Health ramifications and recovery avenues for Sudan's April 2023 armed conflict: A review

Background: Sudan's history is marred by ongoing sociopolitical challenges, with deep cultural divisions fueling numerous wars. A new conflict erupted on April 15, 2023, pushing the country closer to a full-scale civil war. This war has severely crippled Sudan's already fragile healthcare system, rendering 70% of hospitals in combat zones nonoperational, causing 12,000 deaths, thousands of injuries, and leaving 11 million in dire need of healthcare. More than seven million people are displaced, half of which are children, and are facing severe health challenges, especially vulnerable groups. Heath situation is threatening with unchecked spread of outbreaks of communicable diseases that were previously controlled and marked failure in meeting the health demands of patients with noncommunicable diseases, reproductive and child health issues, and people with serious conditions that require adequate follow-up. Moreover, the projections threaten with more catastrophic consequences including famine, environmental destruction, and further displacement of people. This review article highlights the urgency of the situation and explores potential solutions to enrich global understanding of crisis management. Methods: To comprehensively assess the impact of the crisis and propose a way forward, we drew data by exploring search engines and databases such as Google, Humanitarian Agencies Websites, Google Scholer, and PubMed along with some relevant reports. The search terms included are "Sudan's war", "impact of war on healthcare systems", and "Sudan's armed conflicts". Results: More than 19 publications on the impact of the war on health in addition to periodic reports from international organizations and governmental authorities were reviewed. Conclusion: Although all publications point to the gravity of the situation and the need for prompt response, this crisis offers a unique opportunity to rebuild Sudan's struggling healthcare system with the principles of social accountability. Through domestic and international collaboration, this sector can become a model for similar nations, meeting the needs of its people and promoting sustainable development.

Análisis 2016-2021 del desarrollo del proyecto de atención farmacéutica al paciente externo MAPEX por Comunidades Autónomas / Analysis 2016-2021 of the development of the MAPEX outpatient pharmaceutical care Project by regions in Spain

Objetivo: analizar la evolución del proyecto «Mapa Estratégico de Atención Farmacéutica al Paciente Externo» (MAPEX) por comunidades autónomas en España, a través del análisis de los resultados de la encuesta de situación comparativa entre los años 2016 y 2021. Métodos: un comité de expertos nacionales pertenecientes a la Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria elaboró la Encuesta MAPEX sobre la situación de las unidades de pacientes externos, que constó de 43 preguntas específicas de aspectos relacionados con estructura, contexto, integración, procesos, resultados y formación, docencia e investigación. Se llevó a cabo en 2 periodos, uno en 2016 y otro en 2021 (con 3 preguntas adicionales en 2021, relacionadas con los avances de la iniciativa MAPEX y las líneas prioritarias a seguir). Se realizó un análisis comparativo de resultados a nivel nacional y por comunidad autónoma. Resultados: participaron 141 hospitales en 2016 y 138 en 2021, con representación de las 17 comunidades autónomas. El análisis de los resultados mostró mejoras significativas en todas las dimensiones de la encuesta, con variabilidad entre las diferentes regiones. De entre las mejoras más importantes, destacó el desarrollo y consolidación de la telefarmacia, la mayor especialización del farmacéutico por áreas de conocimiento y su integración en equipos multidisciplinares. La mejora del modelo asistencial se consideró el mayor avance a nivel general (65%) y la atención farmacéutica no presencial a nivel de centro (48,2%). Se consideraron líneas prioritarias de trabajo la expansión y aplicación práctica de la metodología de atención farmacéutica (66,4%), la investigación (58,4%) y la formación en todas las iniciativas MAPEX (53,3%). Conclusiones: la implantación y desarrollo de las iniciativas MAPEX ha supuesto un impacto positivo en la evolución en todos los ámbitos asistenciales de la atención farmacéutica al paciente externo. La encuesta permite identificar...(AU)

Objective: Analyse the evolution of the MAPEX Project (Strategic Map of Pharmaceutical Care for Outpatients) by regions in Spain, through the results of the comparative situation survey between the years 2016 and 2021. Methods: A committee of national experts belonging to the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy prepared the MAPEX Survey on the situation of Outpatient Units, which consisted of 43 specific questions on aspects related to structure, context, integration, processes, results and training, teaching and investigation. It was carried out in two periods, one in 2016 and another in 2021 (with 3 additional questions in 2021, related to the progress of the MAPEX initiative and the priority lines to follow). A comparative analysis of results was carried out at the national level and by regions in Spain. Results: 141 hospitals participated in 2016 and 138 in 2021, with representation from the 17 autonomous communities. The analysis of the results shows significant improvements in all the dimensions of the survey, with variability between the different regions. Among the most important improvements, the development and consolidation of telepharmacy stood out, the greater specialization of pharmacists by areas of knowledge and their integration into multidisciplinary teams. The improvement of the healthcare model was considered the greatest advance at a general level (65%), and remote pharmaceutical care at the hospital level (48.2%). Priority lines of work were considered the expansion and practical application of the pharmaceutical care methodology (66.4%), research (58.4%), and training in all MAPEX initiatives (53.3%). Conclusions: The implementation and development of the MAPEX initiatives has had a positive impact on the evolution in all healthcare areas of pharmaceutical care for outpatients. The situation survey makes it possible to identify by regions the significant points for improvement...(AU)

Analysis 2016-2021 of the development of the MAPEX outpatient pharmaceutical care Project by Regions in Spain / Análisis 2016-2021 del desarrollo del Proyecto de atención farmacéutica al paciente externo MAPEX por Comunidades Autónomas en España

