Tamizaje de episodio depresivo en adolescentes: validación del instrumento PHQ-9 / Screening depressive episodes in adolescents: validation of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)

Background: There is a paucity of validated instruments for screening depression in adolescent populations in Chile. Aim: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the adolescent version of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Material and Methods: The PHQ-9 was transculturally adapted and administered to adolescents aged 15 to 19 years residing in Santiago de Chile, who were then evaluated with a semi structured interview (Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version or K-SADS-PL) and the Beck Depression Inventory. Internal validity, concurrent validity, and discriminatory power of the PHQ-9 were analyzed. Results: We evaluated 245 adolescents aged 16.2 ± 1 years (71% females). Two hundred and ten presented with a depressive episode and 35 were healthy. The sensitivity and specificity of the scale were 86.2 and 82.9% for 11 points, with a positive likelihood ratio of 5.02. Conclusions: The PHQ-9 is sensitive and specific enough to be used as a screening tool in adolescents with suspected depression. At a 11-point cut-off score as proposed, the likelihood to find a positive result in a subject with depression is five times higher.

Primary care consultation liaison and the rate of psychiatric hospitalizations: a countrywide study in Chile / Las consultorías de salud mental en atención primaria y la tasa de hospitalización psiquiátrica: estudio nacional en Chile / Consultoria em saúde mental na atenção primária e taxa de internação psiquiátrica: estudo nacional no Chile

ABSTRACT Objectives To assess the quality of consultation liaison across all primary health care centers in Chile, and its potential relationship with the psychiatric hospitalization rate. Methods We carried out a countrywide ecological cross-sectional study on 502 primary health centers in 275 municipalities (87.3% of total primary health centers in Chile) during 2009. We characterized the presence of consultation liaison using four criteria: availability, frequency, continuity of participants, and continuity across care levels. We also created a dichotomous variable called "optimal consultation liaison" for when all four criteria were met. A quasi-Poisson regression model was used to estimate the rate of hospitalization due to different psychiatric disorders, adjusting by population attributes. Results Of the primary health centers, 28.3% of them had had optimal consultation liaison during the preceding year, concentrated in the poorest and richest municipalities. Continuity of care was the criterion that was met least often (38.3%). The presence of optimal consultation liaison at the municipal level was associated with fewer psychiatric discharges, with the following incidence rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs): schizophrenia, 0.65 (95% CI: 0.49-0.85); other psychoses, 0.68 (95% CI: 0.52-0.89); and personality disorders, 0.66 (95% CI: 0. 49-0.89). Municipalities with optimal consultation liaison showed 2.44 fewer total psychiatric discharges per 10 000 inhabitants, although without reaching statistical significance (-0.85 to 5.70). Conclusions Using a nationally representative sample, we found that consultation liaison in primary care was associated with having fewer psychiatric hospitalizations. More studies are required to understand the role of each component of consultation liaison.

RESUMEN Objetivos Evaluar la calidad de las consultorías de salud mental en todos los centros de atención primaria de salud en Chile y su posible relación con la tasa de hospitalización psiquiátrica. Métodos Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal ecológico a nivel nacional sobre los 502 centros de atención primaria de salud en 275 municipios (87,3 % del total de los centros de atención primaria de salud en Chile) durante el 2009. Las consultorías de salud mental se caracterizaron por medio de cuatro criterios: disponibilidad, frecuencia, continuidad de los participantes y continuidad en los distintos niveles de atención. Además, se creó una variable dicótoma llamada "consultoría óptima" para cuando se cumplían los cuatro criterios. Se utilizó un cuasimodelo de regresión de Poisson para calcular la tasa de hospitalización a causa de distintos trastornos psiquiátricos, ajustada por los atributos de la población. Resultados De los centros de atención primaria de salud, el 28,3 % había presentado consultorías óptimas durante el año anterior, concentradas en los municipios más pobres y más ricos. La continuidad de la atención fue el criterio que se cumplió con menos frecuencia (38,3 %). La presencia de consultorías óptimas a nivel municipal estuvo asociada con menos altas médicas psiquiátricas, con la siguiente razón de tasa de incidencia e intervalos de confianza (IC) del 95 %: esquizofrenia, 0,65 (IC del 95%: 0,49-0,85); otras psicosis, 0,68 (IC del 95%: 0,52-0,89); y trastornos de la personalidad, 0,66 (IC del 95%: 0,49-0,89). Los municipios con consultorías óptimas registraron 2,44 menos altas médicas psiquiátricas totales por 10 000 habitantes, aunque sin alcanzar significación estadística (-0,85 a 5,70). Conclusiones Por medio de una muestra representativa a nivel nacional, encontramos que las consultorías de salud mental en centros de atención primaria de salud estaban asociadas con la disminución de hospitalizaciones psiquiátricas. Se requieren más estudios para comprender la función de cada componente de las consultorías de salud mental.

