Las reservas de material sanitario estratégico. Reflexiones legales y económicas / [Reserves of strategic medical supplies. Legal and economic reflections]

En este trabajo se presenta un análisis de los principales problemas que plantean las reservas de material sanitario estratégico. Entre otras cuestiones se aborda las referidas a la identificación de la agencia responsable de crear tales reservas, qué se ha de reservar, cómo se han de gestionar las reservas, la trascendencia del enfoque conjunto, así como la necesidad de establecer estrategias adecuadas para emergencias y catástrofes que puedan tener impacto en la salud pública. (AU)

This paper presents an analysis of the key issues posed by strategic healthcare material reserves. Among other matters, it addresses those related to identifying the agency responsible for creating such reserves, what should be reserved, how reserves should be managed, the significance of a collaborative approach, as well as the necessity to establish appropriate strategies for emergencies and disasters that may impact public health. (AU)

Manual de biossegurança e bioprotecção 2ª edição, 2022 / Biosafety and bioprotection 2nd edition, 2022

A Biossegurança e Bioprotecção em Laboratórios de Saúde Pública, Laboratórios de Análises Clínicas e instituções de pesquisa em saúde são áreas do conhecimento relativamente novas, reguladas em vários países por um conjunto de leis, normas, directrizes e procedimentos específicos. Actualmente, a Biossegurança e a Bioprotecção são vistas como disciplinas científicas que requerem um domínio de conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes (CHA) multi-disciplinares. A aplicação dos princípios de Biossegurança e Bioprotecção é essencial para conter, prevenir, reduzir e eliminar os riscos de exposição por agentes microbiológicos, químicos, físicos, ergonómicos, acidentais e entre outros perigos que podem ou poderiam causar doenças de âmbito ocupacional. A Biossegurança e a Bioprotecção são também importantes para prevenir a exposição a riscos aos familiares de profissionais de saúde, utentes dos serviços de saúde, e para garantir a protecção do meio ambiente e da vida selvagem

Pharmaceutical services in primary health care: dissatisfaction among users, managers and pharmacists

Abstract To assess the performance indicators for pharmaceutical services (PS) in primary health care (PHC), the level of satisfaction with pharmacy services among users and managers / pharmacists' impressions in relation to the findings were evaluated. The study used mixed methods, including a retrospective and descriptive study of the performance indicators for PS in PHC, an observational study on the level of satisfaction and a qualitative study of users' perception of pharmacy services at Health Units. Managers and pharmacists' impressions of the study results were also collected. Only 44.4% of pharmacies had a full-time pharmacist. From the establishments visited, 5.3% did not have an air-conditioned environment, and only 33.3% of the items essential to the Good Practices of Storage of Medicines and Supplies criteria were fulfilled. Although 77.9% of the prescribed medicines were dispensed, it did not reach the 80% standard. The satisfaction level of users was 3.2±0.6, indicating dissatisfaction with pharmacies' services. By means of an evaluation of each item within the questionnaire, it was possible to observe that variables related to pharmaceutical care presented low scores in relation to other domains, thus evidencing the fragility of the pharmaceutical- patient relationship in users' perception. Managers and pharmacists suggested that these results were related to the inadequate physical infrastructure of pharmacies, work overload, lack of recognition and undervaluation of pharmacists, lack of interaction within the PHC team, high turnover of pharmacists, and lack of PS prioritization by the administration. PS in PHC has structural and organizational weaknesses that require changes. In general, users are dissatisfied with pharmacies' services, especially with pharmaceutical care.