Objetivo: analizar la evolución del proyecto «Mapa Estratégico de Atención Farmacéutica al Paciente Externo» (MAPEX) por comunidades autónomas en España, a través del análisis de los resultados de la encuesta de situación comparativa entre los años 2016 y 2021. Métodos: un comité de expertos nacionales pertenecientes a la Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria elaboró la Encuesta MAPEX sobre la situación de las unidades de pacientes externos, que constó de 43 preguntas específicas de aspectos relacionados con estructura, contexto, integración, procesos, resultados y formación, docencia e investigación. Se llevó a cabo en 2 periodos, uno en 2016 y otro en 2021 (con 3 preguntas adicionales en 2021, relacionadas con los avances de la iniciativa MAPEX y las líneas prioritarias a seguir). Se realizó un análisis comparativo de resultados a nivel nacional y por comunidad autónoma. Resultados: participaron 141 hospitales en 2016 y 138 en 2021, con representación de las 17 comunidades autónomas. El análisis de los resultados mostró mejoras significativas en todas las dimensiones de la encuesta, con variabilidad entre las diferentes regiones. De entre las mejoras más importantes, destacó el desarrollo y consolidación de la telefarmacia, la mayor especialización del farmacéutico por áreas de conocimiento y su integración en equipos multidisciplinares. La mejora del modelo asistencial se consideró el mayor avance a nivel general (65%) y la atención farmacéutica no presencial a nivel de centro (48,2%). Se consideraron líneas prioritarias de trabajo la expansión y aplicación práctica de la metodología de atención farmacéutica (66,4%), la investigación (58,4%) y la formación en todas las iniciativas MAPEX (53,3%). Conclusiones: la implantación y desarrollo de las iniciativas MAPEX ha supuesto un impacto positivo en la evolución en todos los ámbitos asistenciales de la atención farmacéutica al paciente externo. La encuesta permite identificar...(AU)

Objective: Analyse the evolution of the MAPEX Project (Strategic Map of Pharmaceutical Care for Outpatients) by regions in Spain, through the results of the comparative situation survey between the years 2016 and 2021. Methods: A committee of national experts belonging to the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy prepared the MAPEX Survey on the situation of Outpatient Units, which consisted of 43 specific questions on aspects related to structure, context, integration, processes, results and training, teaching and investigation. It was carried out in two periods, one in 2016 and another in 2021 (with 3 additional questions in 2021, related to the progress of the MAPEX initiative and the priority lines to follow). A comparative analysis of results was carried out at the national level and by regions in Spain. Results: 141 hospitals participated in 2016 and 138 in 2021, with representation from the 17 autonomous communities. The analysis of the results shows significant improvements in all the dimensions of the survey, with variability between the different regions. Among the most important improvements, the development and consolidation of telepharmacy stood out, the greater specialization of pharmacists by areas of knowledge and their integration into multidisciplinary teams. The improvement of the healthcare model was considered the greatest advance at a general level (65%), and remote pharmaceutical care at the hospital level (48.2%). Priority lines of work were considered the expansion and practical application of the pharmaceutical care methodology (66.4%), research (58.4%), and training in all MAPEX initiatives (53.3%). Conclusions: The implementation and development of the MAPEX initiatives has had a positive impact on the evolution in all healthcare areas of pharmaceutical care for outpatients. The situation survey makes it possible to identify by regions the significant points for improvement...(AU)

Problemática del acceso a los medicamentos: disponibilidad y la producción local en América latina / Problems of Access to Medicines: Availability and Local Production in Latin America

La desigualdad en el acceso a los medicamentos se percibe como un síntoma de las deficiencias del sistema sanitario y supone un incumplimiento por parte de los gobiernos de sus obligaciones para con sus ciudadanos en cuanto a su derecho a la protección de la salud.Integrar la perspectiva de la salud como derecho inherente de la población y, al mismo tiempo, la perspectiva de la salud como espacio estratégico de desarrollo de la base productiva y tecnológica, creación de valor, generación de inversiones, ingreso, empleo, conocimiento e innovación, son claves para mejorar el acceso.El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar la problemática del acceso a los medicamentos desde la perspectiva de la disponibilidad de los mismos y exponer la situación del mercado de América Latina.El escenario de América Latina es complejo: países con realidades económicas distintas, proyectos fallidos de integración, gasto en salud pública por debajo del 6%, escasa inversión en investigación y desarrollo, preferencia a las importaciones, legislación no convergente y tendencias al nacionalismo de los países de altos ingresos para el retorno de la producción al país de origen. A pesar de las limitaciones descritas, en la región existen capacidades productivas que deben ser fortalecidas. Brasil, Argentina, México, Colombia y Chile son los países llamados a liderar la producción regional a través de la diversificación. En este momento la solución pasa por que en la región se antepongan los proyectos regionales frente a los intereses individuales, para con ello lograr la autosuficiencia sanitaria.(AU)

Inequality in access to medicines is perceived as a symptom of the weaknesses of the health system and implies a failure on the part of governments to fulfill their obligations to their citizens in terms of their right to health protection.Integrating the perspective of health as an inherent right of the population and, at the same time, the perspective of health as a strategic space for the development of the productive and technological base, value creation, generation of investment, income, employment, knowledge and innovation, are key to improving access.The objective of this paper is to present the problem of access to medicines from the perspective of their availability and to describe the situation of the Latin American market.The Latin American scenario is complex: countries with different economic realities, failed integration projects, public health spending below 6%, low investment in research and development, preference for imports, non-convergent legislation and tendencies towards nationalism in high-income countries for the return of production to the country of origin. Despite the limitations described above, there are productive capacities in the region that need to be strengthened. Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia and Chile are the countries called upon to lead regional production through diversification. At this time, the solution is for the region to put regional projects before individual interests in order to achieve sanitary self-sufficiency.(AU)

Lanzamiento de la campaña Choosing Wisely Argentina: primeros pasos hacia la desimplementación de prácticas de bajo valor / Launch of the Choosing Wisely Argentina campaign: first steps towards the de-implementation of low-value practices