RESUMO Objetivos Avaliar a qualidade da consultoria em saúde mental nos centros de atenção primária à saúde e possível relação com a taxa de internação psiquiátrica. Métodos Um estudo de delineamento transversal ecológico foi conduzido em nível nacional em 502 centros de atenção primária à saúde (87,3% do número total no país) em 275 municípios no Chile em 2009. A prática de consultoria em saúde mental foi caracterizada de acordo com quatro critérios: disponibilidade, frequência, continuidade dos participantes e continuidade nos níveis de atenção. Também foi criada uma variável dicotômica, denominada "consultoria ideal", quando os quatro critérios eram satisfeitos. Foi usado um modelo de regressão de quase-Poisson para estimar a taxa de internação por diferentes transtornos psiquiátricos, ajustada segundo as características da população. Resultados Ao todo, 28,3% dos centros de atenção primária à saúde tiveram uma prática de consultoria ideal no ano anterior, concentrada nos municípios pertencentes aos quartis mais pobre e mais rico. A continuidade da atenção foi o critério satisfeito com menor frequência (38,3%). A prática de consultoria ideal ao nível de município foi associada a um número menor de altas psiquiátricas, com as seguintes razões de taxas de incidência e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC 95%): 0,65 para esquizofrenia (IC 95% 0.49-0.85); 0,68 para outras psicoses (IC 95% 0.52-0.89) e 0,66 para transtornos de personalidade (IC 95% 0.49-0.89). Os municípios com prática de consultoria ideal tiveram 2,44 menos altas psiquiátricas por 10 mil habitantes, embora não seja estatisticamente significativo (-0.85 a 5,70). Conclusões O estudo de uma amostra representativa da população nacional revelou que a consultoria em saúde mental na atenção primária esteve associada a um número menor de internações psiquiátricas. Outros estudos são necessários para entender o papel de cada componente da consultoria em saúde mental.

Evolución de las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de pacientes adultos del programa nacional al inicio de la terapia anti-retroviral en la Cohorte Chilena de SIDA, 2001-2015 / Evolution of epidemiological and clinical characteristics of adults patients belonging to the national program at start of antiretroviral therapy in the Chilean AIDS Cohort, 2001-2015

