[Bioethics in times of pandemic]. / Bioética en tiempos de pandemia.

It has been demonstrated by statistics that COVID-19 pandemic has not been as aggressive among pediatric population as in adults. Yet, pediatricians and the rest of the health care team face the dilemma of keeping the commitment and responsibilities towards the patients or withstanding the uncertainties arising versus the possibilities of getting infected and spreading it to their beloved ones. There are two main issues: during the professional everyday practice, is there a moral limit when it comes to taking risks? And what is the importance of having difficulty in getting the proper safety equipment in order to decrease the potential risks? Bioethics, as we think, may work as a tool, helping us all to ponder this and the many other bearings we are facing with the current pandemic.

Las estadísticas arrojadas por la pandemia de COVID-19 evidencian que el impacto sobre la población pediátrica no ha tenido la magnitud mostrada en los adultos. Aun así, tanto para los pediatras como para el resto de los integrantes de los equipos de salud, se plantea un dilema entre el mantenimiento de la responsabilidad, el compromiso en la atención de los pacientes afectados y las dudas e incertidumbres surgidas frente a la posibilidad de contraer la enfermedad y de trasmitirla a los seres más cercanos. Desde allí, se estructuran dos cuestiones centrales: ¿existe un límite moral frente a la posibilidad de correr riesgos durante el ejercicio profesional?, ¿qué influencia tiene la dificultad de acceso a mecanismos de protección imprescindibles para disminuir los riesgos que aquel implica? Consideramos que la bioética puede actuar como una herramienta que permita reflexionar sobre estos y otros aspectos a los que la actual pandemia nos enfrenta.

Situación de los profesionales de cirugía pediátrica en España / Working status of Spanish pediatric surgeons

OBJETIVO: Analizar parámetros sociolaborales y sociodemográficos para conocer la situación de los cirujanos pediátricos en España. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una encuesta de elaboración propia inspirada en modelos de satisfacción laboral. Es un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, realizado online a los cirujanos pediátricos pertenecientes a la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Pediátrica (SECIPE). RESULTADOS: De los 290 cirujanos pediátricos de la SECIPE, 133 contestaron a la encuesta (tasa de respuesta del 45,8%). De estos, el 49,6% tienen entre 30-39 años, habiendo casi igualdad entre hombres y mujeres. El 69% de los encuestados dedican entre el 75 y el 100% de su tiempo de trabajo a la asistencia, el 89,4% dedica entre 0-25% a la investigación y el 80% entre 0 y 25 % a la docencia. Los resultados mostraron satisfacción laboral, tanto en relación con el equipo de trabajo como con la calidad asistencial, las posibilidades de desarrollo profesional o la consideración social. Sin embargo, los encuestados mostraron su disconformidad con respecto al sueldo, al tiempo dedicado a la investigación y a la docencia, y a la relación con la dirección. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio permite conocer la situación laboral de los profesionales en España, lo que puede ayudar a identificar medidas de mejora. La encuesta señala un descontento generalizado con el escaso tiempo dedicado a la investigación y poca satisfacción en el trabajo docente. La mayor parte del tiempo se dedica a la práctica clínica, existiendo baja satisfacción salarial, circunstancias que pueden contribuir a la insatisfacción en el desarrollo de la actividad asistencial

OBJECTIVE: To analyze work, demographic, and social parameters in order to learn about the working status of pediatric surgeons in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey inspired in job satisfaction models and designed by the authors was performed. It was an observational, descriptive, cross-border online survey intended for pediatric surgeons from the Spanish Society of Pediatric Surgery (SECIPE). RESULTS: Of the 290 SECIPE pediatric surgeons, 133 responded to the survey (45.8% response rate), of whom 49.6% were 30-39 years old. The number of male and female respondents was virtually the same. 69% of respondents devoted 75-100% of their working hours to healthcare, 89.4% devoted 0-25% to research, and 80% devoted 0-25% to teaching. The survey demonstrated job satisfaction in terms of colleagues, healthcare role, professional development expectations, and social consideration. However, respondents showed disconformity with their pay, the time devoted to research and teaching, and their relationship with the executive board. CONCLUSION: This study sheds light on the Spanish professionals' working status, which can help identify measures for improvement. The survey shows widespread disconformity with the short time devoted to research, and little satisfaction with teaching. Most of the working hours are devoted to clinical practice, with poor pay satisfaction, which can contribute to dissatisfaction in the development of healthcare activity

Caring for Critically Ill Adults With Coronavirus Disease 2019 in a PICU: Recommendations by Dual Trained Intensivists.