En esta editorial, la autora aborda la problemática de las prácticas de bajo valor en la medicina contemporánea: aquellas intervenciones terapéuticas o diagnósticas carentes de respaldo científico, que aumentan la probabilidad de daños, generan desperdicio de recursos y amenazan la eficiencia del sistema de salud. En un contexto de preocupación global por el exceso médico y las consecuencias del sobreuso de intervenciones inefectivas, resalta la relevancia del concepto de prevención cuaternaria en la atención sanitaria, y señala la iniciativa internacional Choosing Wisely como una estrategia para identificar y revertir las prácticas de bajo valor, destacando la importancia del cambio cultural y la participación activade los pacientes. Finalmente, la autora presenta el lanzamiento de Choosing Wisely Argentina, una colaboración entre asociaciones científicas locales con el compromiso de transformar la práctica médica en este país, priorizando el bienestar del paciente y adoptando un enfoque integral hacia la atención sanitaria. (AU)

In this editorial, the author addresses the problem of low-value practices in contemporary medicine: those therapeutic or diagnostic interventions that lack scientific support and increase the probability of damage, generate waste of resources,and threaten the efficiency of the health system. In a context of global concern about medical excess and the consequences of the overuse of ineffective interventions, she highlights the relevance of the concept of quaternary prevention in healthcare, and points to the international Choosing Wisely initiative as a strategy to identify and reverse low-value practices, highlighting the importance of cultural change and active patient participation. Finally, the author presents the launch of Choosing Wisely Argentina, a collaboration amongst local scientific associations with the commitment to transform medical practice in this country, prioritizing patient well-being and adopting a comprehensive approach to health care. (AU)

Experiencia de los cuidadores informales en Colombia: Revisión sistemática y metasíntesis / The informal caregiver experience in Colombia: A systematic review and meta-synthesis / Experiência de cuidadores informais na Colômbia: revisão sistemática e metassíntese

Introducción: Los cuidadores tienen una forma particular de vivir la experiencia de cuidar, adaptándose al sistema de salud que no los reconoce como sujetos de cuidado, y que descarga en ellos labores para las cuales no están preparados ni acompañados en su trayectoria. Objetivo: Integrar los hallazgos de estudios primarios en una metasíntesis cualitativa para describir la experiencia de los cuidadores informales en Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Revisión sistemática de literatura cualitativa o metasíntesis cualitativa. Búsqueda sistemática en metabuscadores incluyendo los descriptores: cuidadores, experiencia, investigación cualitativa, Colombia. La selección de los estudios se realizó con base en la metodología PRISMA y la herramienta COREQ, disponible en la red EQUATOR. Resultados: Se incluyeron 20 estudios primarios cualitativos, se codificaron en 250 códigos nominales, clasificados en 6 categorías centrales: relación entre la diada con su contexto, tocar fondo para fortalecerse espiritualmente, entrega, sobreprotección y limitación propia, momentos claves para adaptarse a cuidar, relación consigo mismo, sistema de salud, políticas y apoyo institucional. Conclusión: Los cuidadores comparten la experiencia de enfermedad junto con su ser querido. Se necesita transformar el sistema de salud para satisfacer las necesidades de las diadas en lugar de las necesidades del enfermo o discapacitado.

Introduction: Caregivers have a particular way of experiencing their caring roles. They have to adapt to a health system that does not recognize them as subjects of care and, at the same time, makes them responsible for tasks for which they are not prepared, without any support. Objective: To incorporate primary studies findings into a qualitative meta-synthesis to describe informal caregivers experience in Colombia. Materials and methods: Systematic review of qualitative literature. A systematic search was carried out using meta-search engines with the following descriptors: caregivers; experience; qualitative research; and Colombia. The study selection followed the PRISMA methodology and the COREQ tool, which is available on the EQUATOR network. Results: 20 qualitative studies were included, which were encoded with 250 nominal codes and classified in 6 central categories: relationship between the dyad and its context; hitting rock bottom to strengthen spiritually; commitment; overprotection and self-limitation; key moments to adapt to the caregiving task; relationship with self; health system; policies and institutional support. Conclusion: Caregivers share the illness experience with their loved ones. The health system needs to change in order to meet the needs of the dyads rather than the needs of the sick of disabled.

Introdução: Os cuidadores possuem uma forma particular de viver a experiência de cuidar, adaptando-se ao sistema de saúde que não os reconhece como sujeitos do cuidado, e que descarrega sobre eles tarefas para as quais não estão preparados ou acompanhados em sua jornada. Objetivo: Integrar os resultados dos estudos primários em uma metassíntese qualitativa para descrever a experiência dos cuidadores informais na Colômbia. Materiais e métodos: Revisão sistemática de literatura qualitativa ou metassíntese qualitativa. Pesquisa sistemática em motores de metabusca incluindo os descritores: cuidadores, experiência, pesquisa qualitativa, Colômbia. A seleção dos estudos foi realizada com base na metodologia PRISMA e na ferramenta COREQ, disponível na rede EQUATOR. Resultados: Foram incluídos 20 estudos primários qualitativos, codificados em 250 códigos nominais, classificados em 6 categorias centrais: relação da díade com seu contexto, atingir o fundo do poço para se fortalecer espiritualmente, entrega, superproteção e autolimitação, momentos-chave para adaptação ao cuidado, relacionamento consigo mesmo, sistema de saúde, políticas e apoio institucional. Conclusão: Os cuidadores compartilham a experiência do adoecimento junto ao seu ente querido. O sistema de saúde precisa de ser transformado para satisfazer as necessidades das díades e não as necessidades dos doentes ou deficientes.

Atención de las personas que viven con VIH en el Sistema de Salud Colombiano: perspectivas de pacientes, cuidadores y personal de salud / Caring for people living with HIV in the Colombian Health System: patients, caregivers and health workers perspectives