Background: Chilean AIDS Cohort is the oldest and extensive in Latin America and one of most numerous and with longer follow up time to international level. Records information from 14,873 patients out of approximately 22,000 in antiretroviral therapy in the public system and its results have allowed to know the national reality and have contributed to the adoption of public policies. Aim: To describe the demographic, clinical and immunological characteristics of patients who have started ART in Chile and its evolution over the past 15 years. Patients and Methods: The cases were stratified by five-year periods: 2001-2005, 2006-2010 and 2011-2015. The data analysis included calculating proportions, their respective confidence intervals 95% and X² test for significance analysis was applied. Results: 17.4% of patients starting ART are women and the proportion has remained relatively constant. The highest proportion of new HIV cases are 30 and 39 years old, nevertheless the layer of 15-29 years demonstrates a significant increase from 21.7 to 36.4% in 2011-2015 especially in men. 12.1% of new cases are older than 50 years old with a stable trend over time; however, women over 50 have increased from 11.0 to 15.6%. Antiretroviral therapy initiation with CD4+ T lymphocytes less than 200 cells/mm³ has decreased from 79.7 to 42.4% and in stage C from 45.4 to 22.6%. Late presentation to antiretroviral therapy is higher in men but this gap has narrowed in the last five years. Pneumocystis jiroveci, wasting syndrome, tuberculosis, Kaposi’s sarcoma and esophageal candidiasis are the most common opportunistic diseases without significant changes in the three-year periods analyzed. In the last five years, 15.5% of opportunistic diseases occurs in patients with CD4+ TL > 200 cells/mm3. Discussion: Despite the limitations of observational studies present report describes the characteristics and evolution of the epidemics in Chile in the last 15 years. The infection occurs at younger ages in men, whereas in women there is an increase over 50 years old. Despite advances in treatment access have reduced late presentation to therapy, important challenges remain to achieve more timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy in accordance with WHO 90-90-90 goals.

Introducción: La Cohorte Chilena de SIDA es la más antigua y extensa de Latinoamérica y una de las más numerosas y con mayor tiempo de seguimiento a nivel internacional. Registra información de 14.873 pacientes de los aproximadamente 22.000 en TARV en el sistema público y sus resultados han permitido conocer la realidad nacional y han contribuido a la adopción de políticas públicas. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características demográficas, clínicas e inmunológicas de los pacientes que han comenzado TARV en Chile y su evolución en los últimos 15 años. Pacientes y Métodos: Los casos fueron estratificados por quinquenios: 2001-2005, 2006-2010 y 2011-2015. El análisis de los datos incluyó el cálculo de proporciones, sus respectivos intervalos de confianza 95% y se aplicó test de X² para análisis de significación. Resultados: El 17,4% de los casos que inician TARV corresponde a mujeres y la proporción se ha mantenido relativamente constante. Por edad, destaca el grupo de adultos entre 30 y 39 años aunque el estrato de 15-29 años evidencia un importante aumento desde 21,7 a 36,4% en 2011-2015, especialmente en hombres. Un 12,1% del total de los inicios de TARV son mayores de 50 años con una tendencia estable en el tiempo; sin embargo, las mujeres mayores de 50 años han aumentado de 11,0 a 15,6%. El inicio de TARV con LT CD4 menor de 200 céls/mm³ ha disminuido desde 79,7 a 42,4% y en etapa C desde 45,4 a 22,6%. La presentación tardía a TARV es mayor en hombres pero esta diferencia se ha reducido en el último quinquenio. Neumonía por Pneumocystis jiroveci, síndrome consuntivo, tuberculosis, sarcoma de Kaposi y candidiasis esofágica son las enfermedades oportunistas más frecuentes sin cambios significativos en los tres quinquenios analizados. En el último quinquenio, 15,5% de las enfermedades oportunistas se presenta en pacientes con LT CD4 > 200 céls/mm³. Discusión: Pese a las limitaciones de los estudios observacionales el presente reporte describe las características y evolución de la epidemia en Chile en los últimos 15 años. La infección se presenta a edades más jóvenes en hombres, mientras que en mujeres hay un aumento en mayores de 50 años. Pese a los avances en acceso a tratamiento que han permitido reducir la presentación a tardía a terapia, aún persisten importantes desafíos para alcanzar un inicio de TARV más oportuno, en concordancia con las metas 90-90-90 de OMS.

