[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.

A Pilot of Brief Mindfulness-Based Intervention to manage emotions in patients with psoriasis / Un estudio piloto de intervención breve basada en Mindfulness para gestionar las emociones en pacientes con psoriasis

La psoriasis es una dermatosis de alta incidencia relacionada con el estrés, constituyendo las personas que lo padecen, un grupo objetivo adecuado para llevar a cabo intervenciones basadas en mindfulness, destinadas a ayudar a la regulación de las emociones. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar los efectos de la Técnica de Acompañamiento Emocional Compasivo (CEAT), como una intervención breve basada en mindfulness, sobre el afrontamiento emocional en pacientes con psoriasis grave, para determinar la eficacia del afrontamiento emocional tras la inducción de un estado emocional negativo. Cuarenta y cuatro adultos (el 59,1% mujeres) con edades comprendidas entre los 22 y los 71 años (M = 51,95, DT = 11,87), con psoriasis grave, fueron asignados aleatoriamente a un grupo de intervención con CEAT o a un grupo control de intervención de Revelación Emocional. Se evaluaron malestar subjetivo, capacidad cognitiva, afecto y frecuencia cardíaca, antes y después de las intervenciones, con dos seguimientos a las 48 horas y a los siete días. Los resultados muestran diferencias estadísticas significativas a favor de la intervención CEAT frente al grupo de Revelación Emocional, siendo más eficaz en el manejo emocional tras la inducción y el seguimiento. Estos resultados podrían favorecer la intervención en entornos clínicos con pacientes con psoriasis grave, y futuras investigaciones podrían considerar el uso de esta para mejorar la gestión emocional en este tipo de población.(AU)

Abstract: Psoriasis is a high incidence dermatosis related to stress, and its sufferers provide an appropriate target group to carry out interventions such as those based on mindfulness, aimed at helping emotion regulation. To assess the Compassionate Emotional Accompaniment Technique (CEAT) effects within a brief mindfulness-based intervention on emotion-al coping in patients with severe psoriasisto determine the efficacy of emotional coping after the induction of a negative emotional state. Forty-four adults(59.1% were women)aged 22 -71 years (M= 51.95, SD = 11.87) with severe psoriasis were assigned randomly to the CEAT group or the Emotional Disclosurecontrol group. Subjective discomfort, cognitive ability, affect, and heart rate were assessed before and after the interven-tions, with two follow-ups at 48 hours and seven days. The results show significant statistical differences in favour of the CEAT intervention versus the Emotional Disclosure group, being more effective in the emotional management after induction and follow-up. These results encourage inter-ventions in a clinical setting with patients with severe psoriasis, so future research should consider using this intervention type to improve emotional management with this population grou.(AU)

Importancia del Estudio Piloto en un Proyecto de Intervención / Importance of a Pilot Study in an intervention project

Objetivo: Detallar los elementos básicos de los estudios piloto, sus propósitos y los componentes que evalúan. Desarrollo: Las intervenciones en salud se desarrollan en cuatro fases. Este artículo se enfoca en la segunda fase, que corresponde a los estudios piloto. En términos generales, los estudios piloto son diseñados e implementados para analizar la fidelidad, aceptabilidad y efectos preliminares. La fidelidad se refiere a la relación entre los ingredientes activos de la intervención, sus componentes y actividades (teórica), y el grado en que se implementa la intervención de acuerdo con lo planificado (operacional). La aceptabilidad es un constructo de siete indicadores, e incluye la satisfacción de los participantes hacia la intervención y el intervencionista. Los efectos preliminares hacen referencia a la capacidad de la intervención de inducir cambios en los resultados de una investigación. Conclusiones: Un estudio piloto es uno de los primeros pasos que se lleva a cabo en un proyecto de intervención. El estudio piloto permite tomar decisiones fundamentadas sobre la implementación de una investigación principal. Este artículo pretende ser referencia para el diseño, implementación y evaluación de estudios piloto.(AU)

