative modulators were diagnosis at age younger than 1-year, renal tumor and first attention at a public hospital of the City of Buenos Aires or a provincial capital hospital (all p < 0.0001). Positive modulators were the diagnosis of bone tumor (p = 0.009) and first attention at a primary healthcare center (p< 0.0001) or private doctor's office (p= 0.001). The main non-biological factor associated with the possibility of facing barriers to diagnosis was the type of first contact-health institution.

The effect of diagnostic delay attributable to the healthcare system on the prognosis of colorectal cancer. / Efecto de la demora atribuible al sistema sanitario en el pronóstico del cáncer colorrectal.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the effect of a delay attributable to the healthcare system on a consecutive cohort of outpatients diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the healthcare area of Ourense (Spain). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study that included patients diagnosed between 2009 and 2017. Delay attributable to the healthcare system was defined as the time between the first consultation with symptoms and the diagnostic confirmation. A logistic regression model was performed to evaluate the relationship between stage IV CRC and diagnostic delay. To analyse which variables were associated independently with overall mortality and mortality due to CRC we used a Cox regression model. RESULTS: 575 patients were included (men 64.5%, age 71.9 ± 11.5 years), with a delay attributable to the healthcare system of 115 ± 153 days. None of the variables analysed were associated with tumour stage at diagnosis. With a mean follow-up of 30.6 ± 21 months, 121 patients died (79.3% due to CRC). The variables independently associated with CRC-related mortality were metastatic CRC (HR 50.65, 95% CI 12.28-209), age (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.05) and colonoscopy requested from the Primary Healthcare level (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic delay attributable to the healthcare system is not related to the prognosis or stage of CRC. However, a direct referral to colonoscopy from the Primary Healthcare level reduces the risk of mortality in our patients.

Factores que influyen en la demora diagnóstica de la neoplasia de pulmón en egresados vivos / Factors that influence the diagnostic delay of lung neoplasia in patients discharged alive

Introducción: el cáncer de pulmón es el tumor maligno más frecuente en el mundo, en Cuba es la segunda causa de muerte, su pronóstico depende de diferentes factores entre ellos el intervalo entre el primer síntoma y el inicio del tratamiento. Objetivo: determinar los factores que influyen en la demora en el diagnóstico de los pacientes con neoplasia de pulmón. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y longitudinal de los pacientes egresados vivos con diagnóstico de neoplasia de pulmón en el Hospital Militar Dr. Carlos J. Finlay en el período comprendido entre enero 2016 a enero 2017. Resultados: la neoplasia de pulmón fue más frecuente en mayores de 50 años, del sexo masculino y con estrecha relación con el hábito de fumar, la falta de aire fue el principal síntoma por el que acudieron los pacientes después de un mes de inicio de la sintomatología. La estadía hospitalaria fue superior a los 20 días y se realizó el diagnóstico histológico en pocos pacientes. Conclusiones: la demora en el diagnóstico de la neoplasia de pulmón influye en su supervivencia, pues no se les puede realizar un tratamiento oncoespecífico(AU)

Introduction: lung cancer is the most frequent malignant tumor in the world, in Cuba it is the second cause of death, its prognosis depends on different factors including the interval between the first symptom and the start of treatment. Objective: to determine the factors that influence the delay in the diagnosis of patients with lung neoplasia. Methods: a descriptive, retrospective and longitudinal study of live patients with diagnosis of lung neoplasm was performed at the Military Hospital Dr. Carlos J. Finlay in the period from January 2016 to January 2017. Results: lung neoplasia was more frequent in men over 50 years of age, and with a close relationship with smoking, lack of air was the main symptom for which patients came after a month of onset of smoking symptomatology. The hospital stay was longer than 20 days and the histological diagnosis was made in a few patients. Conclusions: the delay in the diagnosis of lung neoplasia influences their survival, since they cannot be treated onco-specific(AU)

Factores que influyen en la demora diagnóstica de la neoplasia de pulmón en egresados vivos / Factors that influence the diagnostic delay of lung neoplasia in patients discharged alive

Introducción: el cáncer de pulmón es el tumor maligno más frecuente en el mundo, en Cuba es la segunda causa de muerte, su pronóstico depende de diferentes factores entre ellos el intervalo entre el primer síntoma y el inicio del tratamiento. Objetivo: determinar los factores que influyen en la demora en el diagnóstico de los pacientes con neoplasia de pulmón. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y longitudinal de los pacientes egresados vivos con diagnóstico de neoplasia de pulmón en el Hospital Militar Dr. Carlos J. Finlay en el período comprendido entre enero 2016 a enero 2017. Resultados: la neoplasia de pulmón fue más frecuente en mayores de 50 años, del sexo masculino y con estrecha relación con el hábito de fumar, la falta de aire fue el principal síntoma por el que acudieron los pacientes después de un mes de inicio de la sintomatología. La estadía hospitalaria fue superior a los 20 días y se realizó el diagnóstico histológico en pocos pacientes. Conclusiones: la demora en el diagnóstico de la neoplasia de pulmón influye en su supervivencia, pues no se les puede realizar un tratamiento oncoespecífico(AU)

Introduction: lung cancer is the most frequent malignant tumor in the world, in Cuba it is the second cause of death, its prognosis depends on different factors including the interval between the first symptom and the start of treatment. Objective: to determine the factors that influence the delay in the diagnosis of patients with lung neoplasia. Methods: a descriptive, retrospective and longitudinal study of live patients with diagnosis of lung neoplasm was performed at the Military Hospital Dr. Carlos J. Finlay in the period from January 2016 to January 2017. Results: lung neoplasia was more frequent in men over 50 years of age, and with a close relationship with smoking, lack of air was the main symptom for which patients came after a month of onset of smoking symptomatology. The hospital stay was longer than 20 days and the histological diagnosis was made in a few patients. Conclusions: the delay in the diagnosis of lung neoplasia influences their survival, since they cannot be treated onco-specific(AU)

[Characteristics of tuberculosis in the immigrant population in South Granada Health Area]. / Características de la tuberculosis en la población inmigrante en el Área de Salud Sur de Granada.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among the native population in Spain continues to decrease, resulting in a higher proportion of foreign-born cases. The aim of this study was to identify the differential TB characteristics within the immigrant population with respect to the native population in the South Granada Health Area, Spain. METHODS: This was a descriptive study, including all cases of TB diagnosed during the period 2003-2010. Cases were identified through a prospective database. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine differential characteristics. RESULTS: From 319 TB cases diagnosed, 247 were natives and 72 (22.6%) immigrants, and 272 were pulmonary tuberculosis. The following variables were significantly associated with immigrant TB cases: age<35 years (OR=4.75, CI: 2.72-8.31), higher percentage of cavitated chest X-ray (OR=2.26, CI: 1.20-4.20), higher percentage of smear-positive cases (OR=1.80, CI: 1.02-3.16), longer diagnostic delay in smear-positive pulmonary TB (median 32 days vs. 21 days P=.043), and lower total lethality (OR=0.12; CI: 0.01-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of TB has remained constant in the South Granada Health Area due to the increase in cases among immigrants. Compared with native TB patients, immigrant patients were younger and had more advanced disease (higher percentage of smear-positive cases and higher percentage of cavitated chest X-ray) and longer diagnostic delay in smear-positive pulmonary TB, indicating poorer TB control. Strategies for earlier diagnosis of TB in immigrants are essential.