Tratamiento médico del body packer o mulas de drogas

Introducción: Durante el año 2020, más de 284 millones de personas en el mundo se afectaron por el consumo de drogas. Estas se transportan en diferentes formas de embalaje o en el propio cuerpo y son los llamados correos humanos. Las personas que utilizan el interior del cuerpo con esos fines se describen con varios términos, entre ellos body packers o mulas de drogas. Es una práctica peligrosa, con graves consecuencias médico-legales. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de documentos indexados en las bases de datos SciELO, PubMed y Google académico. Se incluyeron los artículos a texto completo, en español, portugués e inglés, publicados desde 2018 hasta 2022, relacionados con el tema. Objetivo: Examinar las formas de enfrentar desde el punto de vista médico un problema de salud como el body packer. Desarrollo: En la actividad de body packer participan individuos de ambos sexos, de todos los grupos etarios. Las sustancias trasportadas son: cocaína, heroína, anfetaminas, marihuana, hachís y drogas sintéticas. Se portan entre 50 a 200 cápsulas con 5 a 10 kilogramos de la sustancia total. Para su evaluación son necesarios estudios imagenológicos que varían en sensibilidad y disponibilidad. Más del 80 % de los casos son asintomáticos, resuelven con estricta vigilancia y uso de polietilenglicol para la evacuación intestinal; el resto de los casos, desarrollan el síndrome de body packer, requieren tratamiento quirúrgico y apoyo con tratamiento sintomático y específico. Conclusiones: Para el body packer está prevista la realización de estudios imagenológicos, así como el tratamiento médico o quirúrgico según las formas clínicas que se presenten.

Introduction: During the year 2020, more than 284 million people in the world were affected by the consumption of drugs, which are transported in different forms of packaging or using the body itself, called human couriers; people who use the inside of their body for these purposes are described by various terms, including body packers or drug mules, a dangerous practice, with serious medical-legal consequences. A bibliographic review of documents indexed in the SciELO, PubMed and academic Google databases is carried out. Full text articles, in Spanish, Portuguese and English, published from 2018 to 2022, related to the topic were included. Objective: To examine the ways to deal with a health problem such as body packer from a medical point of view. Development: Individuals of both sexes, of all age groups, participate in the body packer activity. The transported substances are: cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, marijuana, hashish and synthetic drugs. Between 50 and 200 capsules with 5 to 10 kilograms of the total substance are carried. Imaging studies that vary in sensitivity and availability are necessary for its evaluation. More than 80% of cases are asymptomatic, resolve with strict surveillance and use of polyethylene-glycol for bowel evacuation; the rest of the cases develop body packer syndrome and require surgical treatment and support with symptomatic and specific treatment. Conclusions: For the body packer, imaging studies are planned, as well as medical or surgical treatment according to the clinical forms that occur.

Consensual coital vaginal laceration in hypovolaemic shock: A report of two cases

Background:Certain life-threatening complications and morbidities may occur following consensual sexual intercourse which may not be commonly experienced in clinical practice. One of such complications is hypovolaemic shock resulting from profuse bleeding.AbstractMethods:Two cases of vaginal laceration complicated by hypovolaemic shock following consensual sexual intercourse are presented.Results:Both patients had resuscitation with intravenous fluid, blood transfusion and subsequent examination under anaesthesia with repair of laceration in theater. Post-operative recovery period was uneventful and they were both discharged after proper counselling. Conclusion:Bleeding from coital laceration could be life threatening. Prompt treatment should be instituted in such cases

Um ano de e-mails não solicitados: o modus operandi de revistas e editoras predatórias / One year of unsolicited e-mails: the modus operandiof predatory journals and publishers

Objetivo: Quantificar, caracterizar e analisar e-mails de revistas predatórias (RP) recebidos por uma pesquisadora da área de odontologia. Materiais e métodos: E-mails recebidos em 2019 e suspeitos de serem potencialmente predatórios foram pré-selecionados. O checklist do Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) para identificar RP biomédicas suspeitas foi aplicado, incluindo os seguintes critérios: taxa/preço de publicação (TP), fator de impacto falso, a revista estar listada no Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) e no Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Também foram extraídas informações sobre a falta de um fator de impacto no Journal Citations Reports, endereço de contato de e-mail não afiliado à revista, linguajar lisonjeiro, citação pessoal e/ou de um artigo, link de cancelamento de inscrição do tipo unsubscribe, estar listado no catálogo atual da National Library of Medicine (NLM) e estar indexado no Medline. Resultados: Um total de 2.812 e-mails suspeitos não solicitados foram recebidos e 1.837 requisitaram algum tipo de manuscrito; entre eles, 1.751 preencheram algum critério do OHRI. Menos da metade (780/1.837, 42%) referiu-se a alguma área da odontologia. A TP mediana foi de US$ 399. Um falso fator de impacto foi mencionado em 11% (201/1.837) dos e-mails e 27% (504/1.837) correspondiam a periódicos atualmente listados no catálogo da NLM. Os periódicos listados no DOAJ e COPE enviaram 89 e-mails. Conclusão: A campanha editorial das RP, sob a forma de e-mails, foi intensa e recorrente. Os pesquisadores devem estar bem informados sobre o modus operandi das RP para proteger sua própria reputação como autores, assim como a reputação da ciência