Fundamentos: las políticas y programas de atención en salud a las personas que viven con vih han obedecido a las políticas económicas vigentes, basadas en el modelo de desarrollo neoliberal y que configuran el actual sistema de salud. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la influencia del sistema de salud colombiano en la atención de las personas que vivían con vih afiliadas a las entidades administradoras de planes de beneficio del régimen subsidiado, atendidos en neiva (colombia). Métodos: se realizó un estudio cualitativo, enmarcado en el análisis crítico del discurso. Participaron diecinueve personas entre pacientes con vih, cuidadores no formales y personal de salud, captados de dos instituciones prestadoras de servicios de salud de la ciudad de neiva, a quienes se les aplicó entrevistas en profundidad. Los datos fueron codificados, categorizados y organizados en excel para su análisis.resultados: la relación interpersonal y el funcionamiento del sistema de salud fueron dos fenómenos que interfirieron en la atención de las personas con vih, en cuanto a que favoreció o impuso barreras a las prácticas. Se encontraron fallos en el proceso informativo/educativo desde el momento del diagnóstico, estigma y discriminación, profundizado en las instituciones de salud no especializadas en vih, así como múltiples barreras de acceso a los servicios de salud. El 55,5% de los pacientes expresó haber sido discriminados por el personal de salud en algún momento desde su diagnóstico. El 100% de pacientes entrevistados identificó barre-ras de diferente tipo para los servicios de salud, contextualizados en trato indebido, inoportunidad en la atención y abuso del poder; solo el 22,2% recurrió a la interposición de quejas, derechos de petición o tutelas para reclamar su derecho a la salud.conclusiones: la praxis de atención se realiza al margen de la situación de contexto de los pacientes, olvidando que son precisamente los ubicados en un nivel socioeconómico más bajo, quienes tienen mayor vulnerabilidad estructural relacionada con la pobreza, por lo que la falta de atención de salud exacerba las inequidades sanitarias.(AU)

Background: health policies and programs for people living with hiv have been subordinated to current economic policies based on the neoliberal development model that shapes the current healthcare system. The study’s objective was to analyze the influence of the colombian health system on the care of people who lived with hiv enrolled in the subsidized regime through benefit plan administrating entities and treated in neiva (colombia).methods: a qualitative study framed within the framework of the critical discourse analysis was conducted. Nineteen people parti-cipated, including hiv patients, non-formal caregivers, and health workers. The participants were recruited from two health service provi-ders institutions in the city of neiva. In-depth interviews were conducted. Data were coded, categorized and organized in excel for analysis.results: the interpersonal relationship and the health system functioning were two phenomena that interfered with caring for people with hiv by favoring or imposing barriers to practices. Failures were found in the informative-educational process from the moment of diagnosis, stigmatization, and discrimination, particularly in non-hiv-specialized health institutions, and multiple barriers to access to health services. 55.5% of the patients expressed having been discriminated against by health personnel at some point since their diagnosis. 100% of the patients interviewed identified different types of barriers to health services, contextualized in im-proper treatment, untimely care and abuse of power; only 22.2% resorted to the filing of complaints, petition rights or guardianships to claim their right to health.conclusions: health care praxis is carried out regardless of patients’ situation, forgetting that those from a lower socioecono-mic level have greater structural vulnerability related to poverty. The lack of healthcare exacerbates health inequalities.(AU)

Retos y estrategias para recuperar y dinamizar la atención primaria. Metodología DAFO (Debilidades, Amenazas, Fortalezas y Oportunidades)-CAME (Corregir, Afrontar, Mantener y Explotar) en un departamento de salud / Challenges and strategies to recover and dynamize primary care: SWOT-CAME analysis in a Health Department

Objetivo: Identificar fortalezas, obstáculos, cambios en el entorno y capacidades de los equipos y unidades de apoyo en atención primaria, con el objetivo de proporcionar atención de alta calidad en un área de salud integrada. Diseño: Estudio de métodos mixtos basado en la matriz DAFO y el análisis CAME. Emplazamiento: Atención primaria, Comunidad Valenciana. Participantes: En total han participado 271 profesionales de los diferentes colectivos y representantes de asociaciones de pacientes, 99 en la fase de captura de ideas, 154 en la fase de elaboración de la matriz DAFO y 18 en la fase de elaboración del análisis CAME. Intervenciones: Se condujo un análisis DAFO-CAME a partir del cual se establecieron líneas de acción. La captura de información se realizó mediante grupos nominales, la fase de consenso integrando al conjunto de profesionales mediante Delphi y conferencia de consenso. Mediciones principales: Priorización de propuestas para mantener las fortalezas, afrontar las amenazas, explotar las oportunidades, corregir las debilidades en el marco de un plan de acción de un área de salud integrada. Resultados: Se propusieron un total de 82 ideas diferentes (20 fortalezas, 40 debilidades, 4 amenazas, 12 oportunidades y 6 amenazas-oportunidades). Este análisis condujo a un plan estratégico con 7 líneas y 33 acciones/intervenciones priorizadas. Conclusiones: Atención integrada buscando fórmulas colaborativas entre niveles asistenciales, redefinición de roles, soluciones digitales, capacitación del personal y mejoras en equipamientos y procesos de soporte, junto a medidas para afrontar el envejecimiento de la población y las necesidades de centros sociosanitarios constituyen los retos sobre los que actuar.(AU)

Objective: To identify strengths, obstacles, changes in the environment, and capabilities of primary care teams and support units, with the aim of providing high-quality care in an integrated healthcare area. Design: Mixed methods study based on the SWOT matrix and CAME analysis. Location: Primary care, Valencian community. Participants: A total of 271 professionals from different collectives and patient association representatives participated. 99 in the idea generation phase, 154 in the SWOT matrix development phase, and 18 in the CAME analysis development phase. Interventions: A SWOT-CAME analysis was conducted, from which action lines were established. Information capture was carried out through nominal groups, and the consensus phase involved integrating all professionals through Delphi and consensus conference techniques. Main measurements: Prioritization of proposals to maintain strengths, address threats, exploit opportunities, and correct weaknesses within the framework of an integrated healthcare area action plan. Results: A total of 82 different ideas were proposed (20 strengths; 40 weaknesses; 4 threats; 12 opportunities; 6 threats-opportunities), which, once prioritized, were translated into 7 lines and 33 prioritized actions/interventions (CAME analysis). Conclusions: Integrated care, seeking collaborative approaches between care levels, redefining roles, digital solutions, staff training, and improvements in equipment and support processes, along with measures to address the aging population and the needs of socio-sanitary centers, constitute the challenges to be addressed.(AU)

