[Impact of training on Motivational Interviewing (MI) for Family Physicians: Design and assessment of a Training Program (MOTIVA)]. / Impacto de la formación en entrevista motivacional para médicos: diseño y evaluación de un Programa Formativo (MOTIVA).

AIM: To develop a training program in Motivational Interviewing for Family Physicians and assess the impact. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, double blind and randomized clinical essay, with 2arms, Experimental (EG) and Control (CG) of Family Physicians with a follow up of 12 months. LOCATION: 32 Primary Healthcare Centers. SAMPLE DESCRIPTION: 54 physicians (CG=28, EG=26). INTERVENTIONS: Training Program MOTIVA in ME with an initial presential course (16h), followed by online activities during 12months, and presential meetings (Problem BasedInterviewing with expert feedback). MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Communicative skills in MI were assessed based on video-recordings (VR) with the EVEM 2.0 scale by peer reviewers. 236 VR with standardized patients and 96 VR with real patients. RESULTS: Average results in EVEM scale (up to 56 points) at the beginning of the study were EG=21.27 (CI 95% 15.8-26.7) and CG=20.23 (CI95% 16.4-23.9) with no differences between both groups (P=.79). After the training, EG punctuation increased by 13.89 points (P<.001), average 35.16 (CI 95% 29.8-40.6). Real patients' VR in EG over a 12 month period keep their MI skills with an average of 36.9 points (CI 95% 30.3-43.6) versus CG 15.9 points (CI 95% 9.8-22.0). Once ended the MOTIVA Training Program, the EG maintains the acquired skills: final average EG=37.6 (CI 95% 33.2-41.1) versus CG=24.3 (CI95% 19.0-29.2) (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The MOTIVA Training Program improves Motivational Interviewing skills, significatively improving after a presential course and sequential keep-alive activities. The effectiveness of the Program has been proven in the Third and Fourth steps of Miller's Pyramid.

[Bibliometric map of research carried out in Primary Care in Spain during the period 2013-2017]. / Mapa bibliométrico de la investigación realizada en atención primaria en España durante el periodo 2013-2017.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the Spanish scientific production of primary care during 2013-2017 and analyze their geographical distribution, impact factor, areas of research and involvement of different institutional sectors. DESIGN: Observational study bibliometric. PARTICIPANTS: The study focused on publications indexed in Medline. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Journal and year of publication, first/last author, workplace and autonomous community. Later, articles were classified according to their content. The impact factor was obtained from the basis of bibliometric analysis Journal Citation Reports. RESULTS: Using search criteria, were selected 980 documents. The transiency rate was 78,8%. The highest proportion of articles (43.2%) came from health centers, but we observed an increase of the articles from units or research institutes (14.9% in 2013, 19.1% in 2017). Of the total, 63.3% were classified as "clinical aspects", 19.3% were published in the journal Atención Primaria, 40.6% in foreign journals and 72.4% in journals with impact factor, being this proportion significantly lower (p <0.001) in those coming from health centers (59.6%) or teaching units/management/health services (70.0%) with respect to those originated in research units/institutes (93.1%) or in universities (89.0%). In relation to population (articles/100.000 inhab.), the most productive communities were Cataluña (4.2), Aragón (3.9), e Islas Baleares (3.3). CONCLUSIONS: In primary care publications there is great diversity in both research areas such as in journals where published. Most are from health centers, treat clinical aspects and published in Spanish journals. Differences in the volume of scientific production between regions are observed.

Complex multiple risk intervention to promote healthy behaviours in people between 45 to 75 years attended in primary health care (EIRA study): study protocol for a hybrid trial.