Remote monitoring in telehealth care delivery across the U.S. cystic fibrosis care network.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) programs and people with CF (PwCF) employed various monitoring methods for virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper characterizes experiences with remote monitoring across the U.S. CF community. METHODS: The CF Foundation (CFF) sponsored distribution of home spirometers (April 2020 to May 2021), surveys to PwCF and CF programs (July to September 2020), and a second program survey (April to May 2021). We used mixed methods to explore access, use, and perspectives regarding the use of remote monitoring in future care. RESULTS: By October 2020, 13,345 spirometers had been distributed, and 19,271 spirometers by May 2021. Programs (n=286) estimated proportions of PwCF with home devices increased over seven months: spirometers (30% to 70%), scales (50% to 70%), oximeters (5% to 10%) with higher estimates in adult programs for spirometers and oximeters. PwCF (n=378) had access to scales (89%), followed by oximeters (48%) and spirometers (47%), often using scales and oximeters weekly, and spirometers monthly. Over both surveys, some programs had no method to collect respiratory specimens for cultures associated with telehealth visits (47%, n=132; 41%, n=118). Most programs (81%) had a process for phlebotomy associated with a telehealth visit, primarily through off-site labs. Both PwCF and programs felt future care should advance remote monitoring and recommended improvements for access, training, and data collection systems. CONCLUSIONS: PwCF and programs experienced unprecedented access to remote monitoring and raised its importance for future care. Improvements to current systems may leverage these shared experiences to augment future care models.

O olhar de enfermeiros assistenciais frente a implantação do programa Lean nas emergências hospitalares / The assistant nurses' perspective facing the implementation of the Lean program in hospital emergencies

Objetivo: analisar o impacto na implantação do Projeto Lean, sob ótica de enfermeiros assistenciais. Método: estudo descritivo, exploratório, retrospectivo, documental, de abordagem qualitativa, com enfermeiros assistenciais lotados em um Hospital de Ensino. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, no ano de 2019. Utilizou-se Análise de Conteúdo na modalidade Temática. Resultados: Evidenciaram-se problemas como aumento da carga de trabalho e dimensionamento de pessoal incipiente. A equipe de enfermagem, durante a realização da assistência enfrenta limitações quando se refere ao dimensionamento inadequado e quantitativo insuficiente de profissionais e recursos materiais disponíveis, tornando o trabalho desgastante. Conclusão: O estudo mostrou a necessidade de dimensionamento de pessoal de enfermagem adequado bem como previsão e provisão de materiais médico-hospitalares para uma assistência de qualidade, buscando agregar valor ao paciente bem como sua satisfação com o atendimento na Instituição.(AU)

Objective: analyze the impact on the implementation of the Lean Program, on the perspective of assistant nurses. Method: descriptive, exploratory, retrospective, and documental study, of qualitative approach, with assistant nurses from a Teaching Hospital. The data was collected by semi structured interviews, in the year 2019. Content Analysis was used in the Thematic modality. Results: Problems such as the increase of working hours and incipient staff sizing were evidenced. The nursing staff, during the assistancefaces limitations when it is related to the inadequate sizing and insufficient qualitative of professionals and material resources available, making it an exhausting work. Conclusion: the study has shown the necessity of adequate nursing staff sizing as well as prediction and provision of medical and hospital materials for good quality assistance, seekingto add value to the patient as well as their satisfaction with the care provided at the institution.(AU)

Objetivo: analizar el impacto en la implementación del Proyecto Lean, desde la perspectiva de los enfermeros clínicos. Método: estudio descriptivo, exploratorio, retrospectivo, documental, con abordaje cualitativo, con enfermeros clínicos que en un Hospital Docente. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, en el año 2019. Se utilizó Análisis de Contenido en la modalidad Temática. Resultados: Se evidenciaron problemas como aumento de la carga de trabajo y dimensionamiento del personal incipiente. El equipo de enfermería, durante la atención, se enfrenta a limitaciones en cuanto a dimensionamiento inadecuado y cantidad insuficiente de profesionales y recursos materiales disponibles, lo que hace que el trabajo sea agotador. Conclusión: El estudio mostró la necesidad de un adecuado dimensionamiento del personal de enfermería, así como la previsión y provisión de materiales médico-hospitalarios para una atención de calidad, buscando agregar valor al paciente, así como su satisfacción con la atención en la institución.(AU)