Objective: To describe the basic elements of the pilot studies, their purpose and their evaluation components. Development: Health interventions are generally developed in four phases. This article focuses on the Second Phase, which corresponds to pilot studies. Generally speaking, pilot studies are designed and implemented to analyze the fidelity, acceptability, and preliminary effects of an intervention. Fidelity refers to the relationship between the intervention’s active ingredients and its components and activities (theoretical), and the degree to which the intervention is delivered according to what was planned (operational). Acceptability includes the participant’s satisfaction towards the intervention and the interventionist. Preliminary effects refer to the ability of the intervention to induce changes in the outcome of an intervention. Conclusions: A Pilot Study is one of the first steps in an intervention project. A pilot study allows informed decisions to be made about the implementation of a larger research project. This article intends to serve as a guide for the design, implementation and evaluation of pilot studies.(AU)

Efecto de una intervención de teleenfermería en contexto pandemia para prevenir anemia infantil: estudio piloto en lambayeque, perú

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de una intervención de teleenfermería en contexto de pandemia para prevenir la anemia infantil en Perú. Material y Método: Estudio piloto, analítico, cuasi experimental con pre y pos-test. La muestra estuvo constituida por 60 madres de un establecimiento de atención primaria de Lambayeque, Perú, que fueron seleccionadas a conveniencia y luego asignadas al Grupo control (30) y Grupo experimental (30), este último sometido a una intervención de teleenfermería de 4 meses. El efecto se midió comparando el promedio de hemoglobina e ingesta alimentaria de hierro antes y después de la intervención. La hemoglobina fue determinada bioquímicamente a través del análisis de sangre; la ingesta alimentaria de hierro fue recogida mediante entrevistas telefónicas a través del recordatorio de 24 horas. Resultados: El promedio de hemoglobina en el grupo experimental no presentó diferencia significativa entre el inicio y el final de la intervención (p= 0,199); en el grupo control el promedio de hemoglobina presentó diferencias significativas entre el inicio y el final de la intervención (p= 0,013). El promedio de ingesta alimentaria de hierro en los niños del grupo control (p= 0,049) y experimental (p= 0,000) sí tuvieron diferencias significativas entre el inicio y el final de la intervención. Conclusión: Los niños que recibieron la intervención con teleenfermería se mantuvieron sin anemia y la ingesta alimentaria de hierro aumentó por lo que se corrobora que los programas de teleenfermería tienen el potencial de incrementar información sobre alimentación, favoreciendo la salud del niño, de la madre y la familia.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a telenursing intervention in the context of the pandemic to prevent childhood anemia in Peru. Material and Method: Pilot, analytical, quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-test. The sample consisted of 60 mothers from a primary health care facility in Lambayeque, Peru, who were selected at convenience and then assigned to a control group (30) and an experimental group (30), with the latter being subjected to a 4 months telenursing intervention. The effect was measured by comparing the average hemoglobin and dietary iron intake before and after the intervention. Hemoglobin level was determined biochemically through blood analysis. Dietary iron intake was collected through telephone interviews following a 24-hour recall. Results: The average hemoglobin level in the experimental group did not show significant differences between the beginning and the end of the intervention (p= 0.199); whereas in the control group, the average hemoglobin level showed significant differences between the beginning and the end of the intervention (p= 0.013). The average dietary intake of iron among the children of the control group (p= 0.049) and the experimental group (p= 0.000) had a significant difference between the beginning and the end of the intervention. Conclusion: The children who received the telenursing intervention suffered no anemia and the dietary iron intake increased, thus corroborating that telenursing programs have the potential of offering more information on nutrition, favoring the health of the child, the mother and the family.

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção de telenfermagem no contexto da pandemia para prevenir a anemia infantil no Peru. Material e Método: Estudo piloto, analítico, quase-experimental com pré e pós-teste. A amostra foi composta por 60 mães de uma unidade básica de saúde de Lambayeque, Peru, que foram selecionadas por conveniência e depois designadas para um dos dois grupos de pesquisa: grupo controle=30 e um grupo experimental=30, submetido esse último a uma intervenção de telenfermagem de 4 meses. O efeito foi medido comparando a hemoglobina média e a ingestão de ferro dietético antes e depois da intervenção. O nível de hemoglobina foi determinado bioquimicamente através da análise de sangue. A ingestão de ferro dietético foi coletada através de entrevistas telefónicas por meio de um recordátorio de 24 horas. Resultados: O nível médio de hemoglobina no grupo experimental não apresentou diferenças significativas entre o início e o final da intervenção (p= 0,199). No grupo controle, a hemoglobina média mostrou diferenças significativas entre o início e o final da intervenção (p= 0,013). A ingestão alimentar média de ferro entre as crianças do grupo controle (p = 0,049) e do grupo experimental (p = 0,000) teve uma diferença significativa entre o início e o final da intervenção. Conclusão: As crianças que receberam a intervenção de teleenfermagem não sofreram anemia e a ingestão de ferro por via alimentar aumentou, corroborando assim que os programas de teleenfermagem podem oferecer mais informações sobre a nutrição, favorecendo a saúde da criança, da mãe e da família.

