Finding social need-les in a haystack: ascertaining social needs of Medicare patients recorded in the notes of care managers.

BACKGROUND: Unmet social needs may impair health and access to health care, and intervening on these holds particular promise in high-risk patient populations, such as those with multiple chronic conditions. Our objective was to identify social needs in a patient population at significant risk-Medicare enrollees with multiple chronic illnesses enrolled in care management services-and measure their prevalence prior to any systematic screening. METHODS: We partnered with Renova Health, an independent Medicare Chronic Care Management (CCM) provider with patients in 10 states during our study period (January 2017 through August 2020). Our data included over 3,000 Medicare CCM patients, representing nearly 20,000 encounters. We used a dictionary-based natural language processing approach to ascertain the prevalence of six domains of barriers to care (food insecurity, housing instability, utility hardship) and unmet social needs (health care affordability, need for supportive services, transportation) in notes taken during telephonic Medicare CCM patient encounters. RESULTS: Barriers to care, specifically need for supportive services (2.4%) and health care affordability (0.8%), were the most prevalent domains identified. Transportation as a barrier to care came up relatively less frequently in CCM encounters (0.1%). Unmet social needs were identified at a comparatively lower rate, with potential housing instability (0.3%) flagged most followed by potential utility hardship (0.2%) and food insecurity (0.1%). CONCLUSIONS: There is substantial untapped opportunity to systematically screen for social determinants of health and unmet social needs in care management.

From Product to Patient-Transfusion and Patient Blood Management.

This Viewpoint discusses how patient blood management can help curb the demand for blood products and reduce harm by determining who would most benefit from a blood transfusion.

SPLF/SMFU/SRLF/SFAR/SFCTCV Guidelines for the management of patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax: Endorsed by the French Speaking Society of Respiratory Diseases (SPLF), the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU), the French Intensive Care Society (SRLF), the French Society of Anesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine (SFAR) and the French Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (SFCTCV)

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is the presence of air in the pleural space, occurring in the absence of trauma and known lung disease. Standardized expert guidelines on PSP are needed due to the variety of diagnostic methods, therapeutic strategies and medical and surgical disciplines involved in its management. Literature review, analysis of literature according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology; proposals for guidelines rated by experts, patients, and organizers to reach a consensus. Only expert opinions with strong agreement were selected. A large PSP is defined as presence of a visible rim along the entire axillary line between the lung margin and the chest wall and ≥2 cm at the hilum level on frontal chest x-ray. The therapeutic strategy depends on the clinical presentation: emergency needle aspiration for tension PSP; in the absence of signs of severity: conservative management (small PSP), needle aspiration or chest tube drainage (large PSP). Outpatient treatment is possible if a dedicated outpatient care system is previously organized. Indications, surgical procedures and perioperative analgesia are detailed. Associated measures, including smoking cessation, are described. These guidelines are a step towards PSP treatment and follow-up strategy optimization in France.

Integrated Telehealth Infrastructure for Ambulatory Stroke Pathway Tyrol.

BACKGROUND: The Integrated Treatment Pathway Stroke Tyrol was introduced for the care of people after an acute stroke event and includes four phases: acute prehospital care, inpatient treatment, inpatient rehabilitation and ambulatory, outpatient rehabilitation. For the 4th phase, the ambulatory rehabilitation of patients after discharge, the ICT platform "StrokeNet Tyrol" was established. METHODS: Requirements and processes along the pathway and between the interdisciplinary team were taken into account for implementation based on a modular software architecture. Flexible rights and role concept was developed to support efficient collaboration of the heterogenic professions. RESULTS: The routine usage of 342 users with 8 different roles, 2,219 registered patient cases within the last 4 years and first results of the integrated benchmarking solution give a positive impression regarding feasibility and effectiveness. CONCLUSION: To this point, a comprehensive infrastructure for the Ambulatory Tyrolean Stroke Pathway has been established. Results from outcome analyses and comparative studies could help to further improve usability and to expand the area of application for other indications.

