Trust in COVID-19 information sources and vaccination status: Exploring social inequalities and differences within the four United Kingdom nations using a representative survey.

OBJECTIVES: To explore how the use of, and trust in, different sources of advice and information on COVID-19 differed across the four UK nations and between different sociodemographic groups and their associations with COVID-19 vaccination status. METHODS: We used a UK-wide representative survey conducted in July 2021, which included data on uptake of COVID-19 vaccination, trust in information sources, use of sources and geographical and sociodemographic variables. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with completed or planned COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS: Trust in the NHS, followed by trust in scientists, were the strongest predictors of vaccination intention. NHS websites were the most used (56% across the UK); only the Scottish government website had a higher level of reported use (58%). Using either source was associated with a positive vaccination status as were use of the GP and television as sources of advice. Use of social media, family and friends, and 'none' of the sources enquired about, were all linked to a lower likelihood of being or intending to get vaccinated. Compared to those in England, respondents in other UK nations were less likely to trust the central UK government for advice on COVID-19. There was considerable variation by age in trust and use of some, but not all, sources of advice, with predicted probabilities ranging from 35% among the youngest age group to 62% among those aged 65 years or older. There were also significant differences by annual household income and by occupational class for trust in government, with higher incomes correlating with greater likelihood of trust. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates high levels of trust in the key sources of public health advice and there was a positive association between using official sources of advice and vaccination intentions, even in the context of overall high vaccination rates. Our findings highlight the need for the UK and devolved governments to value the importance of public trust in the health system and take appropriate measures to avoid undermining such trust.

Sistemas de saúde e atuação da enfermagem: estudo comparativo entre Brasil e Chile / Healthcare systems and nursing practice: a comparative study between Brazil and Chile / Sistemas de salud y práctica de enfermería: estudio comparativo entre Brasil y Chile

Objetivo: comparar os sistemas de saúde e as implicações para a atuação do enfermeiro entre o Brasil e o Chile. Método: estudo documental com abordagem qualitativa, elaborado a partir da consulta a documentos oficiais de fonte aberta. Os dados foram analisados mediante análise de conteúdo. Resultados: os dois países respondem às orientações gerais da Organização Mundial da Saúde no que tange à promoção da saúde e prevenção de doenças ao longo do ciclo de vida, nos indivíduos, nas famílias e nas comunidades. Evidenciaram-se diferenças referentes aos sistemas de saúde, sobretudo a respeito da forma de financiamento, legislação e processo de trabalho do enfermeiro. Conclusão: embora existam semelhanças por serem países pertencerem à mesma região geográfica, pode-se constatar diferenças na Atenção Primária à Saúde, principalmente no que se refere à estruturação dos sistemas de saúde, financiamento e em algumas áreas, como a gestão do cuidado e atuação do enfermeiro.

Objective: to compare health systems and the implications for the role of nurses between Brazil and Chile. Method: documentary study with a qualitative approach, based on consultation with official open-source documents. Data were analysed using content analysis. Results: both countries respond to the general guidelines of the World Health Organization regarding health promotion and disease prevention throughout the life cycle, in individuals, families and communities. Differences related to health systems were evidenced, especially regarding the form of financing, legislation, and the nurses' work process. Conclusion: although there are similarities because the countries belong to the same geographic region, differences can be seen in Primary Health Care, especially regarding to the health systems' structure, financing and in some areas, such as care management and nurses' role.

Objetivo: comparar los sistemas de salud y las implicaciones para el trabajo del enfermero entre Brasil y Chile. Método: estudio documental con enfoque cualitativo, elaborado con base en la consulta de documentos oficiales de código abierto. Los datos se analizaron mediante análisis de contenido. Resultados: ambos países responden a los lineamientos generales de la Organización Mundial de la Salud en cuanto a la promoción de la salud y la prevención de enfermedades a lo largo del ciclo de vida, en los individuos, las familias y las comunidades. Se evidenciaron diferencias relacionadas con los sistemas de salud, especialmente en cuanto a la forma de financiación, la legislación y el proceso de trabajo de los enfermeros. Conclusión: si bien existen similitudes ya que los países pertenecen a la misma región geográfica, se perciben diferencias en la Atención Primaria de Salud, especialmente en lo que respecta a la estructura de los sistemas de salud, la financiación y en algunas áreas, como la gestión del cuidado y el papel del enfermero.

Canadian Healthcare Professionals' Views and Attitudes toward Risk-Stratified Breast Cancer Screening.

Given the controversy over the effectiveness of age-based breast cancer (BC) screening, offering risk-stratified screening to women may be a way to improve patient outcomes with detection of earlier-stage disease. While this approach seems promising, its integration requires the buy-in of many stakeholders. In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed Canadian healthcare professionals about their views and attitudes toward a risk-stratified BC screening approach. An anonymous online questionnaire was disseminated through Canadian healthcare professional associations between November 2020 and May 2021. Information collected included attitudes toward BC screening recommendations based on individual risk, comfort and perceived readiness related to the possible implementation of this approach. Close to 90% of the 593 respondents agreed with increased frequency and earlier initiation of BC screening for women at high risk. However, only 9% agreed with the idea of not offering BC screening to women at very low risk. Respondents indicated that primary care physicians and nurse practitioners should play a leading role in the risk-stratified BC screening approach. This survey identifies health services and policy enhancements that would be needed to support future implementation of a risk-stratified BC screening approach in healthcare systems in Canada and other countries.