Aplicación piloto de un programa de reminiscencia positiva para personas mayores institucionalizadas / Pilot application of a positive reminiscence program for institutionalized older people

Resumen Los conocimientos actuales sobre la salud de las personas mayores permiten afirmar que es posible mejorar su calidad de vida, especialmente a través del uso de técnicas no farmacológicas de carácter preventivo. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una aplicación piloto de un Programa de Reminiscencia Positiva (REMPOS) que en otros países como España y México han demostrado ser efectivo en personas mayores con deterioro cognitivo leve y en población normal institucionalizadas. La población fue de 60 personas mayores pertenecientes a un centro de Larga Estudia del Gran Concepción. La muestra estuvo constituida por 5 personas mayores que aceptaron participar y que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Instrumentos: se usó el MOCA y Mini Mental para evaluar deterioro leve y normalidad. Procedimiento: se seleccionaron sesiones del REMPOS que podrían tener un sesgo transcultural. Resultados: se encontró que varias de las sesiones necesitaban cambios especialmente con relación a la presencia de analfabetismo funcional, limitación motora y sensorial (vista y oído) en las personas mayores. Se discute la adaptación del programa y las implicaciones derivadas de la institucionalización.

Current knowledge about the health of older people, allows us to affirm that it is possible to improve their quality of life, especially with preventive non-pharmacological techniques. The objective of this article is to present a pilot Application of a Positive Reminiscence Program (REMPOS) which in other countries such as Spain and Mexico have been shown to be effective in older people with mild cognitive impairment and in normal institutionalized populations. The population was 60 older adults belonging to a Long Study center of the Great Conception. The sample consisted of 5 older adults who agreed to participate and who met the inclusion criteria. Instruments MOCA and Mini Mental were used to assess mild impairment and normality. Procedure REMPOS sessions were selected that could have a cross-cultural bias. Results It was found that several of the sessions needed changes especially in relation to the presence of functional illiteracy, motor and sensory limitation (sight and hearing) in older people. Program adaptation and institutionalization are discussed.

Do candidates for penile implant prefer their doctors or another implanted patient as their information source? Results of a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction incidence is about 19-26 cases for every 1000 men/year, requiring about 20,000 penile implants/year. There is high demand for information on the part of patients, however, there is a lack of evidence about the sources of information prior to penile implant and the figure of the Expert Patient (EP) has never been described in this area. AIMS: To evaluate the sources of information used by candidates for penile implant as well as to describe the role of the EP as an information source. METHODS: Pilot study of candidates for penile prosthesis. Patients already implanted attending for exchange or reallocation surgery were excluded. Each patient had an interview with an EP, and commercial documentation was given. Each source of information was evaluated in a face-to-face interview. SPSS™ version 20.0 was used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The EP was evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 questionnaire, and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction. Each source of information was evaluated by a non-validated 6-section questionnaire. RESULTS: Ten patients were included. Mean age was 60±10.3 years. Medical interview with the urologist resulted in a global value and truthfulness score of 9.2±.9 and 9.8±.4, respectively. Commercial information had a global score of 8.5±.9 and a truthfulness score of 8.6±.6, while the internet had 6.8±.8 points for global value and 7.2±1 for truthfulness. The global score of the EP was 8.7±1.2 points and their veracity scored 9.6±.5 points. CONCLUSIONS: The urologist remains the main source of information for patients with erectile dysfunction candidates for penile prosthesis implant. However, the EP is an alternative and could be a key pillar in presurgical counselling.

[Living with Chronic Illness Scale: Pilot study in patients with several chronic diseases]. / Escala de convivencia con un proceso crónico: estudio piloto en pacientes con enfermedades crónicas.

