Contribution margin per hour of operating room to reallocate unutilized operating room time: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Background and objectives: Contribution margin per hour (CMH) has been proposed in healthcare systems to increase the profitability of operating suites. The aim of our study is to propose a simple and reproducible model to calculate CMH and to increase cost-effectiveness. Methods: For the ten most commonly performed surgical procedures at our Institution, we prospectively collected their diagnosis-related group (DRG) reimbursement, variable costs and mean procedural time. We quantified the portion of total staffed operating room time to be reallocated with a minimal risk of overrun. Moreover, we calculated the total CMH with a random reallocation on a first come-first served basis. Finally, prioritizing procedures with higher CMH, we ran a simulation by calculating the total CMH. Results: Over a two-months period, we identified 14.5 hours of unutilized operating room to reallocate. In the case of a random ''first come -first serve'' basis, the total earnings were 87,117 United States dollars (USD). Conversely, with a reallocation which prioritized procedures with a high CMH, it was possible to earn 140,444 USD (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Surgical activity may be one of the most profitable activities for hospitals, but a cost-effective management requires a comprehension of its cost profile. Reallocation of unused operating room time according to CMH may represent a simple, reproducible and reliable tool for elective cases on a waiting list. In our experience, it helped improving the operating suite cost-effectiveness.

Capital estrangeiro e mudança estrutural no mercado privado de serviços de saúde brasileiro / Foreign capital and structural change in the Brazilian private health services market / Capital extranjero y cambio estructural en el mercado privado de servicios de salud brasileño

Resumo: Este artigo analisa o processo de transformação estrutural no mercado privado de serviços de saúde brasileiro a partir dos anos 2000, com ênfase na crescente participação de fundos financeiros e do capital estrangeiro no processo de expansão e consolidação do setor. A análise do movimento de ingresso do capital estrangeiro nos serviços e planos de saúde no Brasil foi desenvolvida a partir da construção de uma base dados com um total de 297 operações patrimoniais envolvendo empresas com atividades em serviços de saúde, inclusive operadoras de planos e seguros de saúde e administradoras de benefícios em saúde. A análise dessas operações evidencia que o afluxo de capital estrangeiro foi fundamental para viabilizar a centralização de capital em determinadas empresas e catalisar o processo de concentração e transformação estrutural do setor de serviços de saúde ao longo das últimas duas décadas. Conclui-se que o acirramento da disputa intercapitalista no mercado de serviços de saúde levou à emergência de grandes corporações no mercado e a novos modelos de negócio, com destaque especial para o surgimento de redes verticalizadas de atendimento (operação de planos, serviços hospitalares, ambulatoriais, de diagnóstico e tratamento e de atenção básica).

Abstract: This article analyzes the process of structural transformation within the Brazilian private health services market since the 2000s, with emphasis on the growing participation of financial funds and foreign capital in the process of expansion and consolidation of the sector. The analysis of the movement of foreign capital into health services and plans in Brazil was developed from the construction of a database with a total of 297 equity operations involving companies with activities in health services, including companies operating health plans and insurance and companies administering health benefits. The analysis of these operations shows that the influx of foreign capital was fundamental to enable the centralization of capital in certain companies and catalyze the process of concentration and structural transformation of the health services sector over the last two decades. We concluded that the intensification of the intercapitalist dispute within the health services market led to the emergence of large corporations and new business models, with special emphasis on the emergence of verticalized care networks (operation of plans, hospital services, outpatient services, diagnosis and treatment, and primary care).

Resumen: Este artículo analiza el proceso de transformación estructural en el mercado privado de servicios de salud brasileño, a partir de los años 2000, con énfasis en la creciente participación de fondos financieros y del capital extranjero en el proceso de expansión y consolidación del sector. El análisis del movimiento de ingreso del capital extranjero en los servicios y planes de salud en Brasil fue desarrollado a partir de la construcción de una base datos con un total de 297 operaciones de capital de empresas con actividades en servicios de salud; inclusive las empresas operadoras de planes y seguros de salud y las empresas administradoras de beneficios en salud. El análisis de esas operaciones muestra que la entrada de capital extranjero fue fundamental para viabilizar la centralización de capital en determinadas empresas y catalizar el proceso de concentración y transformación estructural del sector de servicios de salud a lo largo de las últimas dos décadas. La conclusión que el recrudecimiento de la disputa intercapitalista dentro del mercado de servicios de salud llevó a la emergencia de grandes corporaciones en el mercado y nuevos modelos de negocio, con destaque especial para surgimiento de redes verticalizadas de atención (operación de planes, servicios hospitalarios, ambulatorios, de diagnóstico y tratamiento y de atención básica).

The language models in healthcare and the role of chatgpt: comments / Os modelos de linguagem em saúde e o papel do chatgpt: comentários

ABSTRACT The introduction of chatbots has been one of the most intriguing advances in artificial intelligence. There are numerous potential uses for artificial intelligence in clinical research. However, there are also some issues that require attention. Everyone agrees that AI requires a more stable foundation and that a cutting-edge approach is necessary for AI to operate effectively.