Implementation Science Perspectives on Implementing Telemedicine Interventions for Hypertension or Diabetes Management: Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and diabetes are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Telemedicine is an accessible and cost-effective means of supporting hypertension and diabetes management, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technological solutions for care. However, to date, no review has examined the contextual factors that influence the implementation of telemedicine interventions for hypertension or diabetes worldwide. OBJECTIVE: We adopted a comprehensive implementation research perspective to synthesize the barriers to and facilitators of implementing telemedicine interventions for the management of hypertension, diabetes, or both. METHODS: We performed a scoping review involving searches in Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify studies published in English from 2017 to 2022 describing barriers and facilitators related to the implementation of telemedicine interventions for hypertension and diabetes management. The coding and synthesis of barriers and facilitators were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. RESULTS: Of the 17,687 records identified, 35 (0.2%) studies were included in our scoping review. We found that facilitators of and barriers to implementation were dispersed across the constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Barriers related to cost, patient needs and resources (eg, lack of consideration of language needs, culture, and rural residency), and personal attributes of patients (eg, demographics and priorities) were the most common. Facilitators related to the design and packaging of the intervention (eg, user-friendliness), patient needs and resources (eg, personalized information that leveraged existing strengths), implementation climate (eg, intervention embedded into existing infrastructure), knowledge of and beliefs about the intervention (eg, convenience of telemedicine), and other personal attributes (eg, technical literacy) were the most common. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the successful implementation of telemedicine interventions for hypertension and diabetes requires comprehensive efforts at the planning, execution, engagement, and reflection and evaluation stages of intervention implementation to address challenges at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and environmental levels.

Devices for remote monitoring of Parkinson's disease

Evidence-based recommendations on Kinesia 360 and KinesiaU (Great Lakes NeuroTechnologies), PDMonitor (PD Neurotechnology), Personal KinetiGraph (Global Kinetics) and STAT­ON (Sense4care) for remote monitoring of Parkinson's disease.

Dispositivos cardíacos implantables y uso de resonancia magnética / Cardiac implantable devices and use of magnetic resonance / Dispositivos cardíacos implantáveis e utilização da ressonância magnética

El uso de la resonancia magnética (RM) en las distintas áreas de la medicina se ha expandido de manera significativa y de forma diaria se solicitan numerosos estudios. El hecho de que los resonadores pueden interaccionar con algunos objetos ha llevado a que históricamente se les niegue la realización de este estudio a pacientes portadores de dispositivos cardíacos porque se entiende que existen contraindicaciones absolutas. El avance de la tecnología de los dispositivos y la creciente evidencia publicada han cambiado este concepto. Nos proponemos revisar los mecanismos por los cuales un dispositivo implantable puede interactuar con el resonador y las implicancias clínicas que esto podría tener si las hubiera. La mayoría de los pacientes portadores de dispositivos cardíacos de estimulación podrán realizarse una RM, pero para que este procedimiento sea seguro es importante conocer las características y el tipo específico de dispositivo implantado. Proponemos finalmente puntos clave y algoritmos para tener en cuenta para el manejo adecuado de estos pacientes.

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in different areas of medicine has expanded significantly and numerous procedures are indicated daily. The fact that resonators could interact with some objects has historically led to patients with cardiac devices being denied an MRI on the understanding that they suppose an absolute contraindication. Advances in device technology and the increasing evidence have changed this concept. We intend to review the mechanisms by which an implantable device could interact with the resonator and the clinical implications that this could have if any. Most patients will be able to undergo these studies, but to determine the safety of performing an MRI it is important to know the characteristics and specific type of implanted device. Finally, we provide key points and algorithms to take into account for these patients.

O uso da ressonância magnética em diferentes áreas da medicina tem se expandido significativamente e inúmeros exames são indicados diariamente. A possibilidade de que os ressonadores interajam com alguns objetos historicamente levou os pacientes com dispositivos cardíacos a terem a ressonância magnética negada por entender que existem contraindicações absolutas. Os avanços na tecnologia de dispositivos e o aumento das evidências publicadas mudaram esse conceito. Pretendemos revisar os mecanismos pelos quais um dispositivo implantável pode interagir com o ressonador e as implicações clínicas que isso pode ter, se houver. A grande maioria dos pacientes poderá se submeter a esses estudos, mas para determinar a segurança de realizar uma ressonância magnética é importante conhecer as características e o tipo específico de dispositivo implantado. Por fim, propomos pontos e algoritmos para a gestão dos pacientes.

Manejo del paciente anticoagulado en una cirugía dental / Management of the anticoagulated patient in dental surgery / Gerenciamento do paciente anticoagulado em cirurgia odontológica