Cuerpos desgener[iz]ados: rescatando las experiencias de personas intersex como usuarias del sistema de salud público Chileno / Corpos desgener[iz]ados: resgatando as experiências de pessoas intersexuais como usuárias do sistema público de saúde chileno / Desgener[iz]ated bodies: rescuing the experiences of intersex people as users of the Chilean public health system

Introducción: La intersexualidad comprende condicionesinfrecuentes donde una persona nace con una anatomíasexual diferente del binario hombre-mujer; esto suponehabitar un cuerpo fuera de lo inteligible y estigmatizado.Históricamente, desde la heteronorma, el modelo biomédicoha buscado normalizarles quirúrgicamente para asignarprecoz y arbitrariamente un sexo-género armónico con lagenitalidad. Desde los Derechos Humanos, estas prácticasson cuestionadas por colectivos Intersex.Materiales y método: Estudio de caso, entre años 2019 y2020; técnica de entrevista en profundidad a dos usuariosadultos de los Policlínicos de Urología y Endocrinología de unhospital público en Santiago, Chile; se utilizó la fenomenologíade Husserl para comprender la experiencia en el sistema desalud de las personas intersex. El análisis de la informaciónse basó en la propuesta de Colaizzi.Resultados: Se reconocieron unidades de significado principalese imbricadas, cuyas esencias permitieron describir el fenómenode: ser niño y habitar el espacio hospitalario, vivir con lacondición actualmente, y la experiencia de utilizar el sistemade salud siendo adulto.Conclusiones: Se identificaron diversas estrategias de agenciatanto en el espacio hospitalario como el cotidiano, medianteun proceso personal y silencioso de aprendizajes sobre lasimplicancias de ser intersexual.(AU)

Introduction: Intersexuality includes extremely rareconditions where a person is born with a sexual anatomydifferent from the male-female binary; this supposesinhabiting a body outside the intelligible, configuringa stigma. Historically and from the heteronorm, thebiomedical model has sought to surgically normalizethem in order to precociously and arbitrarily assigna gender in harmony with genitality. From HumanRights, these practices have been questioned byIntersex groups.Materials and method: During the years 2019 and2020, case studies were carried out through in-depthinterviews with two adult users of the Urology andEndocrinology Polyclinics of a public hospital atSantiago, Chile; Husserl's phenomenology was usedto visualize the phenomenon according to how it isexperienced by the subjects who carry it, using theprocedure described by Colaizzi as an informationanalysis plan.Results: Main and overlapping units of meaning wererecognized, whose essences allowed describing thephenomenon of: being a child and inhabiting thehospital space, currently living with the condition,and the experience of using the health system as anadult, with new and own meanings.Conclusions: Various agency strategies were identifiedboth in the hospital space and in everyday life, througha personal and silent process of learning about theimplications of being intersex.(AU)

Introdução: Intersexo compreende condições rarasem que uma pessoa nasce com uma anatomia sexualdiferente do binário masculino-feminino; Isso significahabitar um corpo fora do que é inteligível e estigmatizado.Historicamente, a partir da heteronormação, o modelobiomédico buscou normalizá-los cirurgicamente paraatribuir precoce e arbitrariamente um sexo-gêneroharmônico com a genitalidade. A partir dos DireitosHumanos, essas práticas são questionadas por gruposintersexuais.Materiais e método: Estudo de caso, entre os anos de2019 e 2020; técnica de entrevista em profundidadecom dois usuários adultos das Policlínicas de Urologiae Endocrinologia de um hospital público de Santiago,Chile; A fenomenologia de Husserl foi utilizada paracompreender a experiência de pessoas intersexuaisno sistema de saúde. A análise das informações foibaseada na proposta de Colaizzi.Resultados: Reconheceram-se unidades de significadoprincipais e sobrepostas, cujas essências permitiramdescrever o fenômeno de: ser criança e habitar oespaço hospitalar, viver atualmente com a condição e aexperiência de usar o sistema de saúde na fase adulta.Conclusões: Foram identificadas várias estratégiasde agenciamento tanto no hospital como na vidaquotidiana, através de um processo pessoal e silenciosode aprendizagem sobre as implicações de ser intersexo.(AU)

Exceso de mortalidad durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Ecuador. Análisis espacio temporal del exceso de mortalidad durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Ecuador / Excess Mortality during the COVID- 19 Pandemic in Ecuador. Spatiotemporal Analysis of Excess Mortality During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Ecuador

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 causó una elevada mortalidad en el mundo y en el Ecuador. Esta investigación se propuso analizar el exceso de mortalidad debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 en Ecuador. Método: Estudio observacional, longitudinal, cuantitativo y descriptivo. Clasificado como estudio ecológico en el campo de la epidemiología. Este estudio se centra en la medición del exceso de mortalidad durante los años 2020, 2021 y 2022, tomando como período base el promedio de defunciones ocurridas en el intervalo de 2015 a 2019. Resultados: Ecuador, en el período de enero 2020 a octubre 2022, acumuló un exceso total de muertes de 98.915. En el año 2020, el exceso de mortalidad fue mayor a 46.374, siendo el mes de abril el valor más alto de 15.484. En el año 2021, el exceso de muertes fue de 35.859, siendo abril el mes con mayor exceso de 7.330. Y el año 2022 el exceso de mortalidad fue de 16.682, el mes con mayor exceso fue enero con 4.204. Conclusión: Se evidenció un subregistro de defunciones, así como variaciones temporales y geográficas en el exceso de mortalidad. La provincia con mayor número de fallecidos y exceso de mortalidad fue Guayas seguida de Pichincha. Los resultados proporcionan un análisis del panorama durante la emergencia sanitaria, destacando la importancia de evaluar la capacidad de respuesta de los sistemas de salud en momentos de crisis y la necesidad imperativa de implementar medidas correctivas para el futuro.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant mortality in the world and in Ecuador. This research aimed to analyze the excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador. Method: An observational, longitudinal, quantitative and descriptive study, classified as an ecological study in the field of epidemiology. This study focuses on measuring excess mortality during the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, using the average number of deaths that occurred in the period from 2015 to 2019 as the baseline. Results: From January 2020 to October 2022, Ecuador accumulated a total excess of deaths of 98,915. In 2020, the excess mortality was higher at 46,374, with the highest value occurring in April at 15,484. In 2021, the excess deaths amounted to 35,859, with April having the highest excess of 7,330. In 2022, the excess mortality was 16,682, with January recording the highest excess at 4,204. Conclusion: Evidence of underreporting of deaths, as well as temporal and geographi-cal variations in excess mortality, was observed. The province with the highest number of deaths and excess mortality was Guayas, followed by Pichincha. The results provide an analysis of the situation during the health emergency, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the healthcare system's capacity to respond during times of crisis and the imperative need to implement corrective measures for the future.