Caracterización del metabolismo óseo mineral en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis en el Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Sur, Santiago de Chile / Bone mineral metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis in Southern Metropolitan Santiago

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) is a condition of dialysis patients associated with both morbidity and mortality. Management is based on clinical guidelines with goals that are hard to comply with. Aim: To describe and compare biochemical variables associated with this disorder in two different time periods. Material and Methods: Revision of medical records of 814 patients (49% females) dialyzed during 2009 and 1018 patients (48% females), dialyzed during 2012 in Southern Metropolitan Santiago. Information about serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and albumin was retrieved. Results: Median PTH values in 2009 and 2012 were 222.5 and 353.5 pg/ml respectively (p < 0.05). The figures for serum calcium corrected by albumin were 9.0 and 8.5 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.05). The figures for phosphorus were 4.7 and 5.0 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.05). The Calcium x Phosphorus product was 41.4 and 42.5 mg²/dl² (p < 0.05). Of note, the proportion patients with serum calcium below recommended levels (< 8.4 mg/dl) increased from 16% to 40% from 2009 to 2012. The proportion of patients with biochemical variables within recommended ranges was lower in 2012 than in 2009. Conclusions: There was a low proportion of patients with bone metabolism parameters within ranges recommended by clinical guidelines. These parameters were worst in 2012.

Programa de tamizaje universal e intervención precoz (PTUIP) en hipoacusia sensorioneural bilateral congénita: Tarea pendiente desde la perspectiva de políticas públicas de salud en Chile / Universal screening program and early intervention (uspei) in congenital bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in Chile

Congenital hearing loss is the total or partial inability to hear sounds through the ears. It is the most common disability in newborns in Chile and worldwide, and is a permanent condition. The direct impact on children who are not adequately diagnosed is the alteration in acquisition of language and cognitive skills and a decline in their social and school insertion, jeopardizing their professional and potentially productive life. Universal screening programs for hearing loss are essential for the diagnosis, since 50% of infants with hearing loss have no known risk factor. Screening before one month of age, confirmation before 3 months, and effective intervention before 6 months, allows the development of these children as if they had normal hearing. In Chile there is a selective program of screening for infants aged less than 32 weeks or 1,500 grams, as part of Explicit Health Guarantees, but it covers only 0.9% of newborns per year. Therefore, a large majority of children remain without diagnosis. The aim of this review is to compare the situation in Chile with other countries, raising the need to move towards a universal neonatal hearing loss screening program, and propose necessary conditions in terms of justification and implementation of a universal screening public policy.

Evaluación neuropsicológica en 129 pacientes chilenos con esclerosis múltiple recurrente remitente previo a inicio de fármacos inmunomoduladores / Neuropsychological assessment of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis prior to the use of immunomodulatory drugs

Background: The detection of cognitive changes (CC) and psychiatric disorders in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS-RR) contributes to patient clinical monitoring. Aim: To assess the frequency and characteristics of CC and psychiatric disorders in Chilean patients with MS-RR, before starting immunomodulatory treatment. Patients and Methods: Retrospective review of data that was obtained following a standard assessment protocol. It consisted in the application of the Expanded Disability Status Scale of Kurtzke (EDSS), Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), fatigue intensity scale of Krupp, brief repeatable battery of neuropsychological Rao (BRN-R) and Hamilton's depression and anxiety questionnaires. Results: We evaluated 129 patients aged between 12 and 60 years of age (69% women). Ninetyfour percent of patients had eight or more years of schooling. The average EDSS score was 2.83. CC were detected in 62% of participants, in at least one subtest of the BRN-R. The main changes were verbal memory and speed in the processing information. The frequency of cognitive impairment (CI), defined as at least two BRN-R subtests altered, was 36%. The figures decreased to 17% when significant major depression or associated fatigue were excluded. Depressive symptoms were observed in 58% and anxiety in 76.7%. Conclusions: The results are consistent with those described in the literature. The type of instruments used in the investigation of CC and the definition of CI in MS should be standardized.

Incidencia y mortalidad de bacteriemia en un hospital clínico docente en Santiago de Chile / Incidence and mortality of bacteremia in a public hospital in Santiago