OBJECTIVE: To present the pilot study of the Living with Chronic Illness Scale (EC-PC) in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2, chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Observational, cross-sectional and multicenter study. LOCATION: Two specialized hospitals in Navarre and Madrid. PARTICIPANTS: 64 patients with several chronic diseases, older than 18 years old, that go to primary health centre and/or outpatients. Patients with cognitive deterioration and/or psychiatric disorders were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Evaluations had an average duration of 15 minutes per patient. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Patients completed the EC-PC and a questionnaire related to the scale. Feasibility/acceptability, internal consistency and construct validity was analyzed. RESULTS: For the total sample, the EC-PC showed a good viability and acceptability, without missing data and with almost 100% of the computable data. Cronbach's alpha coefficient reached values between 0.64 and 0.76, and the homogeneity index was higher than 0.30 in all domains of the scale. The values of internal validity ranged between 0.04 and 0.30. No significant differences were found (p> 0.05) in the total score of the scale according to gender or the different pathologies. The patients described the scale as simple and useful. CONCLUSIONS: The pilot study of the EC-PC in patients with different chronic illnesses showed that it is a brief, easy to use, reliable and valid measure. The EC-PC will serve to know in an individualized way, how the patient is living with his/her chronic process and to prevent possible negative aspects of the daily living with the disease.

Improving Dental Students Fine Motor Skills by Visualization and Mental Imagery: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial / Mejora de las Habilidades Motoras Finas de los Estudiantes de Odontología Mediante Visualización e Imaginería: Ensayo Clínico Aleatorizado Piloto

ABSTRACT: Clinical motor skills are essential to train dental students. There is evidence that imagery serves to acquire and improve motor skills, since imagining an action, activates the same neural areas as when this is physically performed. The aim of this pilot randomized clinical trial was to examine the feasibility of tridimensional visualization associated with mental imagery on the development of fine motor skills of dental students compared to conventional training. Seventeen dental students without previous preclinical experiences, between 18-25 years old were recruited. After giving a theoretical lecture on the inlay preparation, participants were randomly allocated in two groups. The Experimental Group (N=9) performed daily 30 minutes of "mental practice" after visualizing a video showing the execution of an ideal inlay preparation alternating it with black screen periods to facilitate the imagery. The Control Group (N= 8) performed a 30 minutes "hands on practice" daily of the same preparation. On the fifth day, both groups carried out an inlay preparation physically, which was scanned and overlapped to the virtual preparation to assess accuracy. The execution time and accuracy of the preparation performed with regard to an ideal preparation were compared between groups. The learning style and fine motor skills at baseline were similar in all participants (P>0.001). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of accuracy. The time of execution in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group. This pilot study showed that visualization associated to mental imagery could develop fine motor skills in dental students, requiring less execution time than physical practice.

RESUMEN: Las habilidades motoras clínicas son esenciales para entrenar a los estudiantes de odontología. Existe evidencia que la imaginería sirve para adquirir y mejorar las habilidades motoras, ya que al imaginar una acción, se activan las mismas áreas neuronales que cuando la acción se realiza físicamente. El objetivo de este ensayo clínico aleatorizado piloto fue examinar la factibilidad del uso de visualización tridimensional asociada con imaginería para el desarrollo de las habilidades motoras finas en estudiantes de odontología comparado con el entrenamiento convencional. Se reclutaron diecisiete estudiantes de odontología, entre 18-25 años de edad, sin experiencias preclínicas previas. Después de recibir una clase teórica sobre la preparación de una incrustación, los participantes fueron asignados aleatoriamente a dos grupos. El grupo experimental (N = 9) realizó diariamente 30 minutos de "práctica mental" después de visualizar un video que muestra la ejecución de una preparación de incrustación ideal alternando con períodos de pantalla negra para facilitar la imaginación. El grupo de control (N = 8) realizó una práctica diaria de 30 minutos de la misma preparación. El quinto día, ambos grupos llevaron a cabo físicamente una preparación de incrustación, que fue escaneada y esta imagen se superpuso a la preparación virtual ideal para evaluar la precisión. El tiempo de ejecución y la precisión de la preparación realizada con respecto a una preparación ideal se compararon entre ambos grupos. El estilo de aprendizaje y las habilidades motoras finas al inicio del estudio fueron similares en todos los participantes (P > 0,001). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos en términos de precisión. El tiempo de ejecución en el grupo experimental fue significativamente menor que en el grupo control. Este estudio piloto mostró que la visualización asociada a imaginería podría desarrollar habilidades motoras finas en estudiantes de odontología, requiriendo menos tiempo de ejecución que la práctica física.