Denúncias da enfermagem brasileira sobre a exposição a riscos laborais durante a pandemia de COVID-19 / Complaints of Brazilian Nursing about exposure to occupational risks during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objetivo: Refletir sobre os aspectos relacionados ao trabalho da equipe de Enfermagem, durante a pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de uma reflexão sobre alguns aspectos das condições de trabalho e a exposição aos riscos à saúde dos profissionais de Enfermagem no Brasil, fundamentada nas informações do Observatório de Enfermagem e dos relatórios de fiscalização do Conselho Federal de Enfermagem (COFEN), e da Pesquisa Perfil da Enfermagem no Brasil. Resultados: Os profissionais de Enfermagem brasileiros tem enfrentado duras condições de trabalho, a exemplo da insuficiência e a inadequação dos Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (EPI) e o subdimensionamento das equipes, com isso aumentando os riscos à saúde dos trabalhadores. Conclusões: A pandemia exacerbou problemas enfrentados pelos profissionais de Enfermagem, e o déficit de EPI com o subdimensionamento das equipes e a sobrecarga de trabalho podem estar associados ao elevado número de óbitos de profissionais durante o período analisado.(AU)

Objective: To reflect on aspects related to the work of the Nursing team, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Methods: This is a reflection on some aspects of working conditions and the exposure to health risks of nursing professionals in Brazil, based on information from the Nursing Observatory and inspection reports from the Federal Nursing Council (COFEN), and the Nursing Profile Survey in Brazil. Results: Brazilian Nursing professionals have faced harsh working conditions, such as the insufficiency and inadequacy of the Equipment of Individual Protection (EIP) and the undersizing of teams, thereby increasing the risks to workers' health. Conclusions: The pandemic has exacerbated problems faced by nursing professionals, and the deficit in EIP with the undersizing of teams and work overload may be associated with the high number of deaths of professionals during the analyzed period.(AU)

Objetivo: Reflexionar sobre los aspectos relacionados al trabajo del equipo de Enfermería, durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Brasil. Métodos: Se trata de una reflexión sobre algunos aspectos de las condiciones de trabajo y la exposición a los riesgos a la salud de los profesionales de Enfermería en Brasil, basada en las informaciones del Observatorio de Enfermería, los informes de fiscalización del Consejo Federal de Enfermería (COFEN), y de la Investigación Perfil de la Enfermería en Brasil. Resultados: Los profesionales de Enfermería brasileños han enfrentado duras condiciones de trabajo, como la insuficiencia y la inadecuación de los Equipos de Protección Individual (EPI) y el tamaño insuficiente de los equipos de Enfermería, aumentando con esto los riesgos a la salud de los trabajadores. Conclusiones: La pandemia exacerbó problemas enfrentados por los profesionales de Enfermería, y el déficit de EPI con el tamaño insuficiente de los equipos de Enfermería y la sobrecarga de trabajo pueden estar asociados al elevado número de óbitos de profesionales durante el período analizado.(AU)

A Statewide Voluntary Movement Addressing the Shortage of Medical Supplies During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a shortage of personal protective equipment compromised efficient patient care and provider safety. Volunteers from many different backgrounds worked to meet these demands. Additive manufacturing, laser cutting, and alternative supply chains were used to produce, test, and deliver essential equipment for health care workers and first responders. Distributed equipment included ear guards, face shields, and masks. Contingent designs were created for powered air-purifying respirator hoods, filtered air pumps, intubation shields, and N95 masks.

COVID-19, Workforce Autonomy and the Health Supply Chain.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid surge in demand for critical supplies and public health efforts needed to guard against virus transmission have placed enormous pressure on health systems worldwide. These pressures and the uncertainty they have created have impacted the health workforce in a substantial way. This paper examines the relationship between health supply chain capacity and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canada's health workforce. The findings of this research also highlight the impact of the pandemic on health workers, specifically the relationship between the health supply chain and the autonomy of the health workforce.