Background:The incidence of bacteremia has increased over the last decade due to the aging of the population and the wide implementation of invasive nosocomial procedures and wide-spectrum antimicrobial treatments. Aim: To assess the epidemiology of hospital and ambulatory bacteremias in a public hospital in Santiago. Material and Methods: A prospective longitudinal cohort study of laboratory-confirmed adult patients with bacteremia was undertaken at a public hospital in Santiago, between June 1, 2007 and April 30, 2008. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data was collected into a standardized study-specific form. Results: In the study period, 253 cases of true bacteremia were identified, with an incidence of 11 per 1,000 patient discharges (63.6% nosocomial, 36.7% fatal). Only 2/3 of the cohort was alive at day 28 of hospitalization. Variables associated with mortality were age with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.31; (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.42- 3.77); female gender (HR, 1.70; 95% CI 1.06- 2.71); shock (HR, 3.24; 95%CI 2.01-5.22); and C reactive protein (HR, 2.10; 95% CI 1.17- 3.78). The variable associated with lower mortality was surgery (HR, 0.43; 95% CI 0.25-0.75). Selective empiric treatment did not improve survival. Conclusions: Besides age and gender, survival can be influenced by modifiable variables such as presence of shock and surgical intervention, which may provide an opportunity to improve outcomes.

¿Cómo se ha medido la posición social en investigación en salud?: una revisión de la literatura internacional / How has social status been measured in health research?: a review of the international literature

La posición social (PS) es una variable multidimensional ampliamente utilizada en la investigación en salud. No hay una sola forma óptima de estimarla, sino que en cada caso su medición varía de acuerdo con la pregunta de investigación, la teoría considerada de base, la población de interés, el evento de interés y, en algunos casos, la información disponible. Esta revisión de literatura desarrolla los siguientes aspectos relacionados a la medición de la PS a partir de fuentes electrónicas científicas internacionales disponibles: i) identifica el rol de la PS en el contexto de la investigación epidemiológica social, ii) describe los principales indicadores y enfoques metodológicos utilizados para medir la PS en investigación en salud y iii) analiza las dificultades particulares de medir la PS en poblaciones específicas como grupos étnicos, mujeres, niños, ancianos y contextos rurales versus urbanos. La revisión permite finalmente describir algunas de las implicancias de la medición de PS en países de América Latina.

Social status (SS) is a multidimensional variable that is used widely in health research. There is no single optimal method for estimating social status. Rather, in each case the measurement may vary depending on the research subject, the base theory considered, the population of interest, the event of interest and, in some cases, the available information. This literature review develops the following topics related to SS measurement, based on the international scientific sources available electronically: i) identification of the role of SS in the context of social epidemiology research, ii) description of the principal indicators and methodological approaches used to measure SS in health research, and iii) analysis of the distinct difficulties of SS measurement in specific populations such as ethnic groups, women, children, the elderly, and in rural vs. urban contexts. The review finally makes it possible to describe some of the implications of SS measurement in Latin American countries.

Evaluación del primer "Entrenamiento en Metodología de Investigación Clínica en Chile" / Evaluation of the first training on clinical research methodology in Chile

Este trabajo describe la evaluación del primer "Entrenamiento en Metodología de Investigación Clínica en Chile (EMIC-Chile) tras 12 meses de haber finalizado. Se aplicó una encuesta online para alumnos y el método Delphi para el equipo docente. Entre los estudiantes, la mayoría informó que el programa apoyó su desarrollo profesional y que transmitieron los conocimientos en su lugar de trabajo. El 41 por ciento presentó un proyecto a fondos concursables de investigación una vez finalizado el curso. Entre los profesores, las áreas de mayor interés fueron la estrategia comunicacional, la metodología educativa, las características del equipo docente y las posibles estrategias de permanencia de EMIC-Chile a futuro. Esta experincia podría servir a futuras iniciativas de formación en investigación para profesionales de la salud. Se reconocen como desafíos la incorporación de profesiones no médicas en la investigación clínica, complejidades asociadas a la metodología semi-presencial y permanencia duradera de iniciativas de esta envergadura a nivel nacional y regional.