Introducción: una adecuada hemostasia es crucial para el éxito del tratamiento odontológico invasivo, ya que los problemas de sangrado pueden dar lugar a complicaciones asociadas a una importante morbimortalidad. El tratamiento odontológico de pacientes que tienden a un mayor riesgo de sangrado debido al uso de fármacos anticoagulantes plantea un desafío en la práctica diaria de los profesionales de la odontología. El conocimiento adecuado de los mecanismos subyacentes a la hemostasia y el manejo optimizado de estos pacientes son, por lo tanto, cuestiones muy importantes. Se realiza un estudio de los fármacos anticoagulantes actualmente disponibles en el mercado, evaluando los riesgos y beneficios de suspender dicho fármaco previo a un tratamiento odontológico invasivo. Además, se hace una revisión de los protocolos de manejo actuales que se utilizan en estos pacientes. Material y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos Epistemonikos y Medline/PubMed; en el portal Timbó y en la biblioteca virtual Scielo. Abarcando todos los estudios publicados en los últimos 15 años en inglés y español. Se encontraron 30 artículos, se seleccionaron 15 en primera instancia para finalizar con 11 artículos. En dicha selección el filtro fue que los demás artículos se referían a otros anticoagulantes que no eran parte de este trabajo. Resultados: se han desarrollado múltiples protocolos de manejo, aunque en todos los casos se requiere una historia clínica completa, junto con pruebas hemostáticas complementarias para minimizar los riesgos derivados del tratamiento odontológico. Discusión: muchos autores consideran que la medicación de los pacientes indicada para el tratamiento de una enfermedad de base no debe ser alterada o suspendida a menos que así lo indique el médico prescriptor. Se ha demostrado que las medidas hemostáticas locales son suficientes para controlar los posibles problemas de sangrado derivados del tratamiento dental.

Introduction: Adequate hemostasis is crucial for the success of invasive dental treatment, since bleeding problems can lead to complications associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The dental treatment of patients who are prone to an increased risk of bleeding due to the use of anticoagulant drugs poses a challenge in the daily practice of dental professionals. Adequate knowledge of the mechanisms underlying hemostasis and optimized management of these patients are therefore very important issues. A review is made of the anticoagulant drugs currently available on the market, evaluating the risks and benefits of suspending such a drug prior to invasive dental treatment. In addition, a review is made of the current management protocols used in these patients. Material and methods: A bibliographic search was carried out in the Epistemonikos and Medline/PubMed databases; in the Timbo portal and in the Scielo virtual library. All the studies published in the last 15 years in English and Spanish were included. Thirty articles were found, 15 were selected in the first instance to end up with 11 articles. In this selection, the filter was that the other articles referred to other anticoagulants that were not part of this work. Results: multiple management protocols have been developed, although in all cases a complete clinical history is required, together with complementary hemostatic tests to minimize the risks derived from dental treatment. Discussion: many authors consider that the patient's medication indicated for the treatment of an underlying disease should not be altered or suspended unless so indicated by the prescribing physician. It has been shown that local hemostatic measures are sufficient to control possible bleeding problems derived from dental treatment.

Introdução: A hemostasia adequada é crucial para o sucesso do tratamento dentário invasivo, pois problemas de sangramento podem levar a complicações associadas a uma morbidade e mortalidade significativas. O tratamento odontológico de pacientes que são propensos a um risco maior de sangramento devido ao uso de drogas anticoagulantes representa um desafio na prática diária dos profissionais da odontologia. O conhecimento adequado dos mecanismos subjacentes à hemostasia e o gerenciamento otimizado desses pacientes são, portanto, questões muito importantes. É realizada uma revisão dos anticoagulantes atualmente disponíveis no mercado, avaliando os riscos e benefícios de descontinuar tal medicamento antes do tratamento dentário invasivo. Além disso, é feita uma revisão dos protocolos de gerenciamento atuais usados nesses pacientes. Material e métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados Epistemonikos e Medline/PubMed; no portal Timbo e na biblioteca virtual Scielo. Todos os estudos publicados nos últimos 15 anos, em inglês e espanhol, foram incluídos. Trinta artigos foram encontrados, 15 foram selecionados em primeira instância para acabar com 11 artigos. Nesta seleção, o filtro foi que os outros artigos se referiam a outros anticoagulantes que não faziam parte deste trabalho. Resultados: foram desenvolvidos múltiplos protocolos de gerenciamento, embora em todos os casos seja necessário um histórico clínico completo, juntamente com testes hemostáticos complementares para minimizar os riscos derivados do tratamento odontológico. Discussão: muitos autores consideram que a medicação os pacientes indicada para o tratamento de uma doença subjacente não deve ser alterada ou descontinuada, a menos que o médico que a prescreve dê instruções nesse sentido. Medidas hemostáticas locais demonstraram ser suficientes para controlar potenciais problemas de sangramento resultantes do tratamento odontológico.