Objectives: To quantify, characterize and analyze e-mail from predatory journals (PJ) received by an academic in dentistry. Materials and methods: E-mails received in 2019 and suspected of being potentially predatory were pre-selected. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) checklist was applied to identify the suspected biomedical PJ, including the following criteria: article processing charge (APC), fake impact factor, the journal being listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). We also extracted information on the lack of an impact factor on Journal Citations Reports, non-journal affiliated contact e-mail address, flattering language, article and/or personal citation, unsubscribe link, being listed in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) current catalog and indexed on Medline. Results: A total of 2,812 unsolicited suspected e-mails were received, and 1,837 requested some sort of manuscript; among these, 1,751 met some of the OHRI criteria. Less than half (780/1,837, 42%) referred to some area of dentistry. The median APC was US$399. A false impact factor was mentioned in 11% (201/1,837) of the e-mails, and 27% (504/1,837) corresponded to journals currently listed in the NLM catalog. Journals listed in DOAJ and COPE sent 89 e-mails. Conclusions: The email campaign from PJ was high and recurrent. Researchers should be well informed about PJ' modus operandi to protect their own reputation as authors and that of science.

Educación a distancia de la maestría Atención Estomatológica Comunitaria durante el periodo de COVID-19 / E-learning of the Community Dental Care master's degree during COVID-19

RESUMEN Fundamento: Mantener las formas organizativas de la formación académica con métodos alternativos es una necesidad en los momentos actuales debido a la difícil situación que ha impuesto la pandemia de COVID-19. Objetivo: Describir las modalidades de educación a distancia utilizadas en la maestría Atención Estomatológica Comunitaria en tiempos de la pandemia COVID-19. Metodología: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Sancti Spíritus entre marzo y junio de 2020 con la aplicación de métodos del nivel teórico (analítico-sintético; inductivo-deductivo) y empírico (análisis de documentos). Resultados: El correo electrónico, el intercambio de medios electrónicos de almacenamiento, la vía telefónica, el grupo de WhatsApp y la autopreparación fueron las principales modalidades implementadas en las condiciones de restricción de movilidad y distanciamiento social que impuso la situación epidemiológica actual. Conclusiones: Las modalidades de educación a distancia utilizadas permitieron contextualizar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la maestría a los tiempos de pandemia.

ABSTRACT Background: At present to maintain the structural forms of academic training with alternative methods is essential due to the difficult situation imposed by COVID-19. Objective: To describe the e-learning modalities used in the Community Dental Care master's degree in times of COVID-19. Methodology: A descriptive research was conducted at the Sancti Spíritus University of Medical Sciences between March and June 2020 with the application of theoretical (analytical-synthetic; inductive-deductive) and empirical (document analysis) methods. Results: E-mail, the exchange of electronic storage media, the telephone, the WhatsApp group and self-preparation were the main modalities implemented in the conditions of mobility restriction and social distance imposed by the current epidemiological situation. Conclusions: The e-learning modalities used allowed contextualizing the teaching-learning process of the master's degree to the times of pandemic.

Síndrome metabólica: análise conceitual no contexto da enfermagem / Metabolic Syndrome: conceptual analysis in the nursing context / Síndrome metabólica: análisis conceptual en el contexto de la enfermería

Objetivo analisar o conceito síndrome metabólica e identificar respectivos atributos essenciais, antecedentes e consequentes no contexto da enfermagem. Método análise conceitual, a partir dos passos metodológicos de um modelo. Realizou-se revisão integrativa, por meio de acesso on-line a quatro bases de dados: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Literatura Latino-Americana em Ciências da Saúde e Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud. Resultados os atributos essenciais mais frequentes envolveram os critérios diagnósticos da síndrome metabólica. Alimentação inadequada e sedentarismo destacaram-se como antecedentes mais comuns da síndrome, e os consequentes foram ocorrências de doenças cardiovasculares e diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Como implicação, tem-se o destaque de relevantes dados empíricos para definição ampla do conceito. Conclusão foi possível analisar o conceito em estudo no que concerne aos atributos essenciais, antecedentes e consequentes, definindo-o operacionalmente como potencial fenômeno de enfermagem que demanda cuidados direcionados para redução do risco e da morbimortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares.

Objective to analyze the metabolic syndrome concept and to identify its essential features, antecedents, and outcomes within the context of nursing. Method conceptual analysis, based on the methodological steps of a model. We carried out an integrative review by accessing four databases online: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, and Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud. Results the essential features most frequently involved the diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome. Inadequate nutrition and physical inactivity were highlighted as the most common antecedents of the syndrome, and the outcomes were occurrences of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus type 2. As implication, we highlight relevant empirical data to the broad definition of the concept. Conclusion we could analyze the concept under study regarding essential features, antecedents, and outcomes, operationally defining it as a potential nursing phenomenon, which demands health care focusing on reducing risks and morbidity and mortality for cardiovascular diseases.