RESUMO A introdução de chatbots foi um dos avanços mais intrigantes da inteligência artificial. Existem inúmeros usos potenciais para a inteligência artificial (IA) na pesquisa clínica. No entanto, há também outras questões que requerem atenção. Todos concordam que a IA precisa de uma base mais estável. Todos podemos concordar que uma abordagem de ponta é necessária para que a IA opere de forma eficaz.

Coping with the economic burden of non-communicable diseases among hypertensive and diabetic patients in private and public health facilities in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Objective: To assess and compare how private and public health facilities patients cope with the economic burden of non-communicable diseases. Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Setting: Thirty-nine private and eleven public health facilities in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria Participants: Three hundred and forty-eight (Private:173; Public:175) patients with hypertension or diabetes, or both were recruited. Main Outcome Measures: Specific coping methods and numbers of coping strategies used by participants, as well as the perceived ability of participants to cope with the economic burden of non-communicable diseases. Results: Majority of participants paid through out-of-pocket (OOP) than through health insurance(HI) (Private:OOP:90.2% HI:9.8%; Public:OOP:94.3% HI:5.7%; p=0.152). More participants in private used instalment payments(p<0.001). However, other coping strategies showed no significant difference in both groups(p>0.05). Delayed treatment (Private:102; Public:95) was the most used strategy in both arms, and the number of strategies used by the participants showed no significant difference(p=0.061). Lower levels of education, out-of-pocket payment, increasing number of clinic visits, and hospital admission were associated with the use of higher numbers of coping strategies in both groups while being female and retired/unemployed were associated with the private arm. Conclusion: Although most patients in both groups pay out-of-pocket and use detrimental coping strategies, more patients in private arm use instalment payment, a non-detrimental method. Healthcare providers, especially public providers, should adopt policies encouraging patients to use non-detrimental coping strategies to meet their healthcare expenditures.

Processamento de linguagem natural não supervisionado na identificação de pacientes suspeitos de infecção por COVID-19 / Procesamiento del lenguaje natural no supervisado para identificar a los pacientes sospechosos de infección por COVID-19 / Unsupervised natural language processing in the identification of patients with suspected COVID-19 infection

Os pacientes com síndrome pós-COVID-19 se beneficiam de programas de promoção de saúde e sua rápida identificação é importante para a utilização custo efetiva desses programas. Técnicas tradicionais de identificação têm fraco desempenho, especialmente em pandemias. Portanto, foi realizado um estudo observacional descritivo utilizando 105.008 autorizações prévias pagas por operadora privada de saúde com aplicação de método não supervisionado de processamento de linguagem natural por modelagem de tópicos para identificação de pacientes suspeitos de infecção por COVID-19. Foram gerados seis modelos: três utilizando o algoritmo BERTopic e três modelos Word2Vec. O modelo BERTopic cria automaticamente grupos de doenças. Já no modelo Word2Vec, para definição dos tópicos relacionados a COVID-19, foi necessária análise manual dos 100 primeiros casos de cada tópico. O modelo BERTopic com mais de 1.000 autorizações por tópico sem tratamento de palavras selecionou pacientes mais graves - custo médio por autorizações prévias pagas de BRL 10.206 e gasto total de BRL 20,3 milhões (5,4%) em 1.987 autorizações prévias (1,9%). Teve 70% de acerto comparado à análise humana e 20% de casos com potencial interesse, todos passíveis de análise para inclusão em programa de promoção à saúde. Teve perda importante de casos quando comparado ao modelo tradicional de pesquisa com linguagem estruturada e identificou outros grupos de doenças - ortopédicas, mentais e câncer. O modelo BERTopic serviu como método exploratório a ser utilizado na rotulagem de casos e posterior aplicação em modelos supervisionados. A identificação automática de outras doenças levanta questionamentos éticos sobre o tratamento de informações em saúde por aprendizado de máquina.

Los pacientes con síndrome pos-COVID-19 pueden beneficiarse de los programas de promoción de la salud. Su rápida identificación es importante para el uso efectivo de estos programas. Las técnicas de identificación tradicionales no tienen un buen desempeño, especialmente en pandemias. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, con el uso de 105.008 autorizaciones previas pagadas por un operador de salud privado mediante la aplicación de un método no supervisado de procesamiento del lenguaje natural mediante modelado temático para identificar a los pacientes sospechosos de estar infectados por COVID-19. Se generaron 6 modelos: 3 con el uso del algoritmo BERTopic y 3 modelos Word2Vec. El modelo BERTopic crea automáticamente grupos de enfermedades. En el modelo Word2Vec para definir temas relacionados con la COVID-19, fue necesario el análisis manual de los primeros 100 casos de cada tema. El modelo BERTopic con más de 1.000 autorizaciones por tema sin tratamiento de palabras seleccionó a pacientes más graves: costo promedio por autorizaciones previas pagada de BRL 10.206 y gasto total de BRL 20,3 millones (5,4%) en 1.987 autorizaciones previas (1,9%). Además, contó con el 70% de aciertos en comparación con el análisis humano y el 20% de los casos con potencial interés, todos los cuales pueden analizarse para su inclusión en un programa de promoción de la salud. Hubo una pérdida significativa de casos en comparación con el modelo tradicional de investigación con lenguaje estructurado y se identificó otros grupos de enfermedades: ortopédicas, mentales y cáncