Analysis of variables that can interfere with clinical outcomes of patients presented with vocal or swallowing complaints / Análise das variáveis que podem interferir no desfecho de casos clínicos de pacientes com queixas de voz ou deglutição

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze sociodemographic variables that may interfere with the clinical outcome of patients with voice or swallowing complaints. Methods: a descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study in which the medical records of patients above 18 years old treated at the Voice Clinic of the Speech-Language-Hearing Service of the Rio de Janeiro University Hospital between 2010 and 2018, were analyzed, including 81 medical records - 47 from females and 34 from males. Patients were divided according to three types of outcomes, namely: discharge, dismissal, and abandonment. The sociodemographic variables were sex, marital status, education level, income, whether they were occupational voice users, and the main complaint. The relative and absolute frequencies were calculated to analyze the results, and the Pearson´s chi-square test was used for inferential analysis (significance level of 5%). Results: sociodemographic variables were not significantly associated with the outcomes when the type of complaint (voice or swallowing) was not considered, separately. The study found a significantly higher frequency of patients with voice complaints who were discharged from speech-language-hearing therapy (p = 0.020). The higher frequency of such patients who abandoned therapy was significantly associated with an income of up to one minimum wage (p = 0.041). People with swallowing complaints were not significantly associated with sociodemographic variables. Conclusion: the most frequent outcome was treatment abandonment. In this study, low family income was associated with treatment abandonment by patients with voice complaints. Patients with swallowing complaints had a lower frequency of treatment abandonment and discharge than patients with voice complaints.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as variáveis sociodemográficas que podem interferir no desfecho de casos clínicos de pacientes com queixas de voz ou deglutição. Métodos: estudo observacional, transversal, descritivo e retrospectivo. Foram analisados os prontuários de pessoas maiores de 18 anos atendidas na Clínica de Voz do Serviço de Fonoaudiologia do Hospital Universitário do Rio de Janeiro de 2010 a 2018. Foram incluídos 81 prontuários, sendo 47 de participantes do gênero feminino e 34 do masculino. Os pacientes foram divididos quanto a três tipos de desfecho: alta, desligamento e abandono. As variáveis sociodemográficas estudadas foram gênero, estado civil, escolaridade, renda, ser ou não profissional da voz e queixa principal. Para análise dos resultados, foram contabilizadas as frequências relativa e absoluta e, para análise inferencial, foi utilizado o teste Qui-Quadrado de Pearson (nível de significância de 5%). Resultados: as variáveis sociodemográficas não estiveram significantemente associadas aos desfechos estudados quando não se considerou o tipo de queixa (de voz ou de deglutição) de forma separada. Especificamente, observou-se uma frequência significativamente maior de pacientes com queixa de voz e que receberam alta fonoaudiológica (p=0,020). Nestes pacientes, houve associação significativa entre a frequência maior de pacientes que abandonaram a terapia e que possuíam renda de até um salário-mínimo (p=0,041). Não houve associações significativas nas pessoas com queixas de deglutição e as variáveis sociodemográfica estudadas. Conclusão: o desfecho mais frequente foi o abandono ao tratamento. Neste estudo, a baixa renda familiar esteve associada ao abandono do tratamento por pacientes com queixa de voz. Pacientes com queixas de deglutição apresentaram menor frequência de abandono ao tratamento e menos alta do que pacientes com queixas de voz.

Decision-making Support and Patients’ Care Progress in a Palliative Care Outpatient Clinic at a Community Hospital

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the decision-making support and patients’ care progress in a palliative care outpatient clinic at a community hospital. Methods: We conducted a retrospective examination of patients who visited our palliative care outpatient clinic and subsequently died between January 2020 and December 2021. The clinic, staffed by two palliative care physicians, operated twice weekly and accepted patients irrespective of their treatment status. Result: 93 patients were included in the analysis. At the onset of the outpatient clinic, 72 patients were asked about their preferred location for end-of-life care should their condition deteriorate. Of these, 25 patients preferred to receive end-of-life care in a palliative care unit (“PCU” group). Another 25 patients initially sought medical treatment at home through home-visits but later expressed a preference for care in a palliative care unit as their condition worsened (“home-visit→PCU” group). Additionally, 17 patients preferred home care from the end-of-life until death (“home-visit” group). Among the “PCU” patients, 96% received care in a palliative care unit, and 84% passed away in the same unit. In the “home-visit→PCU” group, 76% received care through home visit, and 80% passed away in a palliative care unit. In the “home-visit” group, 76% of patients received care at home, and 47% passed away in their own homes. Conclusion: These findings suggest that delivering end-of-life care in patients’ preferred locations is feasible with continuous decision-making support provided in the palliative care outpatient clinic.

Health benefit utilization and out-of-pocket expenses in outpatient care and hospitalizations: Baseline surveys of three primary care sites in the Philippines

Background@#The Philippine Primary Care Studies (PPCS) is a network of pilot studies that developed, implemented, and tested strategies to strengthen primary care in the country. These pilot studies were implemented in an urban, rural, and remote setting. The aim is to use the findings to guide the policies of the national health insurance program (PhilHealth), the main payor for individualized healthcare services in the country.@*Objective@#The objective of this report is to compare baseline outpatient benefit utilization, hospitalization, and health spending, including out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses, in three health settings (urban, rural, and remote). These findings were used to contextualize strategies to strengthen primary care in these three settings.@*Methods@#Cross-sectional surveys were carried out using an interviewer-assisted questionnaire on a random sample of families in the urban site, and a stratified random sample of households in the rural and remote sites. The questionnaire asked for out-patient and hospitalization utilization and spending, including the OOP expenses. @*Results@#A total of 787 families/households were sampled across the three sites. For outpatient benefits, utilization was low in all sites. The remote site had the lowest utilization at only 15%. Unexpectedly, the average annual OOP expenses for outpatient consults in the remote site was PhP 571.92/per capita. This is 40% higher than expenses shouldered by families in the rural area, but similar with the urban site. For hospital benefits, utilization was lowest in the remote site (55.7%) compared to 75.0% and 78.1% for the urban and rural sites, respectively. OOP expenses per year were highest in the remote site at PhP 2204.44 per capita, probably because of delay in access to healthcare and consequently more severe conditions. Surprisingly, annual expenses per year for families in the rural sites (PhP 672.03 per capita) were less than half of what families in the urban sites spent (PhP 1783.38 per capita). @*Conclusions@#Compared to families in the urban site and households in the rural sites, households in remote areas have higher disease rates and consequently, increased need for outpatient and inpatient health services. When they do get sick, access to care is more difficult. This leads to lower rates of benefit utilization and higher out-of-pocket expenses. Thus, provision of “equal” benefits can inadvertently lead to “inequitable” healthcare, pushing disadvantaged populations into a greater disadvantage. These results imply that health benefits need to be allocated according to need. Families in poorer and more remote areas may require greater subsidies.

A case-crossover study on association between short-term atmospheric NO2 exposure and outpatient visits due to pediatric neurological system conditions in Shijiazhuang / 环境与职业医学

Background Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a crucial component of traffic pollutants, has been shown in studies to exert toxic effects on the nervous system. However, there is a limited body of research examining the relationship between NO2 exposure and neurological disorders in children. Objective To explore the impact of short-term NO2 exposure on the outpatient visits due to pediatric neurological diseases in Shijiazhuang. Methods From 2013 to 2021, we collected outpatient data related to neurological diseases at the Children's Hospital in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province. We also collected air pollution data and meteorological data of the same city. The air pollution data included daily average concentrations of inhalable particles (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), NO2, carbon monoxide (CO), and daily maximum 8-hour average concentration of ozone (O3). The meteorological data comprised daily average atmospheric pressure, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and sunshine duration. Employing a time-stratified case-crossover design, we used conditional logistic regression models to analyze the association between NO2 and pediatric outpatient visits for neurological diseases. Stratification analyses were conducted based on gender (male, female) and age groups (0-6 years, 7-14 years). Results The study included a total of 154348 valid pediatric outpatient visits for neurological diseases. The daily average concentration of NO2 was 49.3 μg·m−3 for the study period. The results from the single-pollutant model indicated that NO2 increased the risk of pediatric neurological outpatient visits, with the highest association observed at lag0. Specifically, for every 10 μg·m⁻³ increase in atmospheric NO2 exposure, there was a 1.40% increase (95%CI: 1.05%, 1.74%) in pediatric neurological outpatient visits. The stratification analyses revealed that increased atmospheric NO2 exposure was associated with an elevated risk of neurological outpatient visits for girls (ER=1.54, 95%CI: 1.01, 2.08) and children aged 7-14 years (ER=2.35, 95%CI: 1.68, 3.02). Even after introducing PM2.5 (ER=1.96, 95%CI: 1.49, 2.43), SO2 (ER=2.09, 95%CI: 1.62, 2.55), and O3 (ER=1.40, 95%CI: 1.06, 1.74) to the models, the impact of NO2 exposure on pediatric neurological outpatient visits remained statistically significant. The results of the multi-pollutant model also indicated a significant association (ER=2.53, 95%CI: 1.97, 3.08). Conclusion The effect of short-term exposure to atmospheric NO2 on the outpatient visits of children with neurological diseases in Shijiazhuang is acute and independent, especially for children aged 7-14.

Construction of air quality health index for respiratory diseases in Urumqi / 环境与职业医学

Background Air quality health index (AQHI) is derived from exposure-response coefficients calculated from air pollution and morbidity/mortality time series, which helps to understand the overall short-term health impacts of air pollution. Objective To study the effects of common air pollutants on respiratory diseases in Urumqi and to develop an AQHI for the risk of respiratory diseases in the city. Methods The daily outpatient volume data of respiratory diseases from The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, meteorological data (daily mean temperature and daily mean relative humidity), and air pollutants [fine particulate matter (PM2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO), and ozone (O3)] in Urumqi City, Xinjiang, China were collected from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021. A distributed lag nonlinear model based on quasi-Poisson distribution was constructed by time-stratified case crossover design. Adopting zero concentration of air pollutants as reference, the exposure-response coefficient (β value) was used to quantify the impact of included air pollutants on the risk of seeking medical treatment for respiratory diseases, and the AQHI was established. The association of between AQHI and the incidence of respiratory diseases and between air quality index (AQI) and the incidence of respiratory diseases was compared to evaluate the prediction effect of AQHI. Results Each 10 µg·m−3 increase in PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3 concentrations presented the highest excess risk of seeking outpatient services at 3 d cumulative lag (Lag03) and 2d cumulative lag (Lag02), with increased risks of morbidity of 0.687% (95%CI: 0.101%, 1.276%), 17.609% (95%CI: 3.253%, 33.961%), 13.344% (95%CI: 8.619%, 18.275%), and 4.921% (95%CI: 1.401%, 8.502%), respectively. There was no statistically significant PM2.5 or CO lag effect. An AQHI was constructed based on a model containing PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3, and the results showed that the excess risk of respiratory disease consultation for the whole population, different genders, ages, or seasons for each inter-quartile range increase in the AQHI was higher than the corresponding value of AQI. Conclusion PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3 impact the number of outpatient visits for respiratory diseases in Urumqi, and the constructed AQHI for the risk of respiratory diseases in Urumqi outperforms the AQI in predicting the effect of air pollution on respiratory health.

Improving the Waiting Time in Outpatient Clinics Using Lean Approach in Hospital: A Systematic Review

@#Introduction: The use of the lean approach in healthcare has rapidly gained popularity globally, although this approach was more routinely used in the manufacturing sector as opposed to health. Besides, recent studies confirm the suitability of the lean approach applications for improving the quality of medical care. This study aimed to determine the Lean approach’s capacity to improve the waiting time in outpatient clinics in hospitals. Methods: The systematic review approach was employed to help in the research procedures. Search databases used included Ovid, Google scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE, and archive. Besides, search terminologies such as the Lean approach, Hospital-implementation, waiting time, and patient flow were used to help identify sources that best suited the investigation process. Results: The review revealed that the lean approach is suitable for the reduction of waiting times as well as for improving efficiency in the clinic. The outcomes provide a basis for reducing the average waiting time within the hospital. Conclusion: This study recommended that healthcare facilities and departments should take a keen interest in implementing the Lean approaches, as they are crucial for reducing waiting time.

Outpatient health service utilization and its influencing factors among pneumoconiosis patients combined with tuberculosis / 环境与职业医学

Background Tuberculosis is the most common complication of pneumoconiosis, which accelerates the progression of pneumoconiosis. Pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis is a major health risk. Objective To understand the outpatient health service utilization for patients of pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis and its main influencing factors. Methods A stratified random sampling combined with non-random sampling was used to select 11181 pneumoconiosis patients in 27 provincial administrative regions (excluding Shanghai, Tianjin, Hainan, Tibet Autonomous Region, Taiwan, Hongkong and Macao Special Administrative Regions) from December 2017 to June 2021. A self-constructed questionnaire, i.e. Health Seeking Behaviors of Pneumoconiosis Patients and Their Influencing Factors, was used, which included basic information, outpatient and inpatient service utilization, and influencing factors of medical treatment behaviors of pneumoconiosis patients. The effective recovery rate of the questionnaire was 90.7%. All patients of pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis (n=762) were included as the study subjects. The difference of outpatient utilization in the past two weeks, choosing medical institutions, and the reasons of not seeking medical treatment between urban and rural areas, and the influencing factors of outpatient service utilization were analyzed. Results The study subjects were mainly silicosis combined with tuberculosis (502 cases, 65.9%) and coal workers' pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis (232 cases, 30.5%), aged (58.6±12.5) years old. The main region was Western China (45.1%), followed by Eastern China (22.1%), Centeral China (20.2%), and Northeastern China (12.6%). The outpatient utilization rate in the past two weeks was 38.5% (293/762), and the main medical institutions consulted were municipal or provincial hospitals (32.0%), district or county hospitals (28.6%), and township hospitals or health service centers (17.5%). Short distance (20.7%), the availability of specialist outpatient services (16.7%), high level of medical care (14.8%), and low medical cost (12.3%) were the main reasons in choosing medical institutions. Higher proportion of patients seeking medical services due to acute exacerbation in rural areas was reported than in urban areas in the past two weeks (P<0.01). In addition to being hospitalized (113 cases, 41.4%) and self-purchasing medicine (46 cases, 16.8%), the reasons for not seeking medical treatment were self-perceived mild symptoms (15.0%) and high medical cost without reimbursement (9.5%). The multiple regression results showed that outpatient rate for patients of pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis in the western region was higher than that in the eastern region (OR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.03, 2.68); patients with an annual personal income of 10000-35500 yuan had a higher outpatient rate than the > 35500 yuan income group (OR=2.54, 95%CI: 1.49, 4.36); the outpatient rate of silicosis patients was higher than that of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (OR=1.83, 95%CI: 1.23, 2.72); the outpatient rate of patients with clinically diagnosed cases (no classified stage of pneumoconiosis) was higher than that of patients with stage I pneumoconiosis (OR=2.32, 95%CI: 1.24, 4.31). Exacerbation of pneumoconiosis-related symptoms in past two weeks (OR=4.26, 95%CI: 2.89, 6.28), occupational injury insurance (OR=0.49, 95%CI: 0.30, 0.80), and hospitalization in past one year (OR=2.37, 95%CI: 1.41, 3.97) were the main factors influencing the outpatient health service utilization among patients of pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis. Conclusion The outpatient rate of patients of pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis is higher than that of patients of pneumoconiosis without tuberculosis. The utilization of outpatient services is related with disease factors and socio-economic security factors.

Development and influential factor analysis of pharmacy outpatient departments in 714 Chinese tertiary healthcare institutions / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the basic situation of developing pharmacy outpatient departments in Chinese tertiary medical institutions and analyze the influencing factors. METHODS The research targeted the pharmacy outpatient department managers of hospitals and conducted a survey through Sojump in March 2023. Various independent variables were selected from the hospital’s own characteristics， the management of the pharmacy outpatient departments， and the construction of the pharmacist team for Logistic and linear regression analysis， with the aim of separately analyzing the factors influencing the establishment of pharmacy outpatient departments and the factors affecting the total number of patients served by these departments throughout the year 2022. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS A total of 1 304 medical institutions of different levels nationwide participated in this survey， with 714 tertiary hospitals. Among the tertiary hospitals， 377 （52.80%） had established pharmacy outpatient departments， including 321 grade-A tertiary hospitals， 48 grade-B tertiary hospitals and 8 other tertiary hospitals. The 377 tertiary hospitals collectively operated 1 739 pharmacy outpatient departments， covering 19 specialized fields， with the highest proportion found in the cardiovascular field （including anticoagulation） at 16.45%. Tertiary hospitals in North China， Central China， East China and South China regions had more pharmacy outpatient departments. The establishment of pharmacy outpatient departments was found to be influenced by tertiary grade-B status （P＝0.010） and the annual outpatient volume of the hospital （P＝0.008）， although the impact was relatively small. The factors influencing the number of patients served by pharmacy outpatient departments were the annual outpatient volume of the hospital （P＝0.042） and the number of pharmacists engaged in clinical pharmacy work （P＝0.004）. The proportion of tertiary hospitals in China that have established pharmacy outpatient departments is insufficient. It is necessary to further accelerate the construction of pharmacy outpatient departments and appropriately expand the talent pool of hospital pharmacy teams based on the needs of pharmacy outpatient departments and patients， in order to meet the requirements of medical practice and patient care.

Effectiveness and safety of ultra-low-dose spinal anesthesia versus perineal blocks in hemorroidectomy and anal fistula surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background: Ultra-low-dose Spinal Anesthesia (SA) is the practice of employing minimal doses of intrathecal agents so that only the roots that supply a specific area are anesthetized. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of ultra-low-dose spinal anesthesia with that of Perineal Blocks (PB). Methods: A two-arm, parallel, double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing two anesthetic techniques (SA and PB) for hemorrhoidectomy and anal fistula surgery was performed. The primary outcomes were postoperative pain, complementation and/or conversion of anesthesia, and hemodynamic changes. Results: Fifty-nine patients were included in the final analysis. The mean pain values were similar in the first 48 h in both groups (p > 0.05). The individuals allocated to the SA group did not need anesthetic complementation; however, those in the PB group required it considerably (SA group, 0% vs. PB group, 25%; p = 0.005). Hemodynamic changes were more pronounced after PB: during all surgical times, the PB group showed lower MAP values and higher HR values (p < 0.05). Postoperative urinary retention rates were similar between both groups (SA group 0% vs. PB group 3.1%, p = 0.354). Conclusion: SA and PB are similarly effective in pain control during the first 48 h after hemorrhoidec-tomy and anal fistula surgery. Although surgical time was shorter among patients in the PB group, the SA technique may be preferable as it avoids the need for additional anesthesia. Furthermore, the group that received perineal blocks was under sedation with a considerable dose of propofol.

Use of complementary and alternative medicines in ENT outpatient department of tertiary care hospital in Southern Rajasthan

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is highly gaining popularity along with main treatment streams these days. Physicians cannot ignore this fact and should question and counsel patients about pros and cons of CAM for cure of different ailments. Aim and Objectives: The objective of the study was to know about use of CAM among patients visiting Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) outpatient department (OPD) in tertiary care hospital of Southern Rajasthan. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in ENT OPD for 2 months. Two hundred and fifty patients were considered for the study. Semi-structured questionnaire was prepared and made to be filled by the patients during their visit to ENT OPD after taking informed consent. Various questions were asked like extent of use of alternative therapies, type of CAM used by the patients, patient’s knowledge about ADRs and drug interactions, reasons for which alternative medicine might have been used. Results: Among 250 patients, CAMs were used by 36 patients. The most common CAMs were either Ayurveda or Homoeopathy medicines or both. The majority of patients obtained their information from family and friends. Maximum patients used these alternative medicines for relief of cough and hoarseness of voice. Conclusion: The study throws light on use of alternative drug therapy and streams of medicine along with routine hospital treatment among patients visiting ENT OPD. This knowledge helps to understand about patients’ alternative approach to diseases, about self-medication, patient’s belief about different types of therapies and also ignorance of possible health hazards, side effects, and complications due to use of concomitant main and alternative medicines for treatment purposes.

Prevalencia de diabetes, características epidemiológicas y complicaciones vasculares / Prevalence of diabetes, epidemiological characteristics and vascular complications

Resumen Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de diabetes en atención ambulatoria y describir sus características epidemiológicas, comorbilidades y complicaciones vasculares relacionadas. Método: Corte transversal que incluyó la totalidad de adultos afiliados a la prepaga del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires en marzo de 2019, Argentina. Resultados: La prevalencia global de diabetes resultó del 8.5% con intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC95%): 8.3-8.6 (12,832 de un total de 150,725 afiliados). El estrato etario con mayor prevalencia fue el grupo entre 65 y 80 años, con un 15.7% (IC95%: 15.3-16.1). Las personas con diabetes presentaban una media de edad de 70 años (desviación estándar: 14), el 52% eran mujeres, y los factores de riesgo cardiovasculares más frecuentemente asociados fueron: dislipidemia (88%), hipertensión arterial (74%) y obesidad (55%). En relación con el control metabólico, el 60% tenía al menos una hemoglobina glucosilada medida en el último año, siendo el 70% de estas menores al 7%. Casi el 80% tiene medido el colesterol vinculado a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (c-LDL) al menos una vez en los últimos dos años, de ellos el 55% presentaba un valor de c-LDL igual o menor a 100 mg/dl. Las complicaciones macrovasculares presentes en orden de frecuencia fueron: infarto agudo de miocardio (11%), accidente cerebrovascular (8%) y enfermedad vascular periférica (4%); mientras que las complicaciones microvasculares resultaron ser neuropatía diabética (4%) y retinopatía (2%). El 7% tuvo pie diabético, con menos del 1% de amputaciones. Conclusiones: La diabetes representa un problema prevalente, incluso en pacientes ancianos. Esta población sigue presentando un elevado riesgo cardiovascular, con escaso cumplimiento de objetivos terapéuticos.

Abstract Objective: To estimate prevalence of diabetes in outpatient care and to describe its epidemiological characteristics, comorbidities, and related vascular complications. Methods: Observational cross-sectional study which included all adults affiliated from a private insurance health plan on March 2019, at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, from Argentina. Results: The global prevalence of diabetes resulted in 8.5% with 95% CI 8.3-8.6 (12,832 out of a total of 150,725 affiliates). The age stratum with the highest prevalence was the group between 65 and 80 years old with 15.7% (95% CI 15.3-16.1). People with diabetes had a mean age of 70 years (SD 14), 52% were women, and the most frequently associated cardiovascular risk factors were: dyslipidaemia (88%), arterial hypertension (74%) and obesity (55%). In relation to metabolic control, 60% had at least one glycosylated hemoglobin measured in the last year, 70% of which were less than 7%. Almost 80% have LDL measured at least once in the last 2 years, 55% of them had an LDL value equal to or less than 100 mg/dl. The macrovascular complications present in order of frequency were: acute myocardial infarction (11%), cerebrovascular accident (8%) and peripheral vascular disease (4%); while the microvascular complications were found to be diabetic neuropathy (4%) and retinopathy (2%). 7% had diabetic foot, with less than 1% amputations. Conclusion: Diabetes represents a prevalent problem, even in elderly patients. This population continues to present a high cardiovascular risk, with little compliance with therapeutic goals.

Estudo transversal sobre ausências de pacientes em consultas médicas agendadas em ambulatórios de hospital terciário / Cross-sectional Study On Patient Absences In Medical Consultations Scheduled In Outpatient Clinics Of Tertiary Hospital / Estudio Transversal Sobre Ausencias de Pacientes Em Citas Médicas Programadas Em Pacientes Ambulatorios de Hospitales Terciarios

Objetivo: Analisar variáveis relacionadas ao agendamento de consultas ambulatoriais que não se realizaram pela ausência dos pacientes. Métodos: Estudo transversal produzido em hospital público terciário de referência para o Sistema Único de Saúde. Foram sorteados aleatoriamente 493 pacientes, e a amostra final totalizou 317 pacientes que faltaram a consultas médicas. Variáveis investigadas: recebimento de mensagens via celular informando a data da consulta, intervalo entre a data do agendamento e da consulta e a realização de reagendamento. Os dados foram oriundos de relatórios informatizados de faltosos a consultas agendadas e entrevistas telefônicas. Análises estatísticas realizadas no programa SAS® for Windows, versão 9.3. Resultados: 49.8% dos pacientes informaram não terem recebido mensagem lembrando sobre a data da consulta. O tempo entre o agendamento e a data da consulta ficou entre 180 e 365 dias para 36,6% dos pacientes. Reagendaram a consulta 24,6% dos pacientes. Conclusão: É necessário ampliar procedimentos para prevenção de faltas às consultas, independentemente do tempo entre o agendamento e a consulta. (AU)

Objective: To analyze variables related to the scheduling of outpatient appointments that did not take place due to patient no-show. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary public referral hospital providing services to the Brazilian Unified Health System. A total of 493 patients were randomly selected, and the final sample totaled 317 no-show patients. Variables investigated: receipt of messages via cell phones informing the appointment date, interval between the scheduling date and the appointment date, and rescheduling. Data were obtained from computerized reports regarding absenteeism from scheduled appointments and telephone interviews. Statistical analyses were performed using the SAS® for Windows software, version 9.3. Results: 49.8% of patients reported not having received a message reminding them of the appointment dates. The interval between scheduling and the appointment dates was from 180 to 365 days for 36.6% of patients. A total of 24.6% of patients rescheduled their appointments. Conclusion: It is necessary to expand procedures to prevent missed appointments regardless of the time between scheduling and the appointment. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar variables relacionadas con la programación de consultas externas que no se realizaron por ausencia del paciente. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado en un hospital público terciario de referencia del Sistema Único de Salud. Se seleccionó aleatoriamente a 493 pacientes y la muestra final fue de 317 pacientes que faltaron a las citas médicas. Variables investigadas: recepción de mensajes vía celular informando la fecha de la cita, intervalo entre la cita y la fecha de la cita y reprogramación. Los datos provienen de informes computarizados de ausencias n citas programadas y entrevistas telefónicas. Análisis estadísticos realizados en SAS® para Windows versión 9.3. Resultados: En el 49.8% de los pacientes informaron no haber recibido un mensaje recordando la fecha de la cita. Conclusión: Es necesario ampliar los procedimientos para evitar citas perdidas independientemente del tiempo entre citas y citas. (AU)

Consultas de demanda espontánea sobre trastornos del desarrollo en el Hospital Garrahan / Spontaneous consultations for developmental disorders at Garrahan Hospital

Introducción: Los trastornos del desarrollo (TD) constituyen un motivo de consulta muy frecuente en la práctica pediátrica. El Hospital Garrahan recibe por demanda espontánea al servicio de Mediano Riesgo (MR) consultas de cuidadores con preocupaciones sobre el desarrollo de los niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNyA). Allí son valorados por pediatras clínicos, quienes realizan la interconsulta al servicio de Clínicas Interdisciplinarias del Neurodesarrollo (CIND) según necesidad (representan el 10% del total de consultas en MR). El objetivo del trabajo es comparar las características de los pacientes de MR que fueron consultados al área de Maduración de CIND durante el bimestre marzo/abril de 2016, 2021 y 2022. Materiales y métodos: estudio retrospectivo, observacional y comparativo. Se revisaron las historias clínicas analizando las siguientes variables: edad, procedencia, contar con pediatra de cabecera, cobertura de salud, motivo de consulta y sospecha diagnóstica. Resultados: La cantidad de consultas aumentó por encima del 20%, con un descenso en la mediana de edad de alrededor de un año. Aproximadamente el 70% de los pacientes procedían del conurbano en los tres períodos. Observamos un descenso respecto al número de NNyA con seguimiento pediátrico y cobertura social. El lenguaje y la conducta fueron los motivos más frecuentes de consulta y la mayor sospecha diagnóstica fue el Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA). Conclusiones: Los datos observados pueden relacionarse con el impacto de la pandemia así como también con las condiciones socio-económicas de los últimos cinco años, con un mayor conocimiento acerca del desarrollo y un probable aumento de la prevalencia de los TD (AU)