OBJECTIVE: In the midst of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic, which causes coronavirus disease 2019, there is a recognized need to expand critical care services and beds beyond the traditional boundaries. There is considerable concern that widespread infection will result in a surge of critically ill patients that will overwhelm our present adult ICU capacity. In this setting, one proposal to add "surge capacity" has been the use of PICU beds and physicians to care for these critically ill adults. DESIGN: Narrative review/perspective. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENTS: Not applicable. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The virus's high infectivity and prolonged asymptomatic shedding have resulted in an exponential growth in the number of cases in the United States within the past weeks with many (up to 6%) developing acute respiratory distress syndrome mandating critical care services. Coronavirus disease 2019 critical illness appears to be primarily occurring in adults. Although pediatric intensivists are well versed in the care of acute respiratory distress syndrome from viral pneumonia, the care of differing aged adult populations presents some unique challenges. In this statement, a team of adult and pediatric-trained critical care physicians provides guidance on common "adult" issues that may be encountered in the care of these patients and how they can best be managed in a PICU. CONCLUSIONS: This concise scientific statement includes references to the most recent and relevant guidelines and clinical trials that shape management decisions. The intention is to assist PICUs and intensivists in rapidly preparing for care of adult coronavirus disease 2019 patients should the need arise.

Contemporary practice and perceptions surrounding the management of asymptomatic umbilical hernias in children: A survey of the American Pediatric Surgical Association.

PURPOSE: To explore variation in perceptions regarding the natural history of asymptomatic umbilical hernias, and to characterize the influence of clinical and nonclinical factors on decision-making surrounding timing of repair. METHODS: This was a survey of the American Pediatric Surgical Association. Branching logic and Likert scale questions were used to explore perceptions surrounding natural history (risk of complications and likelihood of spontaneous closure), preferred age for repair, and influence of anatomic, caregiver, sociodemographic, and biological factors on operative timing. RESULTS: 44% of members completed the survey (371/846). The most common age respondents would consider elective repair was 3 years (37%), although the majority preferred to wait until 4 or 5 years (54%). Most respondents estimated a <1% risk of complications for unrepaired defects, and much greater variability was found in the perceived likelihood of spontaneous closure over time. Decision-making surrounding operative timing was most influenced by anatomic factors (larger defects, proboscoid changes, and interval growth) and parental anxiety surrounding need for emergency surgery, cosmesis, and stigma of parental neglect. CONCLUSION: Practice and perceptions surrounding management of asymptomatic umbilical hernias vary widely. More robust epidemiological data are needed to define the likelihood of spontaneous closure in the context of age and physical exam findings. Collaborative efforts between surgeons and referring providers are also needed to optimize management of caregiver anxiety and expectations surrounding need for surgical referral and repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V (expert opinion).

Subspecialization in pediatric surgery: Results of a survey to the American Pediatric Surgical Association.

BACKGROUND: Current practice patterns and opinions regarding subspecialization within pediatric surgery are not well known. We aimed to characterize the prevalence of and attitudes surrounding subspecialization within pediatric surgery. METHODS: An anonymous survey regarding subspecialization was distributed to all nonresident members of the American Pediatric Surgical Association. RESULTS: Of 1118 surveys, we received 458 responses (41%). A majority of respondents labeled themselves 'general pediatric surgeons' (63%), while 34% considered themselves general surgeons with a specific clinical focus, and 3% reported practicing solely within a specific niche. Subspecialists commonly serve as consultants for relevant cases (52%). Common niches included oncology (10%) and anorectal malformations (9%). Subspecialists felt to be necessary included transplant (79%) and fetal (78%) surgeons. Opinions about subspecialization were variable: 41% felt subspecialization improves patient care while 39% believe it is detrimental to surgeon well-roundedness. Only 10% felt subspecialists should practice solely within their subspecialty. Practicing at an academic hospital or fellowship program correlated with subspecialization, while length of time in practice did not. CONCLUSION: While pediatric surgeons report that subspecialization may benefit patient care, concerns exist regarding the unfavorable effect it may have on the individual surgeon. A better understanding of how subspecialization affects quality and outcomes would help clarify its utility. TYPE OF STUDY: Review article. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

[Screens: discrepancy between recommendations and actual use]. / Pantallas: discordancias entre las recomendaciones y el uso real.

The use of electronic devices with screens and the early introduction in small-age children present a challenge that must be recognized by the pediatrician, who must contribute to avoid the excess in their use. We have detected a manifest discrepancy between the ideal recommendations and the actual use of screens in young children. Correct counseling within a family context, with stronger evidence on the long-term impacts of the use of digital technology, will allow pediatricians to adequately provide support to families.

La utilización de dispositivos electrónicos con pantallas y su introducción cada vez más temprana en la vida de los niños presentan un desafío que debe ser reconocido por el pediatra para contribuir a evitar su exceso. Se ha detectado una manifiesta discordancia entre las recomendaciones ideales y el uso real de las pantallas en los niños pequeños. Un correcto asesoramiento dentro de un contexto familiar, junto con una evidencia más sólida sobre los impactos a largo plazo del uso de la tecnología digital, permitirán a los pediatras apoyar adecuadamente a las familias.

Gender Discrepancies Related to Pediatrician Work-Life Balance and Household Responsibilities.