Objetivo analizar el concepto síndrome metabólica e identificar respectivos atributos esenciales, antecedentes y consecuentes en el contexto de la enfermería. Método análisis conceptual, desde los pasos metodológicos de un modelo. Se realizó la revisión integrativa, por medio de acceso online a cuatro bases de datos: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Literatura Latinoamericana en Ciencias de la Salud y Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud. Resultados los atributos esenciales más frecuentes involucraron los criterios diagnósticos del síndrome metabólica. Alimentación inadecuada y sedentarismo se destacaron como antecedentes más comunes del síndrome, y los consecuentes fueron ocurrencias de enfermedades cardiovasculares y diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Como implicación, se tiene el destaque de relevantes datos empíricos para la definición amplia del concepto. Conclusión ha sido posible analizar el concepto en estudio en el que concierne a los atributos esenciales, antecedentes y consecuentes, definiéndolo operacionalmente como potencial fenómeno de enfermería que demanda cuidados direccionados para la reducción del riesgo y de la morbimortalidad por enfermedades cardiovasculares.

Método de dos fases para el problema de ruteo de mensajeros en motocicleta con ventanas de tiempo / Two-phase method for motorcycle messenger routing problem with time windows / Método de duas fases para o problema de roteiro de mensageiros de motocicleta com janelas de tempo

RESUMEN Se presenta un método para la solución del problema de ruteo de mensajeros en motocicleta con ventanas de tiempo. En este se identifican dos fases: en la primera, se conforman grupos de clientes, cada grupo es asignado a una ruta y cada ruta es atendida por un vehículo; en la segunda, por medio de un modelo de programación lineal entera mixta, se hace un ruteo para cada una de las agrupaciones respetando las ventanas de tiempo estrictas de algunos clientes. Para validar el método, se utilizó como caso de estudio el área de mensajería de un centro de servicios compartidos de Cali, Colombia. Los resultados muestran que, al probar diferentes métodos de agrupación (fase 1), no se influye de forma significativa en el tiempo total de permanencia del vehículo en la ruta; en cambio, una reagrupación de los clientes después del ruteo (fase 2), mejora considerablemente la duración total de la ruta, aunque en algunos casos, aumenta la distancia recorrida por el vehículo.

ABSTRACT In this work, a method to solve a motorcycle messenger routing problem with time windows is presented. This has two phases: in the first one, clusters of clients are formed, each group is assigned to a route and each route is served by a vehicle; in the second phase, through a mixed integer linear programming model the routing for each cluster is made while respecting hard time windows of some clients. To validate the method, the mail delivery section of a shared service center in Cali - Colombia is used as case study The results show that, when testing different clustering methods (phase l) these do not significantly influence the vehicle's duration on the road; On the other hand, regrouping the clients after routing (phase 2) can considerably improve the total duration of the route, although in some cases, increasing the distance traveled by the vehicle.

RESUMO Neste trabalho se apresenta um método para a solução do problema de roteiro de mensageiros de motocicleta com janelas de tempo. Nele identificam-se duas fases: na primeira, conformam-se grupos de clientes, cada grupo é atribuído a uma rota e cada uma delas é servida por um veículo; na segunda, por meio de um modelo de programação linear todo misto, faz-se um roteiro para cada uma das agrupações respeitando as janelas de tempo estritas de alguns clientes. Para validar o método, usou-se como caso de estudo a área de mensageria de um centro de serviços compartilhados na cidade de Cali, na Colômbia. Os resultados mostram que ao testar diferentes métodos de agrupamento (fase l), não influem de maneira significativa no tempo total de permanência do veículo na rota; por outro lado, um reagrupamento dos clientes após do roteiro (fase 2), melhora consideravelmente a duração total do percurso, porém em alguns casos, aumenta a distância percorrida pelo veículo.

The use of social networks in scientific research with questionnaires

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the response rate of the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire sent and received by mail and over a social network to caregivers of individuals with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) in Brazil. Methods: All volunteers were first-degree relatives of patients with EB that directly spent time helping them with their basic activities of daily living. A maximum of two caregivers per patient could answer the questionnaire. Volunteers were divided into two groups: for group 1, questionnaires were sent to 53 members of a support association for the disease by mail, and for group 2, 798 members of the Facebook™ page of friends and relatives of patients with EB were invited to participate using an access link to Google Drive™ to gain access to the questionnaire. The data from both groups were analyzed 150 days after the start the study. Descriptive analysis was performed by EpiInfo8 and the return of questionnaires was evaluated according to age, sex, and time of return using the Chi-squared and Fisher's exact test. Results: After 150 days, 30 questionnaires were returned, 17 (56.7%) of which from group 1 and 13 (43.3%) from group 2. Approximately 12 questionnaires were returned by mail and 11 over the social network. Conclusions: The data collection of the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire from caregivers of individuals with EB over a social network seems to be efficient mainly when it is necessary to collect results within a short timeframe, highlighting the importance of social networks as a means for conducting this type of research. However, in our study, the most efficient method was distributing the questionnaires by mail