Community Health Worker programmes' integration into national health systems: Scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Community health worker (CHW) programmes, when adequately integrated into mainstream health systems, can provide a viable, affordable and sustainable path to strengthened health systems that better meets demands for improved child health, especially in resource-constrained settings. However, studies that report on how CHW programmes are integrated into respective health systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are missing. AIM: This review presents evidence on CHW programmes' integration into National Health Systems for improved health outcomes in SSA. SETTING: Sub-Saharan Africa. METHOD: Six CHW programmes representing three sub-Saharan regions (West, East, and Southern Africa) were purposively selected based on their deemed integration into respective National Health Systems. A database search of literature limited to the identified programmes was then conducted. Screening and literature selection was guided a scoping review framework. Abstracted data were synthesised and presented in a narrative form. RESULTS: A total of 42 publications met the inclusion criteria. Reviewed papers had an even focus on all six CHW programmes integration components. Although some similarities were observed, evidence of integration on most CHW programme integration components varied across countries. The linkage of CHW programmes to respective health systems runs across all reviewed countries. Some CHW programme components such as CHW recruitment, education and certification, service delivery, supervision, information management, and equipment and supplies are integrated into the health systems differently across the region. CONCLUSION: Different approaches to the integration of all the components depict complexity in the field of CHW programme integration in the region.Contribution: The study presents synthesized evidence on CHW programmes integration into national health systems in SSA.

Reorganizing Italy's Territorial Healthcare: the Ministerial Decree No. 77/2022 and its Comparative Significance.

Abstract: As approved by the European Commission in 2021, Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan encompasses a far-reaching reform in the governance and structure of the national health service (NHS) that should shift the focus of assistance from large, centralized hospitals to a tight network of numerous smaller health centers dislocated in the country. In this respect, the adoption of the Ministerial Decree no. 77 on May 23, 2022, represented a key step in the execution of the intended reform, to the extent that the Decree set forth the main terms of the primary care reorganization process. This review summarizes the key elements of the Decree, foreshadows its legal and public health implications, acknowledges the uncertainties about the economic feasibility of the reform, and highlights its possible comparative significance for health systems facing similar challenges, especially those - such as the UK NHS - that share a comparable type of funding system and organizational framework.

Rede de Atenção Psicossocial: desenvolvimento e validação de um instrumento multidimensional para avaliação da implantação (IMAI-RAPS) / Psychosocial Care Network: development and validation of a multidimensional instrument to assess implementation (IMAI-RAPS)

Resumo Trata-se de um estudo metodológico para desenvolvimento e validação do Instrumento Multidimensional para Avaliação da Implantação da RAPS (IMAI-RAPS) em Minas Gerais (MG)/Brasil. O estudo foi executado em três etapas: estudo de avaliabilidade, desenvolvimento do IMAI-RAPS, aplicação da Técnica Delphi para validação de conteúdo e aparência das questões. Foram realizados a análise de documentos oficiais, revisão da literatura e um engajamento estruturado com membros do programa para esclarecer sua operacionalização e focalizar os aspectos centrais a serem avaliados. Um modelo teórico-lógico da RAPS foi construído de acordo com a tríade donabediana: estrutura, processo e resultado e organizado em: Unidades Mínimas (Assistência à Saúde Mental e Reabilitação Psicossocial), Conectividade (Articulação da Rede), Integração (Governança e Gestão do Cuidado), Normatividade (Política de Saúde Mental e Participação e Controle Social), Subjetividade e Estrutura (Serviços, Sistema Logístico e Educação em Saúde). Desse modelo derivou-se o IMAI-RAPS que foi validado por 44 experts da área indicando a abordagem de questões relevantes, úteis e viáveis para avaliação da estrutura e processo de implantação do programa em MG. A utilização da Técnica Delphi possibilitou que os produtos desenvolvidos fossem balizados por estudiosos ou profissionais da RAPS de diversas regiões do país aumentando o poder analítico da ferramenta.

Abstract This is a methodological study for the development and validation of the Multidimensional Instrument for Evaluating of the Implementation of Psychosocial Care Network (IMAI-RAPS) in Minas Gerais (MG)/Brazil. The study was carried out in three stages: evaluability study, development of the IMAIRAPS, application of the Delphi Technique for content and appearance validation of the questions. The analysis of official documents, literature review and a structured engagement with program members were carried out to clarify its operationalization and focus on the central aspects to be evaluated. A theoreticallogical model of RAPS was built according to the Donabedian triad: structure, process and result and organized into: Minimum Units (Mental Health Care and Psychosocial Rehabilitation), Connectivity (Network Articulation), Integration (Governance and Management of the Care), Normativity (Mental Health Policy and Participation and Social Control), Subjectivity and Structure (Services, Logistics System and Health Education). The IMAI-RAPS was derived from this model, which was validated by 44 experts in the field, indicating the approach of relevant, useful and viable questions for evaluating the structure and process of implementing the program in MG. The use of the Delphi Technique made it possible for the developed products to be marked out by Psychosocial Care Network scholars or professionals from different regions of the country, increasing the analytical power of the tool.

Economic impact of implementing prescription of single-inhaler triple therapies versus current multiple-inhaler triple therapies for COPD in the Apulia Region.

BACKGROUND: The most impacting direct costs associated to COPD for the National Health Systems (NHS) are those related to accesses to the emergency room and hospital admissions, due to the onset of one or more COPD exacerbations. At the same time, severe COPD treatment, that often require a combination of medicaments, represents a substantial economic burden for the National Health Systems (NHS). This study aimed to evaluate the potential saving deriving from the implementation in the prescription of the two currently available single-inhaler triple therapies (SITTs) versus the currently used multiple-inhaler triple therapies (MITTs) in an eligible COPD population residing in the Apulia Region. METHODS: A budget impact model was developed hypothesizing the progressive replacement of the different MITTs on the reference market (Scenario A) with the pre-established SITTs, assuming a degree of penetration of 30%, 50% and 100% (Scenario B). Drug costs were based on prices published on the Official Gazette and therapy durations were based on prescribing information over the year 2019 (IQVIA™ prescription dataset). RESULTS: Our analysis showed that the extemporaneous MITT with the highest prevalence on the reference market was the inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting ß2-agonists (ICS/LABA) combination plus a long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA). This association of medicaments was paradoxically also the one associated to the highest expense value. The expanded use of a pre-established ICS/LAMA/LABA SITT was associated to a significant economic saving, ranging from a minimum of -€ 1,108,814 (SITT use: 30%) to a maximum of -€ 3,658,950 (SITT use: 100%). The cheapest pre-established SITT contained the fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) combination. CONCLUSION: A pre-fixed ICS/LAMA/LABA SITT is cost-saving, compared to the different currently used extemporaneous MITTs. Clinicians should consider the potential benefits of finding less expensive regimens while maintaining adequate efficacy in the prescriptive decision making process of COPD patients.

Fragility fracture systems, Latin America perspective.

Osteoporosis is a worldwide epidemic, affecting an average of 30% to 50% of those over 50 years of age in Latin America. Resulting from it is another epidemic, that of fragility fractures, which adversely affects morbidity and mortality of this population. Increasing in their incidence, fragility fractures are expected to occur in 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over 50years of age during their lifetimes. Currently, there are diagnostic and management guidelines for fragility fractures in Latin American countries, especially those for hip and spine fractures. In general, in Latin America, the quality indicators and standards for the care of these fractures vary greatly according to the health system, being suboptimal in many situations. The organization of health services is different in the different countries throughout Latin America. Common underlying characteristics, however, include the distinctions that exist in care between public and private medicine and the lack of economic resources directed to public healthcare systems from the national levels. Several important changes have been implemented in recent years, with the collaboration between national organizations and international associations such as the Fragility Fracture Network and the International Osteoporosis Foundation, aimed at improving quality standards in care and rates of morbidity and mortality in patients treated thorough fragility fracture programs. The underregistration in these programs and absence of formal national registries also contribute to a lack of recognition of the size, scope, and severity of the problem.

Regionalização da atenção psicossocial: uma visão panorâmica da Rede de Atenção Psicossocial de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Regionalization of psychosocial care: a panoramic view of the Psychosocial Care Network of Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Resumo Objetivou-se analisar a regionalização dos serviços da Rede de Atenção Psicossocial (RAPS) em Minas Gerais (MG), Brasil, gerando indicadores que possam potencializar a gestão estratégica do SUS no fortalecimento da atenção psicossocial do estado. É um estudo transversal, realizado a partir de dados coletados em maio de 2019 em sites governamentais, tendo as Macrorregiões e Regiões de Saúde do estado como unidades de análise. Foram produzidos indicadores da cobertura de serviços em relação à população, de acordo com parâmetros normativos estipulados pelo Ministério da Saúde, para melhor compreensão da cobertura efetivada e validou-se um indicador geral (iRAPS) da oferta dos serviços dessa rede em MG. Os resultados encontrados possibilitam uma análise detalhada do aspecto estrutural da RAPS em MG e demonstram a implantação de uma rede robusta. Entretanto, percebem-se importantes heterogeneidades regionais e também uma carência de serviços voltados para populações específicas e com funcionamento 24 horas, o que fragiliza o adequado acesso à RAPS em diversos territórios do estado. Foram encontrados maiores valores do iRAPS nas regiões de saúde com baixo desenvolvimento socioeconômico e baixa oferta geral de serviços de saúde, fato que difere do cenário nacional.

Abstract The present study aims at analyzing the regionalization of the services carried out by the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS in Portuguese) in the state of Minas Gerais (MG) in Brazil, yielding indicators that may enhance the SUS strategic management towards the strengthening of the psychosocial care provided by the state. It is a cross-sectional study, based on the data collected in May 2019 from government websites, considering the state's Macro-Regions and Health Regions as units of analysis. Indicators of service coverage in relation to the population in accordance to normative parameters determined by the Ministry of Health for a better understanding of the effective coverage were produced, and a general indicator (iRAPS) of the supply of services in this network in Minas Gerais state was validated. The outcomes allow a detailed analysis of the structural aspect of the RAPS in MG and unveil the development of a robust network. However, important regional heterogeneities were noticed and also a lack of services aiming at specific populations providing assistance 24 hours a day, which weakens the proper access to RAPS in several parts of the state. Higher values of iRAPS were found in health regions with low socioeconomic development and low general offer of health services, a fact that differs from the national scenario, which may imply state policy investments aiming at offering RAPS within the state hinterland areas.

Plataforma laboratorial para monitorear el SARS-CoV-2 basada en la vigilancia de influenza y otros virus respiratorios en Perú / Laboratory platform for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 based on surveillance of influenza and other respiratory viruses in Peru

RESUMEN En el Perú, la pandemia de la COVID-19 ha evidenciado la utilidad de tener un sistema de vigilancia laboratorial estructurado y en funcionamiento desde hace 22 años, basado en la vigilancia de influenza; inicialmente en modalidad de unidades centinela, y después fortaleciéndose e innovándose, con recursos propios y con apoyo externo, para generar información de calidad. Se han implementado avances biotecnológicos para la confirmación diagnóstica e incrementado las capacidades de la red nacional de laboratorios, manteniendo la eficiencia, considerando las diversas y complejas realidades de los niveles regionales, y superando dificultades de comunicación y articulación entre instituciones. Resulta necesario consolidar este sistema, con trabajo colaborativo y coordinado entre sus componentes, impulsando su eficacia y oportunidad y promoviendo la vigilancia genómica de nuevos virus y variantes, como actualmente ocurre con el SARS-CoV-2.

ABSTRACT In Peru, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the usefulness of having a structured laboratory surveillance system that has been operational for 22 years, based on influenza surveillance; initially in the form of sentinel units, and later strengthened and innovated, with its own resources and with external support, to provide quality information. Biotechnological advances have been implemented for diagnostic confirmation and the capacity of the national laboratory network has been expanded, maintaining efficiency, considering the diverse and complex realities of each region, and overcoming difficulties regarding communication and articulation between institutions. It is necessary to consolidate this system, with collaborative and coordinated work between its components, boosting its effectiveness and timeliness and promoting genomic surveillance of new viruses and variants, as is currently the case with SARS-CoV-2.

Dinâmica do capitalismo financeirizado e o sistema de saúde no Brasil: reflexões sob as sombras da pandemia de COVID-19 / The dynamics of financialized capitalism and the Brazilian health system: reflections in the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic / Dinámica del capitalismo financiarizado y el sistema de salud en Brasil: reflexiones bajo las sombras de la pandemia de COVID-19

A pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil explicitou a importância do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e as limitações do sistema de saúde vigente no país, composto pelos setores público e privado, no contexto do capitalismo financeirizado em que instabilidades e crises típicas são estruturalmente determinadas. Nesse sentido, o artigo discute o sistema de saúde no Brasil sob a égide do capitalismo financeirizado e à luz da pandemia de COVID-19. Sustenta-se que a financeirização enquanto padrão sistêmico de riqueza potencializa processo de coisificação das relações socioeconômicas que é imanente a esse sistema, tornando indispensável o provimento dos serviços de saúde pelo Estado.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil has highlighted the importance of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) and the limitations of the country's prevailing health system, consisting of the public and private sectors, in the context of financialized capitalism in which typical instabilities and crises are structurally determined. The article discusses the Brazilian health system under the aegis of financialized capitalism and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article contends that financialization as a systemic pattern of wealth increases the process of commodification of socioeconomic relations which is inherent to this system, making the State's provision of health services indispensable.

La pandemia de COVID-19 en Brasil explicitó la importancia del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) y las limitaciones del sistema de salud vigente en el país, compuesto por los sectores público y privado, en el contexto del capitalismo financiarizado, donde las inestabilidades y crisis típicas están determinadas estructuralmente. En ese sentido, el artículo discute el sistema de salud en Brasil bajo la égida del capitalismo financiarizado y a la luz de la pandemia de COVID-19. Se sostiene que la financiarización, como patrón sistémico de riqueza, potencia el proceso de cosificación de las relaciones socioeconómicas que es inmanente a este sistema, convirtiendo en indispensable la provisión de los servicios de salud por parte del Estado.

Whole-genome sequencing as a first-tier diagnostic framework for rare genetic diseases.

Rare diseases affect nearly 300 million people globally with most patients aged five or less. Traditional diagnostic approaches have provided much of the diagnosis; however, there are limitations. For instance, simply inadequate and untimely diagnosis adversely affects both the patient and their families. This review advocates the use of whole genome sequencing in clinical settings for diagnosis of rare genetic diseases by showcasing five case studies. These examples specifically describe the utilization of whole genome sequencing, which helped in providing relief to patients via correct diagnosis followed by use of precision medicine.

National Health Systems and COVID-19 Death Toll Doubling Time.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has placed stress on all National Health Systems (NHSs) worldwide. Recent studies on the disease have evaluated different variables, namely, quarantine models, mitigation efforts, damage to mental health, mortality of the population with chronic diseases, diagnosis, use of masks and social distancing, and mortality based on age. This study focused on the four NHSs recognized by the WHO. These systems are as follows: (1) The Beveridge model, (2) the Bismarck model, (3) the National Health Insurance (NHI) model, and (4) the "Out-of-Pocket" model. The study analyzes the response of the health systems to the pandemic by comparing the time in days required to double the number of disease-related deaths. The statistical analysis was limited to 56 countries representing 70% of the global population. Each country was grouped into the health system defined by the WHO. The study compared the median death toll DT, between health systems using Mood's median test method. The results show high variability of the temporal trends in each group; none of the health systems for the three analyzed periods maintain stable interquartile ranges (IQRs). Nevertheless, the results obtained show similar medians between the study groups. The COVID-19 pandemic saturates health systems regardless of their management structures, and the result measured with the time for doubling death rate variable is similar among the four NHSs.

Experiencia cubana en planificación de los recursos humanos de enfermería en la epidemia por COVID-19 / Cuban experience in human resources planning for epidemic nursing COVID-19

Introducción: la pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2 ha provocado numerosas víctimas en el plano mundial. A partir de los primeros casos diagnosticados en Cuba, la máxima Dirección del Estado y el Ministerio de Salud Pública dispusieron el reordenamiento de los servicios del Sistema Nacional de Salud para garantizar la atención a los pacientes confirmados con la enfermedad y los programas priorizados con el aseguramiento de los recursos humanos de enfermería, además del desarrollo de acciones para garantizar la continuidad y calidad de las prestaciones proporcionadas. Desarrollo: se organizaron grupos de pesquisa diaria del 100% de la población en las viviendas para identificar a pacientes sintomáticos y se crearon centros para la vigilancia de acuerdo con la clasificación del paciente, ya fuera con- tacto, sospechoso o confirmado. En estos centros, el personal de enfermería mantiene una vigilancia para la detección oportuna de síntomas o agravamiento del estado de salud y efectúa el control de las pruebas diagnósticas por PCR evolutiva y el cumplimiento de los tratamientos médicos hasta su alta. En los hospitales se atienden los casos confirmados y sospechosos de alto riesgo de COVID-19. En estas instituciones se estableció un sistema de trabajo-vigilancia-descanso con el objetivo de garantizar la atención con el personal estrictamente necesario. Conclusiones: este trabajo permite compartir las experiencias vivenciales en la planificación del recurso humano de enfermería en cada una de las etapas y destaca la colaboración médica como muestra de solidaridad y humanismo que caracteriza a la sociedad. Los resultados obtenidos permitirán establecer líneas de trabajo con una clara visión de este fenómeno, con utilización óptima de los recursos materiales y humanos, además de contribuir a la preparación de los profesionales para el intercambio y la experiencia con otros países.

Introduction: The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has hit numbers of victims worldwide, from the first cases diagnosed in Cuba, the highest state administration and the Ministry of Public Health provides the reorganization of the services of the National System of Health, guaranteeing care for patients confirmed with the disease and prioritized programs with the assurance of nursing human resources and the development of actions to guarantee the continuity and quality of the services provided for what the purpose is outlined. Development: Daily investigation groups of 100% of the population were organized in the homes to detect symptomatic patients, surveillance centers were created according to the classification of the patient as contact, suspect and confirmed, in these centers the nurse maintains a surveillance for the timely detection of symptoms or worsening of their health, controls the performance of the evolutionary PCR and compliance with medical treatments until discharge. In hospitals, confirmed and suspected high-risk cases of COVID-19 are treated. In these institutions, a work-surveillance-rest system was established in order to guarantee care with the strictly necessary personnel. Conclusions: In this article we share the experiential experiences in the planning of the nursing human resource in each of the stages and medical collaboration stands out as a sign of solidarity and humanism that characterizes our society. The results obtained will allow establishing lines of work with a clear vision of this phenomenon with optimal use of material and human resources, as well as contributing to the preparation of professionals with a view to exchange and experience with other countries.

Cuando crear sinergia no siempre es Salud: Análisis y propuesta en la evolución del Sistema de Salud en Perú / When creating Synergy is not always Health: Analysis and Proposal on the Evolution of the Health System in Peru

Resumen Los sistemas de salud, basados en los principios de atención primaria, entendida como primer contacto y atención continua, integral, integrada, y coordinada, logran mejores resultados y mayor equidad en salud que los sistemas con orientación centrada sólo en la atención especializada. La propuesta de Redes Integradas de Salud (RIS) en Perú señala que operarán mediante una cartera de atención integral de salud en redes, que atiendan a las necesidades de la población. El presente artículo de revisión reconoce que para ello se debe impulsar un proceso de modificación del sistema de salud, basado en la Atención Primaria, reconociendo las lecciones aprendidas, debe identificar los valores y principios que generen los cimientos para el desarrollo de políticas de estado en salud centradas en las prioridades nacionales de manera que los cambios sociales respondan a las necesidades y expectativas de toda la población. Ello debe impulsar cambios en la legislación, en criterios evaluativos, en generación y asignación de los recursos, enfoque prestacional y en la operación del sistema sanitario a través de sus componentes organizacionales y funcionales que permiten organizar las políticas, programas y servicios. El desarrollo de RIS en grandes ciudades requiere cambiar la lógica de la prestación materno infantil, hacia un enfoque integrado basado en el perfil epidemiológico, de riesgos y vulnerabilidades, teniendo como motor impulsor, un robusto sistema de referencia y contrarreferencia integrado (emergencias, ambulatorio, hospitalización). Se debe actualizar y aprobar un modelo de atención, remodelar la estructura, adecuar la actual infraestructura, infoestructura, recurso humano, equipamiento y los procesos operativos (operaciones) al interior de los establecimientos de salud certificados y adecuados de la RIS.

Summary Health systems, based on primary care principles, understood as first contact and continuous, comprehensive, integrated, and coordinated healthcare, achieve better results and greater equity in health than systems with a focus only on specialized care. The proposal of Integrated Health Networks (RIS) in Peru indicates that they will operate through a portfolio of comprehensive healthcare in networks, which meet the needs of the population. This review article recognizes that for this, a process of modifying the health system based on Primary Care should be promoted, acknowledging the lessons learned, identifying the values and principles that generate the foundations for the development of state health policies focused on national priorities so that social changes must respond to the needs and expectations of the population. This should promote changes in legislation, in evaluative criteria, in the generation and allocation of resources, in performance approach and in the operation of the health system through its organizational and functional components that allow an adequate organization of health policies, programs and services. The development of RIS in larger cities requires changing the focus on mother-child provision towards an integrated approach based on the epidemiological, risks and vulnerabilities profile, having as a driving engine, a robust integrated referral and counter-referral system (emergencies, outpatient, and hospitalization). A model of care must be updated and approved, modeling the structure, adapting the current infrastructure, human resources, equipment and operational processes (operations) within the certified and adequate health facilities of the RIS.

Institutionalization of integrated community case management into national health systems in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review of the literature.

Background: Integrated community case management (iCCM) for malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea continues to be a recommended strategy to address child mortality in areas where access to health facilities is limited.Objective: To identify models of, and gaps in, institutionalization of benchmark components of iCCM into national health systems of low-and-middle-income countries, in order to draw lessons for future iCCM implementation and sustainability.Methods: A scoping review of relevant searchable policy documents and publications available in English literature was undertaken. Data were selected, collated and characterized by three reviewers using the Arksey and O'Malley framework.Results: Overall 19 countries were reviewed. Despite the existence of discrete policies, most iCCM programs relied heavily on implementing partners and donor financing. Parallel implementing partner-run systems were often used to procure and supply iCCM medicines. These modes of implementation occasionally violated some health system strengthening principles. Drug stock-outs were still prominent in several countries, and iCCM indicators were sometimes not integrated into the national health management information system. There were no clearly defined motivation packages for both salaried and unsalaried workers, and there were several supervision challenges. Community-based performance-financing, use of technology with mobile devices (mHealth), small procedural improvements, and provision of targeted rather than universal services, were some of the promising interventions for improved iCCM institutionalization.Conclusion: Sustainable iCCM will require improved ownership by the benefiting communities and the local and central governments. Government commitment should be evident in budgeting processes and implementation strategies.

Estado burocrático e a formação em gestão em saúde em perspectiva histórica: semelhanças e diferenças entre Brasil e Espanha / Bureaucratic state and health management training from a historical perspective: similarities and differences between Brazil and Spain

Resumo Este artigo descreveu o contexto histórico da formação em gestão em saúde oferecida no Brasil e buscou identificar suas semelhanças e diferenças com aquela oferecida na Espanha. Adotou-se uma abordagem qualitativa da realidade e o método comparado foi empregado. Como fonte de dados, utilizaram-se a bibliografia científica, os documentos oficiais, que orientam as intervenções no campo da formação em gestão em saúde nos dois países, e a entrevista semiestruturada. As entrevistas foram realizadas com gestores selecionados pelo fato de estarem ocupando ou de terem ocupado cargos de gestão e que tenham participado da conformação da política de saúde, totalizando quatro gestores brasileiros e seis espanhóis. Apoiados na análise de conteúdo temática, os resultados se relacionaram com a categoria "institucionalidade" a partir dos seguintes temas: política de saúde e educação; política de formação de gestores; e profissionalização. Identificou-se como elemento comum o fato de tanto o Brasil quanto a Espanha adotarem a proteção à saúde como direito de cidadania por meio de sistemas públicos e universais de saúde. A diferença mais significativa diz respeito à cobertura populacional, alcançada na quase totalidade na Espanha no final dos anos 1990. Evidenciou-se a inexistência de uma política nacional de formação de gestores nos dois países, considerada central para a profissionalização da gestão em saúde. Ainda que o tema da profissionalização esteja presente no Brasil, na Espanha assumiu contornos institucionais distintos com avanços significativos em período recente.