Beliefs and practices of physicians in Lebanon regarding promotional gifts and interactions with pharmaceutical companies

Background:Pharmaceutical companies invest greatly in promotional gifts to influence prescription of medications by physicians, yet there is limited published information evaluating its impact on healthcare.Aim:This study aimed to assess the beliefs and practices of physicians in Lebanon regarding promotional gifts and their interactions with representatives of pharmaceutical companies.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2019 and January 2020 through an email-based questionnaire sent to 5936 physicians of different specialties registered in the Lebanese Order of Physicians. Assessment was done using a validated tool and data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0.Results:Of the 268 respondents, 188 (70.4%) reported that physicians in Lebanon accepted gifts from representatives of pharmaceutical companies. Most of the physicians (31.7%) interacted with company representatives more than once a week. Medication samples (251 respondents) and stationary items (222 respondents) were the most common gifts accepted by physicians who admitted accepting gifts. Overall, 225 (84.9%) respondents believed that prescriptions by physicians in Lebanon were influenced by the gifts. Only 74 (40.0%) of those who accepted gifts from pharmaceutical companies believed that it was unethical, and around half did not know if the Lebanese Code of Medical Ethics allowed them to accept gifts from pharmaceutical companies .Conclusion:Although physicians in Lebanon were aware of the e ffect that gifts from pharmaceutical companies could have on their prescription behaviours, many of them still accepted the gifts. This study provides evidence to policymakers for decision-making regarding ethical guidance on interactions between physicians and pharmaceutical companies in Lebanon.

Evaluation of antibiotic prescription patterns using WHO AWaRe classification

Background:Antimicrobial resistance is a rising problem worldwide and it poses a serious risk to public health. In Pakistan, about 70.0% of the Acinetobacter group of bacteria were resistant to all antibiotics and were responsible for high mortality among neonates within the first week of life.Aim:To evaluate the pattern of antibiotic prescription in the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department of Shalamar Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, using the WHO AWaRe 2021 classification.Methods:We collected prescription data from the ENT outpatient department of Shalamar Hospital from October to December 2021. We compared the quantitative analysis of antibiotics with the WHO AWaRe classification. We analysed the data using SPSS version 26 and discussed the results with the ENT Department for possible improvements.Results:Some 862 (12.1%) of the total 7126 entries were assessed. Others were excluded because they had some missing data or had no antibiotic prescription. Of all the antibiotics prescribed, around 54.9% belonged to the access category. The WHO 13th General Programme of Work 2019–2023 recommends a country-level target of at least 60% of the total antibiotic consumption in the access group antibiotics.Conclusion:The outpatient department of the ENT did not prescribe any reserve or not recommended antibiotics. The use of watch antibiotics was higher than recommended by the WHO AWaRe classification. More efforts should be made to increase prescriptions from the AWaRe access group to achieve the 60% minimum target recommended by WHO for the country.

Situation analysis of the quality of primary health care services in Pakistan

Background:Primary health care services to promote the mental and physical health of communities include preventive, promotive, curative, general hygiene, and nutritional elements.Aim:To assess the quality of service delivery at primary healthcare settings in Punjab, Pakistan.Methods:Quantitative surveys were conducted at 106 health facilities: 92 basic health units (BHUs) and 14 rural health centres (RHCs) across Punjab in 2020. Data from the survey were supplemented with information from observations by the researchers and all data were analysed using SPSS version 25.Findings:All the 7 district health authorities surveyed had monthly targets for number of normal deliveries and the outpatient department. Systems for safe transportation and storage of medicines were deficient except in 2 districts. Anti-venom and anti-rabies vaccines were either limited or not available at most of the health units visited. Some 14% of clinical equipment examined at the BHUs and RHCs were non-functional, and no BHU had ultrasonic machines to improve the quality of antenatal care. Sterilization of surgical instruments was unsatisfactory at most health units. Several key positions at BHU and RHC were vacant. Most health units did not have fence and their main buildings were in poor condition.Conclusions:Several gaps were identified at the primary healthcare level in Punjab that need to be addressed to improve the quality of service delivery.

Assessment of the impact of integrated disease surveillance and response system on surveillance management at healthcare facilities in Pakistan

Background:Disease surveillance is very crucial especially in high vulnerability settings like Pakistan. However, surveillance and outbreak response management are still evolving in the country and research studies are needed to assess the existing system.Aim:To assess the impact of integrated disease surveillance and response system (IDSRS) implemented by the provincial government to strengthen infectious disease surveillance and reporting in 6 districts of Pakistan in 2016.Methods: A baseline cross-sectional assessment of health facilities and the healthcare workforce was conducted in 2016 to identify needs and gaps in public sector health facilities and the health system of 6 selected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. This was followed by a 2018 endline survey of the same facilities using the same variables.Results:Overall, there was improvement in district management and facility level performance (χ2(1, 314) = 21.19, P < 0.001, V = 0.26). District level management improved significantly in areas with relatively lower Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? χ2(1, 154) = 30.41, P <0.001, V = 0.44). Facilitation domain variables improved in the lower GDP districts (χ2(1, 74) = 5.76, P =0 .016, V = 0.28) and showed counterintuitive deterioration (χ2(1, 74) = 4.80, P = 0.028, V = 0.25) in relatively higher GDP areas.Conclusion:IDSRS is effective in improving surveillance and response systems, however, its effectiveness appears to depend on l ocale-specific economies and can be enhanced by modifying the implementation approach. Better empowerment of the local workforce can contribute to such improvement