BACKGROUND: Health promotion is a key process of current health systems. Primary Health Care (PHC) is the ideal setting for health promotion but multifaceted barriers make its integration difficult in the usual care. The majority of the adult population engages two or more risk behaviours, that is why a multiple intervention might be more effective and efficient. The primary objectives are to evaluate the effectiveness, the cost-effectiveness and an implementation strategy of a complex multiple risk intervention to promote healthy behaviours in people between 45 to 75 years attended in PHC. METHODS: This study is a cluster randomised controlled hybrid type 2 trial with two parallel groups comparing a complex multiple risk behaviour intervention with usual care. It will be carried out in 26 PHC centres in Spain. The study focuses on people between 45 and 75 years who carry out two or more of the following unhealthy behaviours: tobacco use, low adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern or insufficient physical activity level. The intervention is based on the Transtheoretical Model and it will be made by physicians and nurses in the routine care of PHC practices according to the conceptual framework of the "5A's". It will have a maximum duration of 12 months and it will be carried out to three different levels (individual, group and community). Incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year gained measured by the tariffs of the EuroQol-5D questionnaire will be estimated. The implementation strategy is based on the "Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research", a set of discrete implementation strategies and an evaluation framework. DISCUSSION: EIRA study will determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a complex multiple risk intervention and will provide a better understanding of implementation processes of health promotion interventions in PHC setting. It may contribute to increase knowledge about the individual and structural barriers that affect implementation of these interventions and to quantify the contextual factors that moderate the effectiveness of implementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03136211 .Retrospectively registered on May 2, 2017.

Correction to: Complex multiple risk intervention to promote healthy behaviours in people between 45 to 75 years attended in primary health care (EIRA study): study protocol for a hybrid trial.

It has been highlighted the original article (1) contained a typesetting mistake in the authorship, and that author Caterine Vicens was omitted.

[Profile and evolution of chronic complex patients in a subacute unit]. / Perfil y evolución de pacientes crónicos complejos en una unidad de subagudos.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the management of geriatric pluripathologic patients in Catalonia, the identification of chronic complex patient (PCC) or patients with advanced chronic disease (MACA) has been promoted. Patients with exacerbated chronic diseases are promoted to be admitted in subacute units (SG) located in intermediate hospitals and specialized in geriatric care, as an alternative to acute hospital. The results of the care process in patients identified as PCC/MACA in SG have not been evaluated. DESIGN: Descriptive-comparative, cross-sectional, and quantitative study. LOCATION: SG located in intermediate care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients admitted in the SG during 6months. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: We compared baseline characteristics (demographic, clinical and geriatric assessment data), results at discharge and 30days post-discharge between PCC/MACA patients versus other patients. RESULTS: Of 244 patients (mean age±SD=85,6±7,5; 65.6%women), 91 (37,3%) were PCC/MACA (PCC=79,1%, MACA=20,9%). These, compared with unidentified patients, had greater comorbidity (Charlson index=3,2±1,8 vs 2,0; p=0,001) and polypharmacy (9,5±3,7 drugs vs 8,1±3,8; p=0,009). At discharge, the return to usual residence and mortality were comparable. PCC/MACA had higher mortality adding the mortality at 30day post-discharge (15,4% vs 8%; p=0,010). In a multi-variable analysis, PCC/MACA identification (p=0,006), as well as a history of dementia (p=0,004), was associated with mortality. Although PCC/MACA patients had higher readmission rate at 30day (18,7% vs 10,5%; p=0,014), in the multivariable analyses, only male, polypharmacy, and heart failure were independently associated to readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Despite having more comorbidity and polypharmacy, the outcomes of patients identified as PCC/MACA at discharge of SG, were comparable with other patients, although they experienced more readmissions within 30days, possibly due to comorbidity and polypharmacy.

Effectiveness of motivational interviewing in patients with dyslipidemia: a randomized cluster trial.