This paper describes the evaluation of the first training on clinical research methodology in Chile (EMIC-Chile) 12 months after its completion. An online survey was conducted for students and the Delphi method was used for the teaching team. Among the students, the majority reported that the program had contributed to their professional development and that they had shared some of the knowledge acquired with colleagues in their workplace. Forty-one percent submitted a project to obtain research funding through a competitive grants process once they had completed the course. Among the teachers, the areas of greatest interest were the communication strategy, teaching methods, the characteristics of the teaching team, and potential strategies for making the EMIC-Chile permanent in the future. This experience could contribute to future research training initiatives for health professionals. Recognized challenges are the involvement of nonmedical professions in clinical research, the complexities associated with the distance learning methodology, and the continued presence of initiatives of this importance at the national and regional level.

La carga de la enfermedad en países de América Latina / Burden of disease in Latin America

OBJETIVO. Describir los estudios de carga de la enfermedad realizados en la región e identificar las principales prioridades en salud a partir del indicador años de vida saludable perdidos (AVISA). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Mediante el uso de AVISA, identificar la carga de enfermedad en los distintos países. RESULTADOS: Los AVISA destacan la emergencia de los trastornos mentales, la diabetes mellitus en las mujeres y los trastornos por consumo de alcohol y lesiones en los hombres. CONCLUSIONES: América Latina es la región con más estudios nacionales de carga de la enfermedad realizados con una metodología estandarizada, que permiten identificar problemas de salud que están presionando a los servicios de atención; por ello estos resultados constituyen un elemento a tomar en cuenta en el establecimiento de políticas públicas en cada país.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the burden of disease studies made in the region, identify the main priorities in health from the indicator Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: By the use of DALYs identify the burden of disease in the countries in the network. RESULTS: DALYs emphasize the emergency of mental disorders, diabetes mellitus in women and the disorders associated with alcohol consumption and injuries in men. CONCLUSIONS: Latin America is the region with more national studies of burden of disease, using a standardized methodology, that allows identifying new health priorities which are pressing to the health services; for that reason these results constitute an element to take into account in the establishment of public policies in each country.

Consulta de urgencia psiquiátrica y modelo comunitario de atención en salud mental / Emergency psychiatric consultation and the community mental health care model

Introducción: La evaluación de modelos de atención en salud mental es compleja, existiendo carencias de estudios de impactos de estos servicios; también del Modelo Comunitario de Atención en Salud Mental (MCASM). La Consulta de Urgencia Psiquiátrica (CUP) se utiliza como indicadorde resultado: reúne emergencia real y demanda no resuelta. El Complejo Asistencial Barros-Luco (CABL) constituye un modelo naturalístico de comparación: provee CUP a 2 servicios de salud: Sur (SSMS) y Sur-Oriente (SSMSO), el primero con mayor desarrollo del MCASM. Del mismomodo las comunas del SSMS presentan distintos grados de implementación del MCASM. Objetivo: Comparar la variación de tasas de CUP en el CABL, según SS de procedencia y comuna delSSMS. Metodología: Estudio observacional retrospectivo (años 2006-2007). Se compararoncomunas del SSMS, categorizándolas por presencia de MCASM y distancia al CABL usando modelos de regresión de poisson. Resultados: Se analizaron 11.760 CUP. Existe caída de tasasde CUP, proporcionalmente mayores en SSMS y en comunas con MCASM. Sin embargo, comunas con MCASM presentan Razón de Tasas de Incidencia (RTI) de CUP mayores al doble. Al ajustar por distancia y años, la RTI disminuye (1,38 [96%IC 1,07-1,77]). Hay diferencias en caída deCUP entre comunas, no explicables por los factores estudiados. Discusión: Mayor desarrollo del MCASM podría asociarse a disminución de CUP. Hay limitaciones: periodo de observación corto, ausencia de ajustes por otros confundentes, categorizaciones poco precisas.