Evaluación de una intervención para el uso de tromboprofilaxis basada en el envío de alertas electrónicas a médicos residentes de primer año de dos hospitales de Lima, Perú / Evaluation of an intervention for the use of thromboprophylaxis based on electronic alert transmission to first-year medical residents from two hospitals of Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Objetivos. Evaluar la aplicación de una intervención basada en el envío de mensajes de texto y correos electrónicos dirigido a médicos residentes de medicina interna para lograr el incremento de la prescripción de tromboprofilaxis acorde a Guías de Práctica Clínica (GPC). Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio tipo cuasiexperimental en los servicios de hospitalización de medicina interna de dos hospitales generales de Lima, Perú, uno seleccionado para aplicar la intervención y el otro como control. La unidad de análisis fue la hoja de prescripción médica. Se consideró que la intervención debería incrementar la prescripción acorde a GPC con respecto a la evaluación inicial y también respecto al hospital control. Resultados. Se evaluaron 394 hojas de prescripción médica, 227 (57,4%) procedentes del servicio intervenido y 167 (42,4%) correspondieron del control. En el servicio intervenido, inicialmente el 64,5% tuvo una prescripción acorde a GPC, para disminuir a 54,4% luego de la intervención; el sobreuso aumentó de 13,6 a 26,8%. Conclusiones. La intervención basada en el envío de mensajes de texto y correos electrónicos no tuvo impacto, observándose una tendencia al sobreuso de tromboprofilaxis posintervención.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To assess the implementation of an intervention based on the sending of text messages and e-mails to internal medicine residents in order to achieve an increase in the prescription of thromboprophylaxis according to Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG). Materials and methods. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the inpatient units of internal medicine at two general hospitals in Lima, Peru: one selected to implement the intervention and the other as control. The unit of analysis was the therapeutic order sheet. It was considered that the intervention should increase the order of thromboprophylaxis according to CPG with respect to the initial assessment and also in relation to the control hospital. Results. Atotal of 394 therapeutic order sheets, 227 (57.4%) from the intervention hospital and 167 (42.4%) from the control, were evaluated. In the intervention hospital, 64.5% initially had an order of thromboprophylaxis according to CPG, which decreased to 54.4% after the intervention; overuse increased from 13.6 to 26.8%. Conclusions. Intervention based on sending text messages and e-mails had no impact, showing a tendency to overuse of thromboprophylaxis post-intervention.

Salud electrónica para el autocuidado de pacientes con factores de riesgo asociados al síndrome metabólico / E-health for the self-care of patients with risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome

El propósito de esta revisión, es identificar la evidencia científica sobre el uso de estrategias de salud electrónica en las intervenciones dirigidas a mejorar el autocuidado de pacientes con factores de riesgo cardiovascular asociado con la presencia de síndrome metabólico. Los artículos analizados fueron identificados en las bases de datos PubMed, Science Direct, Embase, Elsevier, Scielo, Adicional a esto se revisaron publicaciones estadísticas de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, La Federación Internacional de Diabetes, Guía de Síndrome Metabólico 2009 y ICT Facts and Figures World in 2013. Se tuvieron en cuenta 51 publicaciones realizadas entre los años 2009 y 2015, encontrándose mayor información en la intervención basada en el control del sobrepeso y la obesidad, como principal factor de riesgo para el desarrollo del síndrome metabólico. La evidencia encontrada en la literatura científica muestra la utilidad de la salud electrónica en el manejo de los factores de riesgo cardiovasculares asociados al síndrome metabólico, y el impacto de esta en la calidad de vida cuando son aplicadas con un adecuado protocolo.

The purpose of this review is to identify the scientific evidence on the use of electronic health strategies in interventions aimed at improving self-care of patients with cardiovascular risk factors associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome. The articles analyzed were identified in the databases PubMed, Science Direct, Embase, Elsevier and Scielo. In addition, statistical publications from the World Health Organization, the International Diabetes Federation, Metabolic Syndrome Guide 2009 and ICT Facts and Figures World in 2013 were reviewed. 51 publications between the years 2009 and 2015 were considered, where there were more information about the intervention based on the control of overweight and obesity as a major risk factor for the development of the metabolic syndrome. The evidence found in the scientific literature shows the usefulness of e-health in the management of cardiovascular risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, and its impact on the quality of life when they are applied with a suitable protocol.

Text messaging versus email for emergency medicine residents’ knowledge retention: a pilot comparison in the United States / 보건의료교육평가

We evaluated the effectiveness of text messaging versus email, as a delivery method to enhance knowledge retention of emergency medicine (EM) content in EM residents. We performed a multi-centered, prospective, randomized study consisting of postgraduate year (PGY) 1 to PGY 3 & 4 residents in three United States EM residency programs in 2014. Fifty eight residents were randomized into one delivery group: text message or email. Participants completed a 40 question pre- and post-intervention exam. Primary outcomes were the means of pre- and post-intervention exam score differences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and multiple linear regressions. No significant difference was found between the primary outcomes of the two groups (P=0.51). PGY 2 status had a significant negative effect (P=0.01) on predicted exam score difference. Neither delivery method enhanced resident knowledge retention. Further research on implementation of mobile technology in residency education is required.

Physicians' Perceptions of Income-related Disparities in Medical Care Utilization: a Mail Survey in Tokyo / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

<b>Introduction</b>: The rising poverty rate has spurred concerns regarding income-related disparities in medical-care utilization. This study attempted to investigate physicians'recognition of patients'refraining from medical care for financial reasons and the characteristics of physicians who made efforts to improve such situations.<br><b>Methods</b>: A mail survey was conducted between July 1 and September 30, 2014. All internal medicine clinics (n=1989) in 12 municipalities in Tokyo were included. One physician from each clinic was requested to answer the 60-item questionnaire.<br><b>Results</b>: Of the 617 questionnaires returned (response rate 31 %), 550 (454 male physicians) complete responses were analyzed. About 90% of physicians recognized that patients refrained from seeking medical care for financial reasons, and used various methods to encourage receipt of treatment (e.g., prescribing inexpensive medicines). Physicians who were 40-59 years old, specialized in general practice, implementing informed consent or shared decision making, and frequently recognizing that patients refrained from seeking medical care were more likely to engage in efforts to encourage treatment seeking.<br><b>Conclusion</b>: Our results suggest that physicians in primary care roles such as general practice and utilizing shared decision making are more likely to engage in efforts to encourage medical care utilization in patients who refrain due to financial reasons.

O uso do correio eletrônico na comunicação entre usuários e uma equipe de saúde da família: relato de experiência / The use of electronic mail between users and a primary health care team: a case report / El uso del correo electronico en la comunicación entre usuarios y un equipo de atención primaria: relato de experiencia

Este relato descreve o uso do correio eletrônico por uma equipe de saúde da família para comunicação com os pacientes e agendamento. Tal uso surgiu como consequência de um processo de facilitação do acesso presencial e não presencial. No período de 25 meses houve crescimento no número de mensagens e de remetentes. Das 1437 mensagens recebidas, 61,5% foram para agendar consultas, 27,8% solicitavam informações em saúde e 7,6% eram sobre serviços oferecidos. As mulheres enviaram 87% das mensagens (63,3% delas tinham 20-40 anos). Em 60% das vezes, o contato referia-se à demanda do remetente e mais de 30% à de familiares. A equipe respondeu a 83% das mensagens em até 8 horas úteis. Na percepção da equipe, o uso do correio eletrônico melhorou a comunicação e o acesso e foi bem aceito pelos usuários, não prejudicando grupos mais vulneráveis. Investigações mais aprofundadas serão necessárias para avaliar a contribuição dessa ferramenta na Atenção Primária à Saúde.

This report describes the use of electronic mail by a primary health care team (PHT) in order to communicate with patients and aid in scheduling. Such use has emerged as a result of a process of facilitating access, both electronically and face-to-face. During a 25-month study period, users sent a total of 1437 messages with the purpose of scheduling appointments (61.5%), asking health-related questions (27.8%), and inquiring about services offered (7.6%). Women submitted 87% of the messages (63.3% of them were 20­40 years of age), with 60% of these messages concerning themselves and over 30% of them concerning their families. The team responded to 83% of messages within 8 business hours. According to the team, the use of electronic mail has improved communication and access, and has been well received by users without harming the most vulnerable groups. Further investigation is needed to assess the full contribution of this tool to primary health care.

Este texto describe la utilización del correo electronico por un equipo de salud de la familia para comunicación con los pacientes y marcación de citas. El correo surgió como consecuencia de un proceso para facilitar el acceso presencial y no presencial. En el periodo de 25 meses hubo crecimiento en el numero de mensajes y de remitentes. De las 1.437 mensajes recibidas, el 61,5% fueron para la marcación de citas, el 27,8% solicitaban informaciones de salud y el 7,6% eran sobre servicios ofrecidos. Las mujeres enviaron el 87% de los correos (el 63,3% de ellas tenían entre 20 y 40 años). En el 60% de las veces, el contacto se refería a la demanda del remitente y más del 30% a las de sus familiares. El equipo contestó al 83% de los mensajes dentro de 8 horas útiles. Según el equipo, el uso del correo electrónico mejoró la comunicación y el acceso y fue bien acepto por los usuarios, sin perjudicar a los grupos más vulnerables. Investigaciones más profundas serán necesarias para evaluar la contribución de esta herramienta en la Atención Primaria a la Salud

Efectividad del uso de tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en la adherencia al tratamiento de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca / Effectiveness of the use of information and communication technologies in adherence to treatment of patients with heart failure