BACKGROUND: It is known that making people change their habits is challenging. It is crucial to identify the most effective approach that general practitioners (GPs) should use to help their patients change unhealthy habits. The objective this study was to assess the efficacy of a multifactorial intervention based on Motivational Interviewing performed by general practitioners to enhance lipid levels in patients with dyslipidemia, as compared to standard care. METHODS: A multicenter, controlled, randomized, cluster, two-parallel arm trial with a 12-month follow-up conducted in 25 community health centers of the Spanish. 38 GPs and 227 primary care patients with uncontrolled dyslipidemia were included in the trial. GPs performed an intervention based either on Motivational Interviewing (MI) or standard practice. Lipid levels were measured, and the control degree was analyzed based on the criteria of clinical guidelines. RESULTS: 107 were assigned to the Experimental Group (EG) and 120 to the Control Group (CG). An overall improvement was achieved in total cholesterol levels (Mean Difference -MD- = -19.60; 95 % CI: -15.33 at -23.87 mg/dl; p < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol levels (MD = -13.78; 95 % CI: -9.77 at -17.79 mg/dl; p < 0.001) and triglycerides (MD = -19.14; CI 95 %: -11.29 at -26.99 mg/dl; p < 0.001). No differences were found between the two groups. However, when we assessed the degree of lipid control by combining cholesterol <200 mg/dl and LDL-cholesterol < 130 mg/dl parameters, it was observed that a higher percentage of patients achieved target figures in the EG versus CG (13.1 % vs. 5.0 %; adjusted OR = 5.77, 95 % CI: 1.67-19.91). CONCLUSION: A Motivational Interviewing-based approach conducted by Primary Care physicians aimed at patients with dyslipidemia, achieved a significant reduction in all lipid parameters, cardiovascular risk, weight reduction and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet, similar to that obtained with the usual intervention and superior in the proportion of patients achieving combined lipid control goals and the level of physical exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: the trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT01282190 ; January 21, 2011).

Is the Scale for Measuring Motivational Interviewing Skills a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the primary care professionals motivational skills?: EVEM study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle is one of the main determinants of people's health. It is essential to find the most effective prevention strategies to be used to encourage behavioral changes in their patients. Many theories are available that explain change or adherence to specific health behaviors in subjects. In this sense the named Motivational Interviewing has increasingly gained relevance. Few well-validated instruments are available for measuring doctors' communication skills, and more specifically the Motivational Interviewing. METHODS/DESIGN: The hypothesis of this study is that the Scale for Measuring Motivational Interviewing Skills (EVEM questionnaire) is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the primary care professionals skills to get behavior change in patients. To test the hypothesis we have designed a prospective, observational, multi-center study to validate a measuring instrument. - SCOPE: Thirty-two primary care centers in Spain. -Sampling and Size: a) face and consensual validity: A group composed of 15 experts in Motivational Interviewing. b) Assessment of the psychometric properties of the scale; 50 physician- patient encounters will be videoed; a total of 162 interviews will be conducted with six standardized patients, and another 200 interviews will be conducted with 50 real patients (n=362). Four physicians will be specially trained to assess 30 interviews randomly selected to test the scale reproducibility. -Measurements for to test the hypothesis: a) Face validity: development of a draft questionnaire based on a theoretical model, by using Delphi-type methodology with experts. b) Scale psychometric properties: intraobservers will evaluate video recorded interviews: content-scalability validity (Exploratory Factor Analysis), internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), intra-/inter-observer reliability (Kappa index, intraclass correlation coefficient, Bland & Altman methodology), generalizability, construct validity and sensitivity to change (Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient). DISCUSSION: The verification of the hypothesis that EVEM is a valid and reliable tool for assessing motivational interviewing would be a major breakthrough in the current theoretical and practical knowledge, as it could be used to assess if the providers put into practice a patient centered communication style and can be used both for training or researching purposes. TRIALS REGISTRATION Dislip-EM study: NCT01282190 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Opportunistic detection of atrial fibrillation in subjects aged 65 years or older in primare care: a randomised clinical trial of efficacy. DOFA-AP study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend using peripheral blood pulse measuring as a screening test for Atrial Fibrillation. However, there is no adequate evidence supporting the efficacy of such procedure in primary care clinical practice. This paper describes a study protocol designed to verify whether early opportunistic screening for Atrial Fibrillation by measuring blood pulse is more effective than regular practice in subjects aged 65 years attending primary care centers. METHODS/DESIGN: An cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in Primary Care Centers of the Spanish National Health Service. A total of 269 physicians and nurses will be allocated to one of the two arms of the trial by stratified randomization with a 3:2 ratio (three practitioners will be assigned to the Control Group for every two practitioners assigned to the Experimental Group). As many as 12 870 patients aged 65 years or older and meeting eligibility criteria will be recruited (8 580 will be allocated to the Experimental Group and 4 290 to the Control Group). Randomization and allocation to trial groups will be carried out by a central computer system. The Experimental Group practitioners will conduct an opportunistic case finding for patients with Atrial Fibrillation, while the Control Group practitioners will follow the regular guidelines. The first step will be finding new Atrial Fibrillation cases. A descriptive inferential analysis will be performed (bivariate and multivariate by multilevel logistic regression analysis). DISCUSSION: If our hypothesis is confirmed, we expect Primary Care professionals to take a more proactive approach and adopt a new protocol when a patient meeting the established screening criteria is identified. Finally, we expect this measure to be incorporated into Clinical Practice Guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered as NCT01291953 (ClinicalTrials.gob).