[Usefulness of early lung ultrasound in acute mild-moderate acute bronchiolitis. A pilot study]. / Utilidad de la ecografía pulmonar precoz en bronquiolitis aguda leve-moderada: estudio piloto.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between the findings seen in early lung ultrasound with the clinical severity scales, and its association with the subsequent progression of the mild-moderate acute bronchiolitis (AB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational prospective study conducted on infants with mild-moderate BA, using lung ultrasound in the first 24hours of hospital care. The lung involvement was graded (range 0-50 points) based on an ultrasound score (ScECO) and 2routinely used clinical scales: the modified Wood Downes Ferres (WDFM), and the Hospital Sant Joan de Deu (HSJD). The relationship between the ScECO and the subsequent clinical progression (admission to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), days in hospital, and days of oxygen therapy), was also determined. RESULTS: The study included a total of 59 patients, with a median age of 90 days (IQR: 30-270 days). The median ScECO score was 6 points (2-8) in the patients that did not require hospital admission, with 9 points (5-13.7) admitted to the ward, and 17 (14.5-18) in the patients who needed to be transferred from the ward to the PICU (P=.001). The ScECO had a moderate lineal association with the WDFM scale (rho=0.504, P<.001) and the HSJD (rho=0.518; P<.001). The ScECO was associated with admission to PICU [OR 2.5 (95% CI: 1.1-5.9); P=.035], longer hospital stay [1.2 days 95% CI: 0.55-1.86); P=.001] and duration of oxygen therapy [0.87 days (95% CI: 0.26-1.48); P=.006]. CONCLUSIONS: There is a moderate correlation between early lung ultrasound findings with the severity of the AB evaluated by the clinical scales, as well as some relationship with the clinical progression.

[Development and pilot study of a questionnaire to assess child and teenager satisfaction with their stay in hospital]. / Desarrollo y estudio piloto de un cuestionario para evaluar la satisfacción con la estancia hospitalaria en población infanto-juvenil.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an instrument to assess the satisfaction of children and teenagers with their stay in hospital. METHODS: A qualitative analysis of hospitalisation satisfaction dimensions based on the feedback of hospitalised children and teenagers; a content validation study by a group of experts of the items generated for the different satisfaction dimensions; and a pilot study to assess the usefulness of the questionnaire with a sample of 84 children and teenagers hospitalised in Andalusia. RESULTS: After successive refinements, a short questionnaire was obtained which took between 5 and 15minutes to complete. All items presented positive item-total correlations (r>0.18). The questionnaire showed an internal consistency index of 0.779 (Cronbach's alpha) and significant rank differences (Mann-Whitney U test; p<0.001) with medium size effects (η2>0.151) in three satisfaction dimensions compared between hospitals. DISCUSSION: A short, easy-to-answer questionnaire was developed that is reliable regarding its internal consistency and sensitive to differences in hospital satisfaction dimensions. Once validated, it will be used to assess the satisfaction of children and teenagers with their hospital stay, in addition to being a potential indicator of quality of care.

Éxito anestésico de 1, 8ml de Lidocaína 2 por ciento en exodoncia de dientes mandibulares: estudio piloto / Anesthetic success of 1, 8ml lidocaine 2 percent for mandibular tooth extraction: a pilot study

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto anestésico de un cartucho de 1,8ml de anestesia lidocaína al 2 por ciento con epinefrina 1:100.000 en la técnica troncular al nervio alveolar inferior (NAI) para la exodoncia de dientes mandibulares. Material y método: Estudio piloto de carácter analítico. Participaron pacientes voluntarios del servicio Urgencia Dental de Valdivia-Chile con indicación de exodoncia en dientes mandibulares entre Mayo y Julio del año 2010. La técnica anestésica fue realizada por un solo dentista usando sólo un cartucho de anestesia al NAI. Luego de 15 minutos, se evaluó el efecto considerándose efectiva cuando no fue necesario el refuerzo anestésico durante la exodoncia de los dientes. Se analizó la relación entre el éxito anestésico con el sexo, edad, tipo y diagnóstico del diente y el nivel de dolor observado (chicuadrado y regresión logística; p< 0,05). Resultados: 62 pacientes fueron seleccionados, de los cuales solo en 47 (75,8 por ciento) se logró el éxito anestésico. No hubo asociación estadística con el sexo, edad, tipo ni diagnóstico dental y dolor percibido. Conclusión: El uso de un cartucho de 1,8ml de anestesia resultó efectiva en tres de cada cuatro pacientes atendidos por exodoncia de dientes mandibulares. Se sugiere nuevas investigaciones clínicas en relación a la efectividad de otros anestésicos con la misma dosis en el bloqueo del NAI.