Propósito: La presente investigación tuvo como objeto determinar la efectividad del uso de tecnologías de la información y la comunicación, en la adherencia al tratamiento de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca, que asisten a la Unidad de Insuficiencia Cardiaca de la Clínica Universitaria Colombia. Metodología: Se realizó un ensayo clínico con pre prueba, pos prueba y grupo control. Se conformaron aleatoriamente tres grupos de participantes cada uno, a dos de los cuales se les aplicó una intervención durante dos meses basada en el uso de Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación: el grupo 1 recibió seguimiento telefónico más envío de mensajes de texto, el grupo 2 seguimiento telefónico más envío de correos electrónicos; y el grupo 3 correspondiente al grupo control recibió la intervención de enfermería usual en la Unidad de Insuficiencia Cardiaca. Resultados: El uso de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación C en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca incremento la adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico, frente al grupo control que recibió la intervención de enfermería usual en la Unidad de Insuficiencia Cardiaca.

Purpose: The present study was to determine the effectiveness of using information and communications technology, adherence to treatment of patients with heart failure, attending the Heart Failure Unit at the University Hospital Colombia. Methodology: A clinical trial was conducted with pre test, post test and control group. They were formed randomly three groups of participants each, two of which were given an intervention for two months based on the use of information and communications technology: group 1 received telephone follow more sending text messages, the Group 2 telephone follow more sending emails; and group 3 for the control group received usual nursing intervention in Heart Failure Unit. Results: The use of information and communications technology in patients with heart failure increased adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment, compared to the control group that received usual nursing intervention in Heart Failure Unit.

Visible Facebook profiles and e-professionalism in undergraduate medical students in India / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess medical students' presence on Facebook and the extent of their visible activity, with particular reference to online professionalism. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including all medical students enrolled in the University College of Medical Sciences, University of Delhi, India during the period of the study, which was conducted from 2011 to 2012. After approval by the Institutional Ethical Committee, the full names of all students were obtained from our institution. After creating a fictitious profile, Facebook was searched for students' profiles, and those found were examined for visible content and unprofessional behaviour. RESULTS: Of 611 students, 477 (78.1%) had detectable Facebook profiles. Out of 477 profiles, date of birth, address, email, phone number, religion, and political views were rarely shared; sexual orientation and relationship status were displayed on approximately one third of the profiles; and an identifiable profile picture (80.3%), field of study (51.6%), and institution (86.2%) were commonly shared . The visible content included friend lists (88.7%), photo albums (36.1%), and associations with diverse groups and pages (97.1%). Five profiles (1.05%) displayed unprofessional content, including one profile photograph depicting alcohol consumption, one association with groups relating to excessive alcohol consumption, two profiles containing sexually explicit language, and one association with a sexist page. CONCLUSION: Most of our students use Facebook's privacy settings to hide some content from others. Unprofessional content was rarely visible from a stranger's profile. However, even when hidden from strangers, unprofessional behaviour is still unprofessional behaviour. As Facebook is an integral part of life, it is important for medical educators and students to understand the implications and importance of e-professionalism. Professionalism curricula should address e-professionalism.

Establishment of a Daily E-mail Learning Program Using Intranet and It's Initial Evaluation

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We started a daily web-based E-mail learning program about gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. We surveyed the opinion of the E-mail recipients about the usefulness of the daily E-mail learning program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the intranet system, PDF-file based education materials about interesting endoscopic cases were sent to 144 members of Samsung Medical Center every day. It included every resident of the Department of Medicine, and every fellow of the Division of Gastroenterology. They were invited to answer the questionnaires using E-mail. RESULTS: A total of 92 subjects replied the questionnaire (response rate: 64%). About half of the members (47%) answered that they read the education material in the morning. They answered that they read about more than 75% of the material (48%). It took less than 5 minutes to read a daily material (87%). However, only 13 percent answered that they have sent questions to the editor of the program via E-mail. The members wanted more information about GI pharmacologic treatment (54%). Also, they wanted more cases of benign and malignant upper GI diseases (54%). CONCLUSIONS: In our endoscopy unit, we have successfully established a daily E-mail learning program. It seems to be very useful for teaching and learning interesting cases during busy working hours.

Psicoterapia breve en grupo: una modalidad práctica con enfoque constructivista y ecosistémico para la solución de problemas / Brief groups psychotherapy: a practical embodiment with constructivist and ecosystemic for troubleshooting

En el presente artículo se expondrá cómo se construyeron escenarios interventivos haciendo uso de la modalidad de psicoterapia breve en grupo con enfoque constructivista y ecosistémico, y cómo desde dichos escenarios se vehiculizaron, a través de las conversaciones generativas, nuevas formas de comprender las múltiples realidades y las diferencias que subyacen a estas. Durante el proceso, participaron cuatro consultantes y un psicoterapeuta (como centro mediador-posibilitador). Metodológicamente, se hizo uso de la modelización sistémica, en la cual el terapeuta, a partir de su capacidad y creatividad para generar nuevos niveles de comprensión de las realidades, fue moldeando escenarios de intervención en donde el motivo de consulta se transformó en el pretexto para generar cambios de orden lógico en los niveles de comprensión de cada uno de los participantes. Una de las estrategias utilizadas por el terapeuta fue el uso del correo electrónico narrativo, el cual hace referencia a una plataforma en la que los participantes del proceso consignaban narrativas escritas que permitían relatar los eventos emergentes durante el proceso y potencializar los cambios. Lo anterior facilitó la emergencia de soluciones a los diferentes problemas.