Dispositivos generadores de voz controlados con la mirada / Voice generating devices gaze controlled

CONTEXTO CLÍNICO: Un trastorno en la comunicación es un deterioro en la capacidad de recibir, transmitir, procesar y comprender conceptos o sistemas de símbolos verbales, no verbales y gráficos. Estos trastornos pueden ser evidentes en los procesos de audición, lenguaje o habla, y podrían variar en su severidad de leve a profunda y tener su origen en el desarrollo o ser adquiridos. Los individuos pueden presentar una o cualquier combinación, y dichos trastornos a su vez pueden ser primarios o secundarios a otras condiciones. Un trastorno en el lenguaje es el deterioro de la comprensión y/o el uso del lenguaje hablado, escrito o simbólico.2 Dicho trastorno puede incluir la forma del lenguaje (fonación, morfología y sintaxis), el contenido (semántica), y la función del lenguaje en la comunicación (habilidades pragmáticas) en cualquier combinación. Hay múltiples condiciones que se asocian a trastornos del lenguaje en niños y adolescentes. Entre estas se encuentran el retardo mental, los trastornos del aprendizaje, el trastorno de déficit de atención por hiperactividad, los trastornos del espectro autista, los desórdenes neurológicos degenerativos, la parálisis cerebral, síndrome de Rett y los traumatismos del sistema nervioso central entre otras. En los adultos las causas más frecuentes son, el accidente cerebrovascular, la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA), la enfermedad de Parkinson y también las lesiones traumáticas del sistema nervioso central (SNC). TECNOLOGÍA: Los dispositivos generadores de voz controlados con la mirada son sistemas de comunicación alternativa y aumentativa de alta tecnología que en general forman parte sistemas de tecnología de apoyo que incluyen otras funciones como control ambiental, el acceso informático a Internet, realizar llamadas telefónicas y enviar mensajes de texto.10 Existen los rastreadores oculares (PCEye Mini, PCEye Explore y EyeMobile, Irisbond®, myGAZE, PRC's LookTM, entre otros) que se pueden acoplar a diferentes dispositivos electrónicos como computadoras o tablets y los dispositivos generadores de voz con pantalla táctil y rastreo ocular incorporado (Tobii Dynavox I-Series+, Eyegaze Edge®, ComLink ST3G Enable Eyes II®). OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente informe es evaluar la evidencia disponible acerca de la eficacia, seguridad y aspectos relacionados a las políticas de cobertura del uso de los dispositivos generadores de voz controlados con la mirada para patologías que afectan el lenguaje, el habla y las habilidades motrices. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda en las principales bases de datos bibliográficas, en buscadores genéricos de internet, y financiadores de salud. Se priorizó la inclusión de revisiones sistemáticas (RS), ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados (ECAs), evaluaciones de tecnologías sanitarias (ETS), evaluaciones económicas, guías de práctica clínica (GPC) y políticas de cobertura de diferentes sistemas de salud. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron una RS de estudios observacionales, siete estudios observacionales adicionales, cuatro GPC y diez informes de políticas de cobertura de los dispositivos generadores de voz controlados con la mirada para patologías que afectan el lenguaje, el habla y las habilidades motrices. Las definiciones de los desenlaces y las escalas utilizadas en los estudios se describen en el Anexo II. No se hallaron estudios que comparen los distintos tipos de dispositivos generadores de voz con rastreo ocular entre sí o frente al cuidado usual. Tampoco se hallaron estudios que compararan los dispositivos generadores de voz operados mediante movimiento ocular con otros dispositivos generadores de voz operados de diferentes maneras. CONCLUSIONES: No se hallaron estudios que comparen los distintos tipos de dispositivos generadores de voz controlados por la mirada entre sí, u operados de diferentes maneras. Tampoco se hallaron estudios que comparen su uso frente al cuidado usual. Evidencia de baja calidad, proveniente de estudios de serie de casos, sugiere que la implementación de los dispositivos generadores de voz controlados con la mirada mejoraría algunos aspectos de la comunicación en personas con discapacidades motoras y del habla complejas (como parálisis cerebral, esclerosis lateral amiotrófica y síndrome de Rett). Estas mejoras se evidenciaron respecto al estado basal, a los seis meses de seguimiento, en el contexto de clínicas de rehabilitación y con un equipo tratante multidisciplinario especializado. Resultados similares fueron reportados por la familia o cuidadores. La mayoría de los estudios reportaron una alta tasa de aceptación de la tecnología, aunque algunos también identificaron dificultades para establecer una comunicación en personas con episodios de epilepsia y temblores. También se reportaron dificultades como incomodidad, cansancio y aburrimiento en los usuarios. Las guías de práctica clínicas relevadas establecen que la comunicación alternativa y aumentativa, donde mencionan a los dispositivos generadores de voz controlados con la mirada, es necesaria en aquellos pacientes con afectación del lenguaje y del habla. Estos dispositivos no están mencionados explícitamente en el Programa Médico Obligatorio, el Sistema Único de Reintegro de la Superintendencia de Servicios de Salud o la Ley de discapacidad de Argentina, ni en ninguna de las políticas de cobertura de los países de Latinoamérica relevadas. De las políticas de cobertura de países de altos ingresos relevadas, solo Estados Unidos y Reino Unido mencionan los dispositivos generadores de voz controlados con la mirada para las indicaciones evaluadas. No se hallaron estudios económicos (ni para Argentina ni para otros países) por lo que su costo-efectividad o impacto presupuestario resulta incierta.