Aim: To determine the anesthetic effect of a 1.8 ml cartridge of anesthetic lidocaine 2 percent with epinephrine1:100,000 in inferior alveolar nerve block (NAI) for the extraction in mandibular teeth. Material and methods: A pilot study with analitic design. Participating patients of Dental Emergency Service volunteers from Valdivia-Chile for mandibular teeth extractions attending between May and July of 2010. The anesthetic technique was performed by a dentist using only one cartridge of anesthetic to the NAI. After 15 minutes, the effect was considered effective when anesthetic not require reinforcement with additional anesthesia during extraction of teeth. We analyzed the relationship between success anesthetic effect with sex, age, diagnosis of tooth and type and level of pain observed (chi-square and logistic regression, p <0,05). Results: 62 patients were selected, of which only 47 (75,8 percent) was achieved anesthetic success. There was no statistical association with sex, age, type or dental diagnosis and perceived pain. Conclusion: Using a 1,8 ml cartridge of anesthesia was effective in three of four patients treated by extraction of mandibular teeth. It suggests further research in relation to the clinical effectiveness of other anesthetics with the same dose in NAI.

Implementación de un programa de estimulación cognitiva en personas con demencia tipo Alzheimer: un estudio piloto en chilenos de la tercera edad / Implementation of a Cognitive Stimulation Program for People with Alzheimer Disease: A Pilot Study in a Chilean Elderly Sample

La Terapia de Estimulación Cognitiva (TEC) es una intervención psicosocial para personas con demencia que ha obtenido buenos resultados en población anglosajona. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficacia de la TEC en una muestra de personas chilenas. Participaron 22 pacientes con diagnóstico de Enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) en fase leve a moderada, pertenecientes a un centro asistencial de la ciudad de Quillota, Chile. Para determinar la eficacia del programa, se definió un diseño experimental mixto 2x2 de medidas repetidas, asignándose aleatoriamente la muestra a dos grupos: intervención (GI) y control (GC). Se establecieron tres dimensiones para evaluar: cognición, calidad de vida y capacidad funcional de la persona con demencia. Posterior a la intervención, el GI presentó una mejoría significativa en sus indicadores de deterioro cognitivo y calidad de vida; por el contrario, el GC no evidenció cambios positivos en ninguna dimensión, empeorando el declive cognitivo. Ninguno de los grupos experimentó cambios significativos en la capacidad funcional. Si bien en la comparación intergrupo no existieron diferencias significativas en ninguna variable, el GI presentó una mejoría sustancial de la función cognitiva, en comparación con el aumento en la progresión del deterioro cognitivo en el GC. Se recomienda que futuras investigaciones contrasten dichos resultados utilizando una muestra más grande de personas con EA.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a psychosocial intervention for people with dementia that has been successful in Anglo-Saxon population. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of CST in a sample of Chilean elders. The participants were 22 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in mild to moderate stage, who were living in a residential care home in the town of Quillota, Chile. In order to determine the effectiveness of the program, an experimental mixed design 2x2 (repeated measures) was employed. The sample was randomly assigned into two groups: intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). Three dimensions were assessed: cognition, quality of life and functional ability. After the intervention, the IG presented a significant improvement in their cognitive function and quality life. In contrast, the CG did not show positive changes in any dimension. In fact, CG showed a worsening in its cognitive deterioration. Both groups did not showed significant changes in functional ability. Even though intergroup comparisons did not yield significant differences, the IG showed an important improvement in cognitive function, compared with an increase in the progression of cognitive impairment in the CG. It is recommended that future research will contrast these results using a larger sample of people with AD.