This article will outline how interventional scenarios were constructed using the method of brief group psychotherapy through a systemic eco-constructivist approach and how new ways of understanding multiple realities and differences that underlie them arose through generative conversations directed in these scenarios. Four consultants and a psychotherapist (as mediator enabler-center) were involved in the process. Methodologically, systemic modeling, in which the therapist, drawing from his own abilities and creativity in order to generate new levels of understanding of the multiple realities, was able to shape intervention scenarios where the reason for consultation became the pretext for generating logical order changes in the levels of understanding of each of the participants. One of the strategies used by the therapist was the use of e-mail narrative, which refers to a platform on which participants in the process logged written narratives that enabled them to recount events emerging during the process and thus allowed them to enhance change. This facilitated the emergence of solutions to different problems.

Predisposición ciudadana en España a utilizar canales de comunicación con el médico basados en internet / Predisposition of citizens to use Internet-based channels to communicate with doctors in Spain

OBJETIVO: Analizar los factores que condicionan la predisposición de los ciudadanos españoles a utilizar los canales de comunicación basados en internet (correo electrónico, blogs, redes sociales y recomendaciones sobre recursos en internet). MÉTODOS: Análisis de datos secundarios mediante la técnica de árboles de regresión impulsados (BRT, Boosted Regression Trees) sobre los resultados obtenidos de la encuesta "Uso y aplicaciones de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en el ámbito sanitario", representativa de la población española de entre 16 y 85 años que utiliza internet. RESULTADOS: Las predicciones de los modelos alcanzaron diferentes grados de precisión para cada canal de comunicación: a través de correo electrónico, AUC (Area Under the Curve, área bajo la curva) = 0,79; que el médico tenga un blog o página web personal, AUC = 0,736; a través de redes sociales, AUC = 0,73; recibir recomendaciones de páginas web relacionadas con problemas de salud, AUC = 0,768. Ser joven fue el parámetro más importante para explicar la disposición ciudadana a comunicarse a través de redes sociales (IR [influencia relativa] = 21,05%), mientras que la densidad poblacional lo fue para estar dispuesto a que el médico tenga un blog o página web personal sobre salud (IR = 19,48%). Tener una percepción positiva de las tecnologías a la hora de facilitar los trámites en salud es la característica más importante para desear recibir recomendaciones sobre recursos de internet en salud (IR = 18,66%) mientras que tener un mayor nivel educativo fue lo que mejor predice el deseo de establecer comunicación a través de correo electrónico (IR=18,98%). CONCLUSIONES: Una buena parte de la población española se encuentra suficientemente preparada para utilizar canales de interacción médico-paciente a través de internet.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze factors affecting the predisposition of Spanish citizens to use Internet-based communication channels (E-mail, blogs, social networks, and online recommendations). METHODS: Secondary data were analyzed by applying a boosted regression tree (BRT) to the results obtained from the survey "Use and Applications of Information and Communications Technology in Health," administered to a representative sample of the Spanish population between 16 and 85 years of age who use the Internet. RESULTS: Model forecasts achieved different degrees of precision for each of the communication channels: for E-mail, AUC (area under the curve) = 0.79; for the physician's blog or personal website, AUC = 0.736; for social networks, AUC = 0.73; for recommendations of websites related to health problems, AUC = 0.768. Being young was the most important parameter in citizen predisposition to communicate through social networks (relative influence; RI = 21.05%), while population density was the most important parameter in likelihood that the physician would have a blog or personal health-related website (RI = 19.48%). Having a positive perception of the technology when facilitating health-related transactions was the most important characteristic in wanting to receive recommendations on health-related Internet resources (RI = 18.66%), while having a higher level of education was the best predictor of wanting to establish E-mail communication (RI = 18.98%). CONCLUSIONS: Many of Spanish people are open to using physician-patient interaction channels on the Internet.

Participación y opiniones de farmacéuticos costarricenses en la cesación del uso del tabaco / Costa Rican pharmacists’ participation and opinions on smoking cessation

To describe Costa Rican pharmacists’ involvement in brief interventions for smoking cessation, evaluate attitudes towards tobacco use, assess interest in tobacco training, and identify barriers to providing cessation services. Methods: An email with a link to an on-line survey was distributed among all Costa Rican pharmacists. This analysis includes responses of those reporting having direct contact with patients. Results: A total of 245 (11,4 %) pharmacists contacted via e-mail completed the survey. Approximately half reported they had asked about smoking status and provided advice to quit smoking to at least one patient in the previous 30 days. However, few had referred a smoker for cessation treatment. Most pharmacists (53,2 %) believed cessation counseling was effective; however, only half discussed smoking in response to questions from patients. Nearly all participants were interested in receiving training in smoking cessation treatment. Conclusion: Costa Rican pharmacists support, but most do not implement, smoking cessation assistance among patients. Qualitative and quantitative research could help identify the best role for Costa Rican pharmacists to fill in treating smokers. Pharmacist intervention could be facilitated by culturally adapted guidelines that take into account existing treatment options and the structure of the Costa Rican health care system...