River water pollution in Lebanon: the country’s most underestimated public health challenge

Background:Due to the several interconnected crises that Lebanon has been facing for the past 4 years, many important social and environmental issues have been overlooked until more “pressing” ones are dealt with. Consequently, water pollution in Lebanon continues to worsen.Aim:This study aimed to describe the microbiological and chemical properties of the 10 main rivers in Lebanon and to assess their suitability for irrigation, while exploring some of the solutions to the problem.Methods:This cross-sectional study evaluated the pollution level of water from 10 rivers in Lebanon in June 2023 and their suitability for irrigation. Samples were collected at 3°C and their quality parameters were measured. Statistical analysis was conducted using R statistical software version 4.0.2.Results:Compared to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines for safe irrigation water use, 4 out of the 10 samples had pH levels exceeding the permissible threshold, resulting in severe limitations on their usability. Three rivers had nitrate concentrations that exceeded the approved range, thus constraining their severe usage. Among the rivers, 60% had Escherichia coli levels higher than the permissible spectrum and 40% had faecal coliform counts exceeding FAO’s upper limit recommendation. All water sources, however, had total dissolved solid levels that were within the recommended range.Conclusions:Polluted water can have a negative impact on human, wildlife and ecosystem health. Most of the assessed rivers in our study contained bacterial colonies, above the maximum recommended internationally. There is therefore an urgent need to address pollution issues in Lebanese waters to make them suitable for irrigation and other uses.

Cuidados paliativos oncol¢gicos: elementospara o debate de diretrizes nesta rea / Palliative care in cancer:elements for debating the guidelines

The aim of this study was to present elementsfor debating guidelines on palliative care programsfor cancer. A literature survey searchedvarious databases (MEDLINE, LILACS, andCochrane Library), homepages of palliative careorganizations, publications by renowned authorsin this area, reference textbooks on thesubject, relevant articles cited by these books,and the thesis/dissertation database of CAPES(the Brazilian Coordinating Body for TrainingUniversity Level Personnel). The data weregrouped into four thematic categories: symptomaticpalliation, organization of services, psychosocialcharacteristics, and spiritual characteristics.The article then proceeds to discusscancer as a public health problem and its impacton individuals, the concept of palliativecare and its context in health care, programmodels and their guidelines, death and dying,and care and caregivers. The study concludes bydiscussing the challenges for the Brazilian NationalHealth System in structuring end-of-lifeprograms as a consequence of the population’saging and increasing cancer incidence.(AU)

¿Clima de reforma? / Reform climate?

Revisé el diccionario y encontré en la RAE la definición de persuasión: "Inducir, mover, obligar a alguien con razones a creer o hacer algo". Es generar confianza, convencer e influir en los demás. Es una fuerza poderosa si se enfoca adecuadamente. Susceptible de aprender, pero tiene unas características propias como son la facilidad de comunicar, las relaciones sociales y ese algo que falta que es la capacidad de empatizar. Expertos en persuasión señalan 6 características: coherencia, reciprocidad, prueba social, escasez, autoridad, y gusto. Más que la presentación del funcionario que busca consenso, orientación y apoyo, escuchamos a un provocador que en forma descarnada presentaba los argumentos o hipótesis que daban pie a los cambios que se proponían en la reforma de salud. Así fue la intervención de la ministra de Salud en el foro de la Academia Nacional de Medicina.

Inversión económica en salud en América en los últimos veinte años / Economic investment in health programs in North, Central and South American countries during the last twenty years / Investimento econômico em saúde na América nos últimos vinte anos

Introducción: La inversión en salud es fundamental para brindar una oportuna atención a los pacientes, y a la vez efectuar programas de prevención para el bienestar de la ciudadanía. Objetivo: Comparar la inversión en salud en los países de América en los últimos veinte años. Materiales y métodos: Se empleó el Modelo Lineal General con base en la técnica MANOVA, suplementando con análisis clúster. Las variables evaluadas fueron: gasto invertido por el sector público en salud expresado en porcentaje; porcentaje del gasto total invertido en salud; PIB (Producto Interno Bruto) salud y gasto público salud per cápita expresado en euros. Resultados: Estados Unidos presenta diferencia estadística significativa respecto a las demás naciones del continente (p<0,05), en lo relacionado al PIB y al gasto público per cápita en euros destinado a la salud. Venezuela posee el menor gasto invertido por el sector público en salud expresado en porcentaje. Conclusiones: Existen grandes brechas en la inversión en salud en América; países con mayor poder adquisitivo como Estados Unidos y Canadá, presentan las mayores cifras. Venezuela es el país con la menor inversión del PIB dedicada a gastos de salud, siendo la única nación que en los últimos años ha reducido esta variable.

Introduction:Health investment is essential to provide patient care and develop prevention programs for the wellbeing of citizens. Objective:To compare investment in health programs by American countries during the last twenty years. Methods:A General Linear Model based on the MANOVA technique was applied, which was supplemented with cluster analysis. The assessed variables were: investments in health by the public sector (expressed as a percentage); percentage of the total spending invested in health; and health GDP(Gross Domestic Product) and public health expenditure per capita (presented in Euros). Results:In reference to GDP and public spending per capita allocated to health (in Euros), the United States shows a statistically significant difference compared to other nations of the continents (p<0.05). Venezuela has the lowest public expenditure in health, expressed as percentage. Conclusions:There is a large difference in terms of investment in health in the Americas, where the economically strongest countries such as the United States and Canada show the highest figures. Venezuela is the country with the lowest GDP investment in health, being the only nation that reduced this variable in recent years.