Introduction: Developmental disorders (DD) are a frequent reason for consultation in pediatric practice. The Garrahan Hospital receives spontaneous consultations at the department of Intermediate Risk (IR) from caregivers with concerns about the development of children and adolescents. At the IR department, children and adolescents are evaluated by clinical pediatricians, who consult with specialists at the Interdisciplinary Neurodevelopmental Clinic (INDC) as needed (accounting for 10% of the total number of consultations at the IR department). The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of IR patients who were consulted at the INDC during the bimonthly period March/April 2016, 2021, and 2022. Materials and methods: a retrospective, observational, and comparative study was conducted. Medical records were reviewed analyzing the following variables: age, provenance, having a primary care pediatrician, healthcare insurance, reason for consultation, and diagnostic suspicion. Results: The number of consultations increased by over 20%, with a decrease in median age of around one year. Approximately 70% of the patients came from Greater Buenos Aires in the three periods. A decrease in the number of children and adolescents with pediatric follow-up and a social health insurance was observed. Language and behavior disorders were the most frequent reasons for consultation and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was most often suspected. Conclusions: The observed data may be related to the impact of the pandemic as well as socio-economic conditions over the last five years, together with increased knowledge about development and a probable increase in the prevalence of ASD (AU)

La chirurgie ambulatoire en orthopédie et traumatologie: expériences du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Morafeno Toamasina / mbulatory surgery in orthopedics and traumatology: experiences of the University Hospital Morafeno Toamasin

Introduction : Plus qu'un défi ou un enjeu, la chirurgie ambulatoire, constitue pour les pays en voies de développement une opportunité d'accroître l'accès aux soins. Elle est un concept d'organisation centrée sur le malade, basée sur la sélection des patients et des actes chirurgicaux afin d'assurer une qualité et une sécurité maximale de soins. Objectifs : Partager les résultats de notre expérience sur la chirurgie ambulatoire en orthopédie traumatologie et de déterminer les difficultés rencontrées lors de sa mise en place. Matériels et Méthodes: Il s'agit d'une étude prospective, descriptive et observationnelle allant de janvier 2018 au janvier 2019 (12 mois) réalisée au CHU Morafeno Toamasina. Résultats: Au total, 108 patients ont été retenus. Les interventions réglées étaient réalisées chez 82,40% des patients contre 17,59% d'urgences traumatologiques. L'âge moyen des patients était de 32 ans ± 8,6 ans avec une prédominance masculine (sex ratio:3,9) . Le type d'intervention réalisé était dominé par les ablations de matériels d'ostéosynthèses avec un taux de 25,92%, suivies des tentatives de réduction orthopédique de fractures dans 22,22 % des cas. Le type d'anesthésie la plus pratiquée était l'anesthésie locorégionale (52,77%). Les évènements en postopératoire étaient dominés par l'insomnie (4,62%), la céphalée (2,77 %), les nausées et vomissements (5,55%) et les hématomes (3,70%). Soixante-douze virgule deux pour cent des patients déclaraient satisfaits de leur prise en charge. Conclusion: Le développement extensif de la chirurgie ambulatoire est basé sur la sélection des patients à qui l'on propose ce type de prise en charge. Elle présente un enjeu majeur en matière de restructuration et d'amélioration de l'offre de soins en chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologie

Percepção de pacientes e enfermeiras sobre o cateter central de inserção periférica na assistência ambulatorial / La percepción de pacientes y enfermeras sobre el catéter central de inserción periférica en la asistencia ambulatoria / Perception of patients and nurses about peripherally inserted central catheters in outpatient care

Objetivo: analisar a percepção de pacientes e enfermeiras quanto ao uso do Cateter Central de Inserção Periférica (PICC) na assistência ambulatorial. Método: estudo exploratório de abordagem qualitativa, baseado no modelo de adaptação de Callista Roy, a partir de entrevistas realizadas em hospital público de ensino em cardiologia localizado em São Paulo, Brasil, com pacientes em uso de PICC e enfermeiras. Resultados: após transcrição das entrevistas, realizou-se a análise de conteúdo e construíram-se as categorias temáticas de cuidado no cotidiano; riscos a funcionalidade e permanência do cateter; longitudinalidade do cuidado para enfermeiras; alívio de dor do paciente; repercussões do uso prolongado do cateter. Considerações finais: a durabilidade do cateter depende da valorização do cuidado e orientações fornecidas aos pacientes e enfermeiros dos serviços de contra referência. Os relatos obtidos quanto à adaptação ao uso extra-hospitalar do PICC permitirão rever estratégias conjuntas de monitoramento e manejo.

Objetivo: analizar la percepción de pacientes y enfermeras en relación al uso del Catéter Central de Inserción Periférica (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter, PICC) en la asistencia ambulatoria. Método: estudio exploratorio de enfoque cualitativo, basado no modelo de adaptación de Callista Roy, a partir de entrevistas realizadas en un hospital escuela público especializado en Cardiología de San Pablo, Brasil, con pacientes en uso de PICC y enfermeras. Resultados: después de transcribir las entrevistas, se realizó un análisis de contenido y se generaron las categorías temáticas de la atención de rutina; riesgos para la funcionalidad y permanencia del catéter; longitudinalidad de la atención para las enfermeras; alivio del dolor del paciente; y repercusiones por el uso prolongado del catéter. Consideraciones finales: finales: la durabilidad del catéter depende de la valoración de la atención y de las pautas provistas a los pacientes y enfermeros de los servicios de contraderivación. Los reportes obtenidos en relación a la adaptación al uso extra-hospitalario de los PICC permitieron rever estrategias conjuntas de monitoreo y manejo.

Objective: To analyze the perception of patients and nurses regarding the use of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) in outpatient care. Method: An exploratory study with a qualitative approach and grounded on Callista Roy's adaptation model, based on interviews conducted with patients using PICCs and nurses at a public teaching hospital specialized in Cardiology located in São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Results: After transcribing the interviews, content analysis was carried out and the following thematic categories were constructed: daily care; risks to catheter functionality and permanence; care longitudinality for nurses; patient pain relief; and repercussions of prolonged catheter use. Final considerations: Durability of a catheter depends on the importance attributed of care and guidelines provided to patients and nurses working in counter-referral services. The reports obtained regarding the adaptation to the out-of-hospital use of PICCs will allow reviewing joint monitoring and management strategies.