Primer informe del Observatorio de la Academia de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria de España (AMFE) en la universidad española, 2023 / Initial descriptive evaluation of Family and Community Medicine as a field within undergraduate medicine degrees in Spanish universities, 2023

Objetivos: conocer el grado de implementación de la Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria (MFyC) en el grado de Medicina de todas las universidades españolas.Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal, llevado a cabo entre enero y marzo de 2023. Cuestionario ad hoc, cumplimentado por docentes de las 44 facultades de Medicina (año académico 2022-2023), sobre seis temáticas centradas en la asignatura de MFyC, las prácticas tuteladas, las rotaciones, metodologías docentes y evaluativas, y el profesorado. Resultados: participan 41 facultades (93,2%), 83% públicas y 17% privadas. La asignatura de MFyC está implantada en 34 facultades (82,9%), siendo obligatoria en 32 (94,1%), un 78% del total.La asignatura se denomina Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria solo en 14 facultades (34%) y cuenta con gran variabilidad en créditos ECTS: 3 créditos en 13 facultades (36%) y 6 créditos en 11 facultades (30%). Se imparte en quinto curso en 21 facultades (51%) y en sexto curso en 13 (32%). Hay prácticas tuteladas de MFyC en 28 facultades (68%) y créditos propios en 19 (46%). Mediana duración de 5 semanas. Gran variabilidad en las denominaciones. Coordinación por MFyC en 14 facultades (50%). Hay rotaciones en el centro de salud en 34 facultades (83%), siendo obligatorias en 29 (85%). No hay departamentos de Medicina Familiar, y solo hay unidades docentes universitarias en 4 facultades. Actualmente, hay 3 catedráticos y 13 profesores titulares. Conclusiones: se observa una progresión de la MFyC en la universidad en asignaturas, contenidos y profesorado, pero aún estamos lejos del nivel en el que se encuentran las universidades de otros países. Debilidades: gran heterogeneidad en denominación, contenidos, metodologías, carga docente y estructura. Fortalezas: implementación de metodologías docentes y evaluativas innovadoras.(AU)

Aims: to ascertain the degree of implementation of Family and Community Medicine (MFyC) on the undergraduate medicine degree course of Spanish universities.Methods: cross-sectional descriptive study, January-March 2023. Ad-hoc questionnaire, completed by lecturers of 44 medical schools (academic year 2022-2023). The questionnaire included six MFyC topics; that is, supervised family practice internships, shifts, teaching and evaluation methodologies and lecturers in medical schools.Results: a total of 41 faculties (93.2%) took part; 83% public and 17% private. MFyC course was implemented in 34 faculties (82.9%). The course was mandatory in 32 faculties (94.1%), 78% of the total.The course was named family and community medicine only in 14 medical schools (34%) with a major variability in ECTS credits (3 credits in 13 schools [36%] and 6 credits in 11 schools [30%]). It was taught in the 5th and 6th years in 21 (51%) and 13 (32%) faculties, respectively. There was supervised work experience in 28 faculties (68%), own credits in 19 (46%). Median duration was five weeks. There was a major variability in denomination. There was coordination by family practitioners in 14 faculties (50%).There were health centre internships in 34 faculties (83%), mandatory in 29 (85%).There are no family medicine departments and only university teaching units in four faculties. Currently, there are only three professors and 13 tenured lecturers.Conclusions: development of F&CM as a field was observed in terms of courses, content and teaching staff. However, this still falls well below international standards. Weaknesses are a major heterogeneity in denomination, content, methodologies, teaching load and structure and implementation of innovative teaching and evaluation methodologies was perceived as a strength.(AU)