Introdução:O investimento na saúde é fundamental para poder prestar cuidados oportuna aos doentes e ao mesmo tempo realizar programas de prevenção para o bem-estar dos cidadãos. Objetivo: Comparar o investimento em saúde nos países da América nos últimos vinte anos. Materiais e métodos:Foi utilizado o Modelo Linear Geral com base na técnica MANOVA, complementada com análise de cluster. As variáveis avaliadas foram: gastos investidos pelo setor público em saúde expressos em percentual; percentual do gasto total investido em saúde; PIB (Produto Interno Bruto) da Saúde e despesa pública em saúde per capita expressa em euros. Resultados:Os Estados Unidos apresentam uma diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação às demais nações do continente (p<0,05), em relação ao PIB e ao gasto público per capita em euros alocado à saúde. A Venezuela tem o menor gasto investido pelo setor público em saúde expresso em porcentagem. Conclusões:Existem grandes lacunas de investimento em saúde nas Américas, onde os países de maior poder aquisitivo, como Estados Unidos e Canadá, apresentam os valores mais elevados. A Venezuela é o país com menor investimento do PIB dedicado aos gastos com saúde, sendo a única nação que nos últimos anos reduziu esta variável.

Evolución de la cesárea en Colombia y su asociación con la naturaleza jurídica de la institución donde se atiende el parto / Evolution of cesarean sections in Colombia and its association with the legal standing of the institutions where deliveries take place

RESUMEN Objetivos: Describir la evolución de la frecuencia de la cesárea en Colombia a partir de 1998, tanto global como discriminada según la naturaleza jurídica de las instituciones prestadoras de salud (IPS) donde se atienden los partos, y calcular la magnitud de la asociación entre la naturaleza jurídica de la IPS y la realización de cesáreas entre 2015 y 2017. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de corte transversal que describe la frecuencia de partos por cesárea entre los años 1998 y 2020, y un componente analítico para estimar la asociación entre la naturaleza jurídica y la vía del parto entre los años 2015 y 2017, a partir de las bases de registros de nacimientos del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE) de Colombia. Se presentan las proporciones de cesárea por año y el incremento en la proporción de cesárea por tipo de institución; como estimador de esta asociación se utilizó la razón de prevalencia. Resultados: En 1998, la proporción de cesárea fue 25,7 %, incrementó hasta 46,4 % en 2015 y descendió a 44,6 % para 2020. A partir de 1998, la proporción de cesárea en las IPS públicas pasó de 26,2 a 42,9 % para el año 2014 y en las privadas de 45,0 a 57,7 % para el año 2013. La razón de prevalencia de la cesárea de las instituciones privadas con respecto a las públicas fue 1,57 (IC 95 %: 1,56-1,57). Conclusiones: Después de un periodo largo de incremento sostenido, se está presentando una disminución en la proporción de cesáreas en el país; las IPS públicas incrementaron estos procedimientos en mayor proporción durante la mayor parte del tiempo estudiado y en las IPS privadas se realizan con mayor frecuencia a todos los subgrupos de mujeres. Se deberá evaluar en el futuro, mediante metodologías más robustas, si el descenso en la frecuencia de cesárea es una tendencia real o secular.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To describe how the frequency of cesarean section has evolved in Colombia since 1998, both in overall terms as well as discriminated according to the legal standing of the healthcare providers (IPSs) where delivery takes place, and to estimate the size of the association between the legal standing of the institutions and the performance of cesarean sections between 2015 and 2017. Material and methods: A cross-sectional cohort study that describes the frequency of cesarean deliveries between 1998 and 2020, plus an analytical component to estimate the association between the legal nature and the route of delivery between 2015 and 2017, based on the birth records of the Colombian National Statistics Administrative Department (DANE). Proportions of cesarean sections and their increase by institution type are presented. The prevalence ratio was used as an estimator of this association. Results: In 1998, the proportion of cesarean deliveries was 25.7 %; it increased to 46.4 % by 2015 and then dropped to 44.6 % by 2020. After 1998, the proportion of cesarean sections in public hospitals increased from 26.2 % to 42.9 % by 2014, while in private providers it increased from 45.0 % to 57.7 % by 2013. The prevalence ratio of cesarean sections in private versus public institutions was 1.57 (95 % CI: 1.56-1.57). Conclusions: After a long period of sustained growth, there is now a reduction in the proportion of cesarean sections in the country. In public health care institutions, these procedures increased in greater proportion during most of the study period, while in private healthcare providers they are carried out at a higher frequency in all subgroups of women. It will be necessary to evaluate in the future, using more robust methodologies, whether the decrease in the frequency of cesarean section is a real or secular trend.

Consideraciones sobre integrantes del acto médico tomadas de la literatura / Considerations on Members of the Medical Act Taken from the Literature

Se acepta que la literatura puede ser útil para la enseñanza de la medicina porque ambas disciplinas trabajan con sentimientos de personas y consideran la relación interpersonal como el marco de referencia de su actividad profesional. En este trabajo se aportan una serie de ejemplos integrados por fragmentos de textos narrativos tomados de diferentes obras literarias que inciden en el valor de las descripciones y percepciones de diversos autores sobre aspectos de la interacción entre diferentes actores del acto médico. En síntesis, se refleja la imagen cambiante de la medicina y los médicos, del médico como persona, del efecto curativo de la interacción médico-enfermo, y de la interacción con el sistema sanitario. Si bien se aprecia el carácter altruista y abnegado de la práctica médica, los testimonios vertidos en algunos textos literarios dejan constancia de la necesidad de prestar más atención a la formación en empatía no sólo de los profesionales sanitarios, sino también de cuantas personas realizan su trabajo en el ámbito sanitario. (AU)

It is well accepted that literature can be useful for the teaching of medicine because both disciplines study people's feelings and consider the interpersonal relationship as the frame of reference for their professional activity. In the present work, a set of examples are provided, made up of fragments of narrative texts taken from different literary works that have impact on the value of the descriptions and perceptions of several authors on aspects of the interaction between different participants in the medical act. Briefly, it reflects the changing picture of medicine and doctors, the doctor as a person, the healing effect of the doctor-patient interaction, and of the interaction with the healthcare system. Whilst the altruistic and selfless nature of medical practice is appreciated, the proofs expressed in some literary texts show the need to pay more attention to training on the empathy not only for health professionals, but also for all the people who work in the healthcare system. (AU)