Factors associated with the time to treat breast cancer in the pandemic period: an observational study / Factores relacionados al tiempo para tratamiento del cáncer de la mama en período pandémico: estudio observacional / Fatores associados ao tempo para tratamento do câncer de mama em período pândemico: estudo observacional

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the factors associated with the time to surgical treatment for breast cancer in patients seen at a reference mastology outpatient clinic in the State of Ceará. Methods: analytical, longitudinal study with medical charts from the Mastology Outpatient Clinic of Assis Chateaubriand Maternity School. We used 140 medical charts of breast cancer patients with surgeries performed during the pandemic. Results: the study evidenced associations between schooling and shorter time to treatment in patients who underwent biopsy before the first outpatient visit (p = 0.026; OR: 0.16; CI = 0.03-0.85); in the group who had the biopsy performed by the outpatient clinic, was associated the type of tumor (p = 0.019) and neoadjuvant therapy (p = 0.000). Conclusions: the lesser educational level, tumor type, and use of neoadjuvant therapy were factors associated with the time to treatment during the pandemic period.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar los factores relacionados al tiempo para tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de mama en pacientes atendidas en ambulatorio de mastología de referencia en el estado de Ceará. Métodos: estudio analítico, longitudinal, realizado con prontuarios del Ambulatorio de Mastología de la Maternidad Escuela Assis Chateaubriand. Fueron utilizados 140 prontuarios de pacientes con cáncer de mama con cirugías realizadas durante el período pandémico. Resultados: el estudio evidenció relaciones entre la escolaridad y el menor tiempo para tratamiento en las pacientes que realizaron biopsia antes de la primera consulta ambulatoria (p = 0,026; OR: 0,16; IC = 0,03-0,85); en el grupo que realizó la biopsia por el ambulatorio, estuvieron relacionados el tipo de tumor (p = 0,019) y la neoadyuvancia (p = 0,000). Conclusiones: el menor nivel educacional, el tipo de tumor y la utilización de la neoadyuvancia fueron factores relacionados al tiempo para tratamiento durante el período pandémico.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar os fatores associados ao tempo para tratamento cirúrgico do câncer de mama em pacientes atendidas em ambulatório de mastologia de referência no estado do Ceará. Métodos: estudo analítico, longitudinal, realizado com prontuários do Ambulatório de Mastologia da Maternidade Escola Assis Chateaubriand. Foram utilizados 140 prontuários de pacientes com câncer de mama com cirurgias realizadas durante o período pandêmico. Resultados: o estudo evidenciou associações entre a escolaridade e o menor tempo para tratamento nas pacientes que realizaram biópsia antes da primeira consulta ambulatorial (p = 0,026; OR: 0,16; IC = 0,03-0,85); no grupo que realizou a biópsia pelo ambulatório, estiveram associados o tipo de tumor (p = 0,019) e a neoadjuvância (p = 0,000). Conclusões: o menor nível educacional, o tipo de tumor e a utilização da neoadjuvância foram fatores associados ao tempo para tratamento durante o período pandêmico.

Rivaroxabana em Pacientes Ambulatoriais com COVID-19 Leve ou Moderada: Fundamentação e Desenho do Estudo CARE (CARE - Coalition COVID-19 Brazil VIII) / Rivaroxaban in Outpatients with Mild or Moderate COVID-19: Rationale and Design of the Study CARE (CARE - Coalition COVID-19 Brazil VIII)

Resumo Fundamento Estudos anteriores revelaram alto risco de eventos tromboembólicos arteriais e venosos como consequência de danos virais diretos do SARS-CoV-2 em células endoteliais e um meio procoagulante devido ao aumento de biomarcadores como o D-dímero, fibrinogênio, fator VIII. Foram realizados ensaios controlados randomizados de terapias antitrombóticas em pacientes internados, no entanto, poucos estudos avaliaram o papel da tromboprofilaxia no ambiente ambulatorial. Objetivo Avaliar se a profilaxia antitrombótica com rivaroxabana reduz o risco de eventos trombóticos venosos ou arteriais, suporte ventilatório invasivo e morte em pacientes ambulatoriais com COVID-19. Métodos O estudo CARE é um ensaio randomizado, aberto, multicêntrico e controlado por rivaroxabana 10 mg uma vez por dia durante 14 dias ou tratamento local padrão isolado, para a prevenção de resultados adversos, registrado no Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04757857). Os critérios de inclusão são adultos com infecção confirmada ou suspeita do SARS-CoV-2, com sintomas leves ou moderados, sem indicação de hospitalização, no prazo de 7 dias após o início dos sintomas e um fator de risco de complicação da COVID-19 (>65 anos, hipertensão, diabetes, asma, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica ou outras doenças pulmonares crônicas, tabagismo, imunossupressão ou obesidade). O desfecho primário composto inclui tromboembolismo venoso, necessidade de ventilação mecânica invasiva, eventos cardiovasculares agudos maiores e mortalidade no prazo de 30 dias após a randomização, sendo avaliado segundo o princípio da intenção de tratar. Todos os pacientes assinaram termo de consentimento. Foi estabelecido um nível de significância de 5% para todos os testes estatísticos. Resultados Os principais desfechos trombóticos e hemorrágicos, hospitalizações e mortes serão avaliados centralmente por um comitê de eventos clínicos independente, sob a condição cega para a alocação dos grupos de tratamento. Conclusão O estudo CARE fornecerá informação relevante e contemporânea sobre o possível papel da tromboprofilaxia em pacientes ambulatoriais com COVID-19.