Describir la participación de farmacéuticos costarricenses en intervenciones breves para ayudar a dejar de fumar, evaluar actitudes respecto al uso del tabaco, valorar el interés en recibir capacitación, e identificar las limitantes que enfrentan estos profesionales para proveer servicios de cesación Métodos: Se distribuyó un correo electrónico con un link a una encuesta en línea entre todos los farmacéuticos costarricenses. Se incluye en el presente análisis las respuestas de todos aquellos participantes que reportaron tener contacto directo con pacientes. Resultados: Un total de 245 (11,4 %) de los farmacéuticos contactados completaron la encuesta. Aproximadamente la mitad de los participantes ha preguntado sobre uso del tabaco y ha aconsejado para que deje de fumar al menos un paciente en los últimos 30 días. Sin embargo, pocos han referido a fumadores a tratamientos de cesación. La mayoría (53,2 %) considera que la consejería para dejar de fumar es importante, sin embargo, la mitad de los participantes solamente discute el tema del tabaquismo cuando sus pacientes lo solicitan. La mayoría estuvieron interesados en recibir capacitación en cesación del uso del tabaco. Conclusión: Los farmacéuticos costarricenses apoyan la participación en actividades de cesación pero la mayoría no implementa actividades con sus pacientes. Estudios cualitativos y cuantitativos podrían ayudar a identificar el rol de los farmacéuticos costarricenses en el tema del tabaquismo. Estas acciones podrían ser facilitadas por guías adaptadas culturalmente que consideren las opciones de tratamiento disponibles y la estructura del sistema de salud costarricense...

Inclusão digital e capacidade funcional de idosos residentes em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil (EpiFloripa 2009-2010) / Digital inclusion and functional capacity of older adults living in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil (EpiFloripa 2009-2010)

OBJETIVO: Estudar a relação entre inclusão digital, na forma de troca de mensagens pela Internet, e capacidade funcional de idosos residentes em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Utilizaram-se dados do EpiFloripa Idoso, um estudo transversal de base populacional com idosos (60+ anos) realizado entre 2009 e 2010. A capacidade funcional foi representada pela dificuldade ou incapacidade na realização de atividades básicas ou instrumentais da vida diária, e constituiu a variável dependente denominada dependência funcional. A variável independente principal foi a capacidade autorreferida de enviar e receber mensagens pela Internet usando um computador. Razões de prevalência (PR) e intervalos de confiança de 95 por cento (IC95 por cento) foram estimados em modelo multivariável por regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: A amostra compreendeu 1.656 idosos entre 60 e 102 anos com idade média de 70,39 anos (DP = 7,79). Os idosos que conseguiam enviar e receber mensagens pela Internet sem dificuldade apresentaram prevalência significativamente menor de dependência funcional moderada/grave (RP = 0,61; IC95 por cento: 0,40 - 0,94) após ajuste para fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos, de saúde e comportamentais. CONCLUSÕES: A troca de mensagens pela Internet possui forte associação com independência funcional. Não é possível inferir a relação de causalidade dessa associação. Estudos alicerçam a hipótese de que a troca de mensagens pela Internet e a independência funcional tenham uma associação bidirecional, aditiva e sinérgica. Estudos longitudinais poderiam investigar os mecanismos envolvidos nessa associação, para fundamentar políticas de inclusão digital de idosos e para identificar qual o perfil de idosos que mais se beneficiaria com essa inclusão.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between digital inclusion, represented by the exchange of online messages, and functional capacity of older adults living in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. METHODS: Data were from EpiFloripa Idoso, a cross-sectional household-based survey conducted between 2009 and 2010 with older adults (60+ years). Functional capacity was represented by the inability / difficulty to perform basic / instrumental activities of daily living, and formed the outcome variable called functional dependence. The main independent variable was self-reported ability to send and receive online messages using the computer. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95 percent confidence intervals (95 percentCI) were estimated with multivariable Poisson regression models. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 1,656 older adults between 60 and 102 years old with a mean age of 70.39 years (SD = 7.79). Older adults who could send and receive online messages without difficulty demonstrated a significant lower prevalence of moderate / severe functional dependence (PR = 0.61; 95 percentCI: 0.40 - 0.94) after adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, health and behavioral factors. CONCLUSIONS: The exchange of online messages has a strong association with functional independence. The causality of this association cannot be determined. Studies support the hypothesis that the exchange of online messages and functional independence have a bidirectional, additive and synergistic association. Longitudinal studies could elucidate the mechanisms involved in this association, in order to support digital inclusion policies for older adults, and to identify the profile of older adults who would benefit the most from digital inclusion.