Remando a contracorriente / Rowing against the current

At Lalonde we know that the determinants that most influence the health of the population are lifestyle, genetics and the environment. Health represents only 10% and is the determinant that consumes the most resources. It has been shown that a salutogenic approach focused on the social determinants of health and the support of public policies to improve the environment are more efficient in the long term than medicine focused on hospitals, technology and super-specialization. Primary Care (PC) that has an approach centered on the person and families with a community vision, is the ideal level to provide health care, and to influence lifestyles. However it is not invested in PC. In this article we review the socioeconomic and political factors that globally influence the lack of interest in the development of PC.(AU)

Desde Lalonde sabemos que los determinantes que más influyen en la Salud de la población son el estilo de vida, la genética y el entorno. La sanidad representa solo el 10% y es el determinante que más recursos consume. Está demostrado que un enfoque salutogénico centrado en los determinantes sociales de la salud y el apoyo de políticas públicas para mejorar el entorno, son más eficientes a largo plazo que la medicina centrada en los hospitales, la tecnología y la superespecialización. La Atención Primaria (AP) que tiene un enfoque centrado en la persona y las familias con una visión comunitaria, es el nivel idóneo para proveer atención sanitaria, y para influir en los estilos de vida. Sin embargo no se invierte en AP. En este artículo revisamos los condicionantes socioeconómicos y políticos que influyen de manera global en la falta de interés en el desarrollo de la AP.(AU)

Un día en la consulta de Medicina de Familia entre las olas de la pandemia / A day at the family physician’s surgery between the waves of the pandemic

Los cambios organizativos que se hicieron durante la pandemia se vivieron como una oportunidad de desarrollar prácticas de valor y resolutivas, priorizar intervenciones que han demostrado eficacia y dejar de hacer lo que no deberíamos hacer. Después de varias olas, la Atención Primaria (AP) ha aumentado considerablemente el número de visitas, principalmente por motivos no clínicos (casi un 60%) y, entre estos, consultas de bajo valor, banales o poco oportunas. Destacan la repetición de derivaciones por anulaciones y rechazo de visitas desde el segundo nivel asistencial, la petición de informes y certificados por múltiples motivos no médicos, las incapacidades temporales (IT) por contactos con positivos de COVID y las consultas relacionadas con la vacunación COVID. Parte de la población ha vivido los cambios como una falta de accesibilidad, lo que ha aumentado la agresividad hacia el personal sanitario. Los médicos y médicas de familia manifiestan impotencia, pérdida de la ilusión, falta de tiempo, desbordamiento, hartazgo, sensación de que no se hace medicina y de que «no hay salida». La AP está al borde del colapso por un trabajo cada vez menos clínico que hace que se deje de atender a los verdaderos enfermos. Y no parece haber una voluntad política de incrementar el presupuesto para una AP que la Organización Mundial para la Salud (OMS) recomendó reforzar para hacer frente a la pandemia, y que ha demostrado que puede alcanzar mejores resultados en términos de salud, equidad y eficiencia y ser garante de la sostenibilidad económica y social del sistema sanitario.(AU)

Organisational changes made during the COVID-19 pandemic were seen as an opportunity to develop valuable and resolutive tasks, to prioritise interventions that have proven effective and to stop doing what we should never do. After several waves, visits to Primary Care providers have increased significantly, mainly for non-clinical reasons (almost 60%), and among these, consultations with little value, which are banal or poorly justified. The repetition of referral requests due to cancellations and the rejection of appointments from second level care, the demand for medical reports and certificates for multiple non-medical issues, temporary work disability due to COVID-19 close contacts and queries related to the COVID-19 vaccination are common. These changes have often been seen as a lack of accessibility, increasing aggressive attitudes towards health workers. Family doctors reveal powerlessness, deception, a lack of time, overflow, the feeling of not working as a doctor and that there is no way out. Primary Care is near to collapse due to these non-clinical tasks that do not leave time for patients who are truly ill. Politicians have not shown a will to increase the budget for Primary Care, which the WHO advised be strengthened in order to deal with the pandemic. It has shown to achieve better results in terms of health equity and efficiency, and must be the guarantee of the economic and social health system sustainability.(AU)

Opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation versus detecting symptomatic patients aged 65 years and older: A cluster-controlled clinical trial. / Cribado oportunista de fibrilación auricular frente a detección de pacientes sintomáticos de 65 años o más: ensayo clínico controlado por clúster.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of opportunistic screening through pulse palpation in the early detection of atrial fibrillation in subjects aged≥65 years versus detection through an active search for patients with symptoms and/or complications and sequelae associated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cluster randomized controlled trial performed in 48 primary care centers of the Spanish National Healthcare System. A total of 368 physicians and nurses were randomized. The researchers in the experimental group (EG) performed opportunistic screening for auricular fibrillation, whereas the researchers in the control group (CG) actively searched for symptomatic patients. An ECG was performed on patients found to have an irregular heartbeat to confirm the diagnosis of auricular fibrillation. RESULTS: A total of 5,465 patients with a mean age of 75.61 years were recruited for the EG, and 1,525 patients with a mean age of 74.07 years were recruited for the CG. Of these, 58.6% were female, without significant differences between groups. Pulse was irregular in 4.3 and 15.0% of the patients in the EG and the CG, respectively (P<.001). A total of 164 new cases of atrial fibrillation were detected (2.3%), 1.1% in the EG and 6.7% in the CG (adjusted OR: 0.29; 95% CI 0.18-0.45). CONCLUSIONS: Case finding for atrial fibrillation in patients aged≥65 years with symptoms or signs suggestive of atrial fibrillation is a more effective strategy than opportunistic screening through pulse palpation in asymptomatic patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01291953; February 8, 2011).

El reto de la pandemia de la COVID-19 para la Atención Primaria / The challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic for Primary Care

La COVID-19 ha provocado muchos cambios en el sistema sanitario y, por supuesto, en Atención Primaria. La pandemia ha marcado un antes y un después, tanto a nivel organizativo en los centros de salud como en la manera de abordar las demandas y necesidades de los pacientes, y en el desempeño de la Medicina Familiar. En marzo de 2020 todos veíamos con preocupación cómo la Atención Primaria era invisible para las administraciones. La forma inicial de abordar la atención a la pandemia con un enfoque hospitalocentrista ha condicionado probablemente el diseño organizativo a lo largo de las diferentes oleadas. Al comienzo de la pandemia, la Atención Primaria no disponía de pruebas para el diagnóstico de la COVID-19, y fuimos testigos de cómo la inquietud y el miedo se apoderaba de los médicos y médicas de familia, muy especialmente en aquellas comunidades autónomas (CCAA) en las que el virus azotaba con fuerza a la población. La Atención Primaria, como siempre, se mantuvo cerca de la ciudadanía, priorizando la atención telefónica y dando respuesta a las demandas de los pacientes, muy especialmente al abordaje de la COVID-19. La Atención Primaria trabajó no solo como un eficaz muro de contención de la epidemia, sino también gestionando y resolviendo en el domicilio los casos leves o moderados que no necesitaban ingreso hospitalario. Sin embargo, para seguir haciendo frente a la pandemia y a la nueva situación se precisaban cambios organizativos y de gestión, más profesionales y nuevos roles. Es importante constatar que, para el buen desempeño de la Medicina Familiar del siglo XXI, para que la Atención Primaria salga reforzada de esta pandemia, las soluciones pasan por una adecuada financiación y una apuesta firme por mantener la longitudinalidad.(AU)