Abstract Background Previous studies have demonstrated a high risk of arterial and venous thromboembolic events as a consequence of direct viral damage to endothelial cells by SARS-CoV-2 and a procoagulant milieu due to increased biomarkers, such as D-dimer, fibrinogen, and factor VIII. Although randomized controlled trials of antithrombotic therapies have been conducted in hospitalized patients, few have evaluated the role of thromboprophylaxis in an outpatient setting. Objective To assess whether antithrombotic prophylaxis with rivaroxaban reduces the risk of venous or arterial thrombotic events, invasive ventilatory support, and death in COVID-19 outpatients. Methods The COVID Antithrombotic Rivaroxaban Evaluation (CARE) study, a multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled trial of rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily for 14 days or local standard treatment alone to prevent adverse outcomes, is registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04757857). The inclusion criteria are adults with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection and mild or moderate symptoms without indication for hospitalization, within 7 days of symptom onset, and 1 risk factor for COVID-19 complication (> 65 years, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other chronic lung diseases, smoking, immunosuppression, or obesity). The primary composite endpoint, which includes venous thromboembolism, invasive mechanical ventilation, major acute cardiovascular events, and mortality within 30 days of randomization, will be assessed according to the intention-to-treat principle. All patients will provide informed consent. A significance level of 5% will be used for all statistical tests. Results Major thrombotic and bleeding outcomes, hospitalizations, and deaths will be centrally adjudicated by an independent clinical events committee blinded to the assigned treatment groups. Conclusion The CARE study will provide relevant and contemporary information about the potential role of thromboprophylaxis in outpatients with COVID-19.

Intervención ambulatoria basada en categorización por complejidad en neurorehabilitación

Introducción: Existen múltiples factores que dificultan el acceso a la terapia de alta intensidad y pocos estudios han considerado la efectividad de la Neurorehabilitación motora ambulatoria basada en atención directa al paciente, ejercicios guiados por el cuidador y entrenamiento de autogestión en rehabilitación. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto en los resultados funcionales, de movilidad y equilibrio en los pacientes atendidos por un programa de Neurorehabilitación motora ambulatoria categorizados por complejidad en rehabilitación en el Hospital Carlos van Buren de Valparaíso. Material y Método: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. Se analizaron los registros de los pacientes atendidos en 2018 en el policlínico de Neurorehabilitación del Hospital Carlos van Buren, se recopilaron los datos desde las historias clínicas, se categorizaron en tres niveles de complejidad en rehabilitación y se hizo el análisis estadístico. Resultados: Se estudiaron 34 usuarios, el diagnóstico más recurrente fue el accidente cerebro vascular en el 82,3%. En las escalas funcionales, todos los valores cambiaron de mayor a menor severidad, luego de la rehabilitación (Rankin modificado, índice de Barthel, el nivel funcional y velocidad de marcha). En relación con la recuperación proporcional, los pacientes de baja complejidad lograron un 13,5%, los de mediana el 83% y los de alta un 25%. Conclusiones: Los resultados indican que un programa de Neurorehabilitación motora ambulatorio proporciona cambios funcionales favorables a los pacientes de mediana complejidad en rehabilitación. El uso de una categorización de rehabilitación basada en la complejidad es una opción útil en el entorno clínico, pero se requiere de mayores investigaciones.

Background: There are multiple factors that hinder access to high intensity therapies. Few studies have considered the effectiveness of outpatient motor neurorehabilitation based on direct patient care, caregiver-mediated exercises and self-directed exercises. Objetive: Evaluate the effect of an categorized outpatient motor neurorehabilitation program in a Public Hospital with respect to functionality, mobility and balance. Material and Method: Retrospective cohort study. The patients seen in 2018 at the Neurorehabilitation polyclinic of the Carlos Van Buren Hospital were analyzed, the data was collected from the medical records, they were categorized into three levels of complexity in rehabilitation and the statistical analysis was performed. Results: A total of 34 users were studied, the most recurrent diagnosis was stroke in 82.3%. On the functional scales, all values changed from highest to lowest severity post intervention (modified Rankin, Barthel index, functional level and walking speed). In relation to proportional recovery, low complexity patients achieved 13.5%, median 83% and high 25%. Conclusions: The results indicate that an outpatient motor Neurorehabilitation program provides favorable functional changes for patients of medium complexity in rehabilitation. The use of a complexity-based categorization of rehabilitation is a useful option in the clinical setting, but further research is required.

Development of the index system of the quality evaluation standard for pharmacist training in cough and wheeze pharmaceutical care outpatient department / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To establish the index system of quality evaluation standard for pharmacist training in cough and wheeze pharmaceutical care （CWPC） outpatient department， and to provide a basis for the selection of CWPC pharmacist training teachers and the improvement of training plans. METHODS Based on Kirkpatrick model， using the Delphi method， a total of 15 experts from 13 tertiary hospitals in 10 provinces in China were consulted to establish the standard index system of the quality evaluation for CWPC pharmacists training. Analytic hierarchy process （AHP） was adopted to determine the weights of each indicator and quantify the index system according to the weights of indicators at all levels. RESULTS The coefficient of expert authority was 0.810， the judgment coefficient was 0.727， and the familiarity coefficient was 0.893. The Kendall coordination coefficient of each index was 0.308-0.687. The P values of χ2 test were all less than 0.05， which indicated that the degree of coordination of the experts was high. After two rounds of correspondence， Kirkpatrick model-based index system of quality evaluation standard for CWPC pharmacist training was determined. The index system included 4 first-level indexes （participants’ reaction layer， learning gain layer， behavior improvement layer， training outcome layer）， 12 second-level indexes （such as training needs， teaching methods， theoretical knowledge， practical skills， job abilities， patient benefits， etc.） and 44 third-level indexes （such as clear training objectives， core system of CWPC， special device operation and evaluation， professional knowledge related to the treatment of cough and wheeze patients， promoting the construction of CWPC， improving patient compliance）. CONCLUSIONS The constructed index system of quality evaluation standard for CWPC pharmacist training has a certain level of authority and scientificity， and provides a scientific theoretical basis for quality evaluation of CWPC pharmacist training.