Iniciativa Rede Colaborativa Brasil. Estudo de caracterização clínica e manejo de pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19: Geração de conhecimento em contribuição ao SUS e à Plataforma Clínica Global COVID-19

Esta publicação tem o objetivo de compartilhar e disseminar a experiência de uma rede hospitalar de aproximadamente 60 hospitais públicos, com objetivo de ampliação do conhecimento sobre a severidade, caracterização clínica, manejo dos pacientes e impacto da Covid-19 na população hospitalizada, como subsídios para o enfrentamento da pandemia e pós pandemia. No Brasil, o desenvolvimento do Projeto OMS “Plataforma Clínica Global Covid-19”, no período 2020/2021, contribuiu com o esforço global para coleta de dados clínicos anônimos relativos a hospitalizações suspeitas ou confirmadas de COVID-19, tendo como propósito mapear as principais características clínicas e fatores prognósticos dos casos de hospitalização por suspeita ou confirmação de COVID-19, ampliando o conhecimento sobre a severidade, espectro e impacto da doença na população hospitalizada globalmente, em diferentes países e, identificar as intervenções clínicas. No período de 2020 à março/21, houve um processo de coleta de dados anonimizados, análise e alimentação da Plataforma Clínica Global Covid com aproximadamente 20.000 internações, conforme demonstrado na publicação do Relatório OMS "REPORT ON THE CLINICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF COVID-19 BRAZIL”. A OPAS/OMS-Brasil, por meio da Unidade Técnica de Sistemas e Serviços de Saúde, coordenou o projeto em parceria com o Departamento de Atenção Hospitalar, Domiciliar e de urgência, da Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde, do Ministério da Saúde, possibilitando a efetivação do respectivo projeto. Participaram do Projeto 53 hospitais, sendo a grande maioria hospitais universitário com atuação fundamental nas áreas do ensino, pesquisa e assistência, fundamentais ao nosso Sistema Público de Saúde (Sistema Único de Saúde- SUS). Tendo em vista a continuidade da pandemia COVID-19 em 2022, o surgimento de novas variantes e recrudescimentos em diversos territórios ao longo do primeiro semestre de 2022, verificou-se a necessidade de seguimento e atualização da pesquisa para caracterização clínica das internações hospitalares com confirmação Covid-19. A iniciativa torna-se um recurso potente para os pesquisadores brasileiros, além de subsidiar os gestores de saúde em âmbito federal, estadual e municipal na implementação de políticas públicas de saúde para o aprimoramento do SUS.

دليل تقييم سلامة المرضى

تكتسي معايير سلامة المرضى أهمية بالغة لإرساء برامج سلامة المرضى وتقييمها في ِ المستشفيات. وتعرض هذه الطبعة الثالثة من دليل تقييم سلامة المرضى مجموعة محدثة من القواعد ومعايير التقييم، التي تجسد أفضل الممارسات الحالية وإرشادات منظمة َ الصحة العالمية في هذا المجال. وسيدعم الدليل تنفيذ برامج تقييم سلامة المرضى في المستشفيات وتحسينها ضمن إطار عمل المستشفيات المراعية لسلامة المرضى بما يضمن أن تكون سلامة المرضى أولوية، وأن تنفذ المرافق وطواقم العمل بها أفضل الممارسات. وهذا الدليل أداة رئيسية تستخدمها الجمعيات المهنية، والجهات التنظيمية أو الرقابية أو هيئات االعتماد، ووزارات الصحة من أجل تحسين سلامة المرضى

Oncological patient management on the territory: The results of a survey in the north-west of Italy

Objective: To investigate the role of community pharmacists in the therapeutic process of oncological patients and to assess these patients’ state of acceptance of their disease and their relationship with their therapies, we performed a survey in some oncological clinics in Turin (north-west of Italy). Methods: The survey was carried out in a three months’ period by means of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered on paper to oncological patients that attended 5 oncological clinics in Turin. The questionnaire was self-administered. Results: 266 patients filled out the questionnaire. More than half of patients reported that their cancer diagnosis interfered with normal life very much or extremely and almost 70% of patients reported that they were accepting of what happened and were trying to fight back. 65% of patients answered that it is important or very important that pharmacists are aware of their health status. About 3 out of 4 patients thought that pharmacists giving information on medicines purchased and on how to use them is important or very important and that it is important to receive information concerning health and the effects of medication taken. Conclusion: Our study underlines the role of territorial health units in the management of oncological patients. It can be said that the community pharmacy is certainly a channel of election, not only in cancer prevention but also in the management of those patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer. More comprehensive and specific pharmacist training is necessary for the management of this type of patient. Furthermore, it is necessary to improve the awareness of this issue in community pharmacists at the local and national levels by creating a network of qualified pharmacies developed in collaboration with oncologists, GPs, dermatologists, psychologists and cosmetics companies. (AU)