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many changes in the healthcare system including of course in Primary Care. The pandemic has marked a before and after for primary care both on an organisational level in healthcare centres, how patient requests and requirements are tackled and how family medicine is conducted. In March 2020 we all worried at how primary care appeared to be invisible for administrations. How the pandemic was initially managed with a hospital-centric approach probably conditioned the organisational design over the different waves. At the onset of the pandemic, Primary Care did not have tests to diagnose COVID-19, and we witnessed how concern and fear took hold over family doctors, most especially in those autonomous communities in which the virus whipped the population hard. Primary Care as always, stayed close to citizens and priority was given to telephone attention and responding to patient requests, most especially when tackling COVID-19. Primary Care worked not only as an effective protective wall for the epidemic but also to manage and resolve mild or moderate cases at home that needed hospital admission. However, to continue managing the pandemic and the new situation organisational and management changes, more professionals and new roles were all required. It is important to observe that for family medicine to function correctly in the 21st century and so that Primary Care comes out of this pandemic stronger, solutions entail both correct financing and a firm commitment to upholding continuity.(AU)

Descripción de la implantación y grado de desarrollo de tecnología de comunicación e informática de los equipos de Atención Primaria en los servicios autonómicos de salud en España / Description of the implementation and degree of development of primary care telecommunication and information technology in regional health services in Spain

Objetivo: Describir la situación, percepciones y opiniones de los profesionales sanitarios de Atención Primaria (AP) respecto a los sistemas de telecomunicación y telemedicina de este ámbito, así como determinar su grado de satisfacción. Método: Estudio descriptivo observacional transversal realizado en profesionales sanitarios de Atención Primaria mediante un cuestionario autocumplimentado con variables sociodemográficas, características laborales, opiniones y percepciones sobre desarrollo informático, sistemas de información, accesibilidad telemática, seguridad para pacientes y el grado de satisfacción de los profesionales respecto al desarrollo informático. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que se puede acceder a informes de alta hospitalaria y urgencias en el 89,2% (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95%: 86,4-92,0) y 87,2% (IC 95%: 84,2-90,2) de casos, respectivamente. Existe opción de teleconsulta con hospitalaria según un 95,1% de encuestados. Un 38,9% indicó disponer de alertas de recepción de informes de hospital, y el 73,3%, tener accesibilidad telemática para sus pacientes. El 34,8% señaló que no había ninguna mejora en general en las vías de comunicación, y el 51,7% y tampoco veía mejoras en los recursos tecnológicos en general tras la pandemia. Un 13,0% manifestó estar muy insatisfecho y el 27,3% dijo estar insatisfecho con el nivel de desarrollo informático en sistemas de telemedicina y telecomunicación en la AP de su área sanitaria. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los equipos de Atención Primaria de los Servicios Autonómicos disponen de historia clínica compartida con el hospital, mientras que solo una parte cuenta con sistemas de alertas de recepción de informar del ámbito hospitalario. El obligado cambio de la asistencia sanitaria no ha mejorado sustancialmente los recursos tecnológicos tras la pandemia y existe un considerable grado de insatisfacción de los profesionales.(AU)

Objective: To report Primary Care healthcare professionals’ circumstances, insight and points of view in regard to telecommunication systems and telemedicine as well as determine their degree of satisfaction. Method: Descriptive, observational, transversal study performed on primary healthcare professionals by means of a self-completion questionnaire with socio-demographic variables, job characteristics, views and perceptions in regard to IT development, information systems, online accessibility, patient safety and the degree of satisfaction of healthcare professionals with IT development. Results: The results showed that it is possible to access discharge reports from hospitalized patients and from the accident and emergency department in 89.2% (95%CI: 86.4-92.0) and 87.2% (95%CI: 84.2-90.2) of cases, respectively. According to 95.1% of people polled, there is an option for remote consultation with hospital care. A total of 38.9% of survey respondents pointed out that they receive e-notifications of hospital reports and 73.3% claimed to have online access to their patients’ information. A total of 34.8% and 51.7% of clinicians stated that, in general, there was no improvement in communication channels or technological resources after the pandemic, respectively. A total of 13.0% of respondents expressed that they are very unsatisfied and 27.3% unsatisfied with IT development in primary healthcare telemedicine systems and telecommunication in their health area. Conclusion: Most Primary Care healthcare teams in regional health services have access to medical histories shared with hospitals. However, just some of them have electronic notification systems for hospital reports. The mandatory change in healthcare has not substantially improved technological resources after the pandemic and there is a considerable level of dissatisfaction among professionals.(AU)