Abstract The article described the historical context of health management training in Brazil and aimed at identifying similarities and differences between this training in Brazil and Spain, using qualitative approach and comparative method. Data sources included the scientific literature, official documents orienting interventions in health management training, and semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted with managers selected on the basis of currently occupying or having occupied management positions, besides experience and participation in shaping policies in health, totaling four managers in Brazil and six in Spain. Based on thematic content analysis, the results were related to the category of "institutionality" according to the following themes: health and education policy, management training policy, and professionalization. A common element was that Brazil and Spain both adopt health protection as a civic right through universal public health systems. The most significant difference relates to population coverage, nearly complete in Spain in the late 1990s. The study showed the lack of a national training policy for managers in both countries and that such a policy is essential for professionalization in health management. Although the theme of professionalization exists in Brazil, in Spain it has distinct institutional characteristics, having achieved important recent progress.

User satisfaction in the spanish health system: trend analysis / Satisfacción de los usuarios en el sistema de salud español: análisis de tendencias

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the trend of opinion and satisfaction indicators of the Spanish national health system from 2005 to 2017. METHODS Ecological study of time series analyzing the trend of eight indicators of opinion and satisfaction on the Spanish national health system and its autonomous communities from 2005 to 2017. The data was obtained from the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality and from the Health Barometer. The Prais-Winsten regression method was used. RESULTS A static tendency was observed in the perception of users on how the health system works (APC = 1.898, 95%CI -0.954 - 4.751) and decreasing opinion on the improvement of primary care (APC = -0.283; 95%CI -0.335 - -0.121), specialized (APC = -0.241, 95%CI -0.74 - -0.109) and hospitalization (APC = -0.171, 95%CI -0.307 - -0.036). Satisfaction with knowledge and follow-up by the family doctor and pediatrician showed an increasing trend (APC = 7.939, 95%CI 3.965 - 11.914). Satisfaction with medical and nursing professionals was static. No large differences were observed in the trends of the indicators studied in the autonomous communities. CONCLUSIONS A negative trend was observed in the opinion of the Spanish national health system users. Financing, human resources, quality management systems and differences in the autonomous communities may be some of the causes.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO Analizar la tendencia de indicadores de opinión y satisfacción del sistema nacional de salud español de 2005 a 2017. MÉTODOS Estudio ecológico de series temporales analizando la tendencia de ocho indicadores de opinión y satisfacción sobre el sistema nacional de salud y sus comunidades autónomas de 2005 a 2017. Los datos se obtuvieron del Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad y del Barómetro Sanitario. Se utilizó el método de autoregresión de Prais-Winsten. RESULTADOS Se observó una tendencia estática en la percepción de los usuarios sobre el funcionamiento del sistema sanitario (APC = 1,898; IC95% -0,954-4,751) y decreciente sobre la opinión en la mejora de la atención primaria (APC = -0.283; IC95% -0,335- -0.121), especializada (APC = -0,241; IC95% -0.74- -0.109) y hospitalización (APC = -0.171; IC95% -0,307- -0,036). La satisfacción con el conocimiento y seguimiento por el médico de familia y pediatra mostró una tendencia creciente (APC = 7,939; IC95% 3,965-11,914). La satisfacción con los profesionales de medicina y enfermería fue estática. No se observaron grandes diferencias en las tendencias de los indicadores estudiados en las comunidades autónomas. CONCLUSIONES Se observó una tendencia negativa en la opinión de los usuarios del sistema nacional de salud español. Financiación, recursos humanos, sistemas de gestión de calidad y diferencias en las comunidades autónomas pueden ser algunas de las causas.

Vinculação orçamentária do gasto em saúde no Brasil: resultados e argumentos a seu favor