An Implementation Research Approach to Re-orient Health Supply Chains Toward an Equity Agenda in the COVID-19 Era.

The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed critical inequities in global healthcare supply chains and the need for these systems to be analyzed and reoriented with an equity lens. Implementation research methodology can guide the use of evidence-based interventions to re-orient health supply chains towards equity and optimize health outcomes. Using this approach, private and public sector entities can adapt their strategies to focus not just on efficiency and cost savings but ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to essential medications, vaccines, and supplies. Findings can inform regulations that address supply chain inequities at the global level, strengthen existing systems to fill structural gaps at the national level, and address contextual challenges at the subnational level. This methodology can help account for historical practices from prior health initiatives, identify contemporary barriers and facilitators for positive change, and have applicability to the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing vaccine distribution efforts. An implementation research approach is critical in equipping health supply chains with a path for more resilient and equitable distribution of necessary supplies, vaccines, and delivery of care.

ARC: An Open Web-Platform for Request/Supply Matching for a Prioritized and Controlled COVID-19 Response.

In 2020 the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic putting entire governments and civil societies in crisis mode. Around the globe unprecedented shortages of equipment and qualified personnel were reported in hospitals and diagnostic laboratories. When a crisis is global, supply chains are strained worldwide and external help may not be readily available. In Switzerland, as part of the efforts of the Swiss National COVID-19 Science Task Force, we developed a tailor-made web-based tool where needs and offers for critical laboratory equipment and expertise can be brought together, coordinated, prioritized, and validated. This Academic Resources for COVID-19 (ARC) Platform presents the specialized needs of diagnostic laboratories to academic research groups at universities, allowing the sourcing of said needs from unconventional supply channels, while keeping the entities tasked with coordination of the crisis response in control of each part of the process. An instance of the ARC Platform is operated in Switzerland (arc.epfl.ch) catering to the diagnostic efforts in Switzerland and sourcing from the Swiss academic sector. The underlying technology has been released as open source so that others can adopt the customizable web-platform for need/supply match-making in their own relief efforts, during the COVID-19 pandemic or any future disaster.