BACKGROUND: Physicians must balance career and home responsibilities, yet previous studies on work-life balance are focused primarily on work-based tasks. We examined gender discrepancies and factors related to household responsibilities and work-life balance among pediatricians. METHODS: We used 2015 data from the American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatrician Life and Career Experience Study, a longitudinal study of early-career pediatricians. χ2 tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine the effects of gender on household responsibilities, satisfaction, and work-life balance attainment. We formally reviewed responses from 2 open-ended questions on work-life balance challenges and strategies for common themes. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of participants completed the survey (1293 of 1801). Women were more likely than men to report having primary responsibility for 13 of 16 household responsibilities, such as cleaning, cooking, and routine care of children (all P < .001). All gender differences except budget management remained significant when controlling for part-time work status and spouse or partner work status (P < .05). Women were less satisfied with their share of responsibilities relative to others (52% vs 62%; P < .001), and few women and men report being very successful at achieving balance between their job and other life areas (15% vs 19%, respectively; P = .05). Open-ended responses (n = 1145) revealed many barriers to achieving work-life balance. Strategies to increase work-life balance included reducing work hours, outsourcing household-related work, and adjustments to personal responsibilities and relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Female pediatricians spend more time on household responsibilities than male pediatricians, and gender is a key factor associated with work-life balance satisfaction.

Humanism in medicine: The critical role of pediatricians in autism spectrum disorder. / Humanismo en medicina: El rol crucial del pediatra en el trastorno del espectro autista.

In this article, we describe the importance of coexisting medical problems in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is worth noting the role of pediatricians as health care providers trained to assess, test, diagnose, and treat such conditions during childhood. The population diagnosed with ASD is systemically vulnerable. ASD is the name given to a group of symptoms resulting from a systemic, dynamic, chronic encephalopathy according to the model proposed by Martha Herbert, M.D. (Harvard, USA). Based on this model, we may describe the circumstances of patients' families who, in Argentina, are unable to find answers on the coexisting medical problems in the diagnosis of ASD according to the psychoanalytic, genetic, and neurodiversity models. It is necessary to review current models in the setting of humanism in medicine because, so far, results have not been as expected.

Este artículo presenta la importancia de los problemas médicos concomitantes al diagnóstico del trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). Se resalta el rol del pediatra como el profesional médico preparado para evaluar, testear, diagnosticar y tratar estos problemas en la niñez. La población con diagnóstico de TEA es vulnerable sistémicamente. TEA es el nombre dado a una sintomatología emergente de una encefalopatía crónica, dinámica y sistémica según el modelo de la doctora Martha Herbert (Harvard, EE. UU.). Basados en este, se plantea la situación de las familias de los pacientes, en la Argentina, que no encuentran respuestas sobre los problemas médicos concomitantes al diagnóstico del TEA con los modelos: psicoanalítico, genético y de las neurodiversidades. Se establece la necesidad de revisar los modelos vigentes, en el marco del humanismo en medicina, debido a que los resultados no son los esperados.

Preventing patient harm via adverse event review: An APSA survey regarding the role of morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference.

INTRODUCTION: Peer-review endeavors represent the continual learning environment critical for a culture of patient safety. Morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferences are designed to review adverse events to prevent future similar events. The extent to which pediatric surgeons participate in M&M, and believe M&M improves patient safety, is unknown. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of the American Pediatric Surgical Association membership was conducted to evaluate participation in and perception of M&M conferences. Closed and open-ended questions were provided to gauge participation and perceptions of M&M effectiveness. Standard frequency analyses and tests of associations between M&M program attributes and surgeons' perceptions of effectiveness were performed. RESULTS: The response rate was 38% (353/928). Most surgeons (85%) reported that they always participate in M&M, but only 64% believe M&M is effective in changing practice or prevention of future adverse events. Effective M&Ms were more likely to emphasize loop closure, multidisciplinary participation, standardized assessment of events, and connection to quality improvement efforts. CONCLUSIONS: Most pediatric surgeons participate in M&M, but many doubt its effectiveness. We identified attributes of M&M conferences that are perceived to be effective. Further investigation is needed to identify how to optimally utilize peer-review programs to prevent adverse events and improve patient safety. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Perceived attitudes of the importance and barriers to research amongst Rwandan interns and pediatric residents - a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Globally, interns and residents face significant challenges with respect to research activity. Despite this, they are motivated and have an interest in undertaking research. To date, there has been no research regarding the perceived attitudes towards research activities amongst Rwandan residents and interns. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to describe the perceived attitudes regarding the educational benefits and barriers surrounding research activity amongst interns and residents, and to identify any differences between these groups. The secondary objective was to describe the research methods used by interns and residents in Rwanda. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study of interns and pediatric trainees at the University of Rwanda. An online questionnaire using Likert scale questions was sent electronically to eligible participants. RESULTS: A total of sixty participants (38 interns and 22 pediatric residents) responded to the survey. Both groups acknowledged the educational importance of undertaking research, with interns reporting this more than residents. Both groups identified the following as barriers to research: faculty lacking time to mentor, lack of funding, lack of statistical support, and lack of faculty experienced in conducting research. Interns (87%) were much more likely to have undertaken retrospective research than pediatric residents (14%). Few interns or residents submitted their research for publication (27%). CONCLUSIONS: Both interns and residents understood the importance of research, but many barriers exist. Increasing the time available for experienced faculty members to supervise research is challenging due to low faculty numbers. Novel solutions will need to be found as well as expanding the time for trainees to perform research.

Diversidad de género en la infancia y la adolescencia: una mirada ética / No disponible

No disponible