Alocar recursos suficientes ao Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) é premissa básica para o cumprimento por parte do Estado de seu dever de garantir acesso universal, igualitário e integral a bens e a serviços de saúde no Brasil. Como forma de assegurar recursos mínimos ao sistema, a vinculação orçamentária do gasto em saúde foi instituída. Recentemente, em meio à crise fiscal e às mudanças no ambiente político no país, cogita-se a extinção desta vinculação. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar evidências e discutir a relevância da manutenção da vinculação orçamentária do gasto público em saúde, contribuindo, dessa forma, com o debate público sobre o tema. Realizou-se uma revisão narrativa da literatura técnico-científica e de documentos legais para organizar a discussão sobre os assuntos tratados em duas perspectivas: i) uma histórica, sobre a regulamentação da aplicação mínima de recursos no SUS, incluindo no relato as proposições que não lograram êxito e as motivações para esta regulamentação; e ii) outra de fundamentação teórico-empírica da hipótese de que os sistemas públicos universais de saúde, como o SUS, e a vinculação orçamentária do gasto mínimo em saúde no Brasil são relevantes à garantia do direito à saúde tal qual inscrito na Constituição Federal de 1988 (CF/1988). Considerando as evidências apresentadas sobre a falta de prioridade com o sistema e, consequentemente, com a garantia do direito à saúde no país, a conclusão é de que a vinculação orçamentária do gasto em saúde continua sendo imprescindível. Mesmo assim, esta vinculação, por si só, não resolve o problema de financiamento do sistema, já que, a despeito da instituição dos pisos de aplicação a partir de 2000, os gastos com saúde ainda são muito baixos comparados com os de países de renda semelhante e que não possuem sistema universal de saúde. Contudo, constitui importante mecanismo de proteção contra retrocesso na oferta de bens e serviços de saúde, algo vedado pela CF/1988. A estabilidade no financiamento do SUS é fundamental para que a provisão não sofra solução de continuidade e, para isso, a vinculação orçamentária cumpre papel vital, considerando a trajetória do financiamento público da saúde. Ainda assim, o país precisa realizar esforço adicional para garantir recursos suficientes para o financiamento do SUS, diante dos desafios que se colocam ao sistema decorrentes de questões epidemiológicas, demográficas e tecnológicas que impulsionam o crescimento dos gastos em saúde

Allocating sufficient resources to the Unified Health System (SUS) is a basic premise for compliance by the State with its duty to guarantee universal, equal and integral access to health goods and services in Brazil. As a way of ensuring minimal resources to the system, the compulsory expenditure with health was instituted. Recently, amid the fiscal crisis and the changes in the political environment in the country, the extinction of this compulsory expenditure is considered. In this context, the objective of this paper is to present evidence and discuss the relevance of maintaining the compulsory public health expenditure, thus contributing to the public debate on the topic. A narrative review of the technical-scientific literature and legal documents was performed to organize the discussion on the subjects treated in two perspectives: i) a historical perspective on the regulation of the minimum application of resources in the SUS, including in the report the propositions that weren't approved and the motivations for this regulation; and ii) a theoretical-empirical perspective on the hypothesis that universal public health systems, such as the SUS, and the compulsory health expenditure in Brazil are relevant to the right to health as determined by the Federal Constitution of 1988 (CF/1988). Considering the evidence presented about the lack of priority with the system and, consequently, with the guarantee of the right to health in Brazil, the conclusion is that the compulsory health expenditure remains essential. Even so, this obligation alone does not solve the financing problem of the system, since in spite of the institution of the floors of application from 2000, health expenses are still very low compared to those countries with similar income and who do not have a universal health system. However, it is an important mechanism to protect against throwback in the supply of health goods and services, something that is forbidden by CF/1988. The stability in the financing of the SUS is fundamental and the compulsory health expenditure fulfilled vital role, considering the trajectory of public health financing. Nonetheless, the country needs to make an additional effort to guarantee sufficient resources to finance the SUS, given the challenges posed to the system stemming from epidemiological, demographic and technological issues that drive the growth of health spending.

High Out-of-Pocket Health Spending in Countries With a Mediterranean Connection.

In this study, we analyzed healthcare provision and health expenditure across six Mediterranean countries that adopt the National Health System (Beveridge model) and that form part of the European Union (EU) with the main aim being that of analyzing and comparing out-of-pocket health spending in countries with a European Mediterranean connection. To this end, we considered various economic indicators and statistics to derive commonalities and differences across these countries and also compared trends in these indicators to those observed across the rest of the EU. We then analyzed these findings in light of other data related to the quality of healthcare delivery and the infrastructure of the health system and discussed recent developments in healthcare within each country and the main challenges faced by the respective health systems. The results show that on average, Mediterranean countries spend less on total healthcare expenditure (THE) than the EU average, both as a proportion of GDP, as well as in per capita terms. This is primarily driven by lower-than-EU-average public funding of healthcare. The 2008/2009 macro-economic and financial crisis had a significant impact on the countries under review, and explains the persistent reductions in public health spending as part of the austerity measures put in force across sectors. On the flipside, Mediterranean countries have a higher presence of private health providers in total funding, thereby explaining the higher Out-of-Pocket (OOPs) health expenditures in these countries relative to the EU-average. With regard to the overall health infrastructure in these countries, we observed that although the supply of physicians is largely in line with the rest of the EU, there is under-supply when it comes to hospital beds. This may be symptomatic of lower government funding. Nonetheless, all countries score highly in the evaluation of the quality of health services, as recorded by international rankings like the WHO's 2000 metric, whereas health system performance indicators, namely mortality rates and life expectancy reveal favorable health outcomes in the Mediterranean EU countries. The findings in this paper may be seen in light of the Mediterranean region's lifestyle in terms of diet, health behavior, health beliefs and shared culture. In particular, the higher out-of-pocket expenditure may reflect the tendency for one-to-one relationships with private clinicians and the pursuit of person-centered care (1). Additionally, the Mediterranean people may not be as disciplined as their European counterparts in accessing and using the public health sector. The lower THE also reflects the fact that the Mediterranean countries are less wealthy than the more economically-advanced European countries.