Introduction: Health care model evaluation in mental health is complex, and there is a lack of impact studies on those services, as well as on the Community Mental Health Care Model (CMHC). Emergency Psychiatric Consultation (EPC) is used as an indicator of results: it includes both real emergencies and unresolved demand. The Barros Luco Health Care Complex (BLHC) provides an opportunity to study the impact of the CMHC model: it provides EPC to two health services, South (SHS) and South-East (SEHS). The former has more widely implemented the CMHC model, and the counties of the SHS range in their implementation of the CMH model. Objective: Compare the variation in rates of EPC in the BLHC by health service of origin, and by county within the SHS. Methodology: This is an observational retrospective study (2006-2007). Counties within the SHS were categorized by implementation of the CMH model and distance to the BLHC, and analyzed using Poisson regression models. Results: 11,760 EPC were analyzed. A decrease in EPC rates can be observed, which is greater in the SHS and in the counties that have implemented the CMHC model. Nevertheless, counties with the CMHC model had incidence rate ratios (IRR) for EPC that were more than twice as high. After adjusting for distance and years, the IRR decreased (1.38 [96 per cent CI 1.07-1.77]). There are differences in the decrease in EPC between counties that are not explained by the factors studied. Discussion: Greater development of the CMHC model could be associated with the decrease in EPC. There are limitations: short observation period, lack of adjustments for other confounding factors, imprecise categories.

Programa de Atención Musculoesquelética en atención primaria: primera evaluación semestral / Musculoskeletal Care Program in primary care: first six-monthly assessment

Las enfermedades musculoesqueléticas generan impotencia funcional y dolor crónico. El sistema de salud público concentra gran parte de su resolución en el nivel secundario de atención, con largas listas de espera. El presente trabajo señala los primeros resultados del funcionamiento de un Programa Piloto de Atención Musculoesquelética (PAME).Con especialistas del nivel secundario, se desarrollaron guías de manejo y derivación de los principales problemas musculoesqueléticos en lista de espera. En su desarrollo se consideró la existencia de salas de manejo kinésico en atención primaria. Se seleccionó un consultorio perteneciente al Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Sur, donde se implementó una sala piloto más kinesiólogo. Se capacitó a los médicos del consultorio en la correcta derivación de pacientes, ajustada a cartera de servicio. En cada paciente atendido en la sala, se evaluó dolor (EVA) y capacidad funcional (HAQ-8) al momento de ingreso y egreso. Además, se realizó conteo de lista de espera en todos los consultorios del Servicio de Salud. El costo de implementación del PAME fue $7.086.925. En sus primeros 6 meses fueron atendidos 301 pacientes (81 por ciento mujeres, x igual 60 años). La evaluación de los pacientes en condición de alta evidenció mejoría significativa del dolor y funcionalidad en todas las patologías. La tasa de generación de interconsultas al nivel secundario del consultorio correspondió a 4,2x10.000 inscritos-año, la menor del servicio de salud. El PAME, constituye una estrategia factible, mejorando el dolor, funcionalidad y acceso, de la enfermedad musculoesquelética, aumentando la resolutividad de atención primaria y el trabajo coordinado de la red asistencial

Musculoskeletal diseases result in functional impairment and chronic pain. The public health system concentrates a great part of its resolutions for the secondary health care level, thus generating long waiting lists. The present work reports the first results from the operation of a Musculoskeletal Care Pilot Program (PAME).Management and referral guidelines for the main musculoskeletal conditions in waiting list were developed with specialists from the secondary care level. While being developed, the existence of primary care physical therapy wards was considered. An outpatient clinic belonging to the Southern Metropolitan Health Service was selected, and a to implement a pilot ward with a physical therapist. The physicians from the outpatient clinic were trained in the adequate patient referral, adjusted to the service portfolio. Each patient receiving care at the floor, was assessed for pain (VAS) and functional capacity (HAQ-8) upon admission and discharge. Moreover, a waiting list count was performed at all the outpatient clinics from the Health Service. The cost of the implementation of PAME was $7.086.925. During the first 6 months, 301patients received health care (81percent females, x igual 60 years). The assessment of patients in conditions for discharge evidenced a significant improvement of pain and functionality in all pathologies. The rate of referrals to the secondary level was 4,2 x 10.000 registered-year, the lowest in the Health Service. The PAME constitutes a viable strategy, improving pain, functionality and access of musculoskeletal disease, and increasing the capacity of resolution of the primary care levels and the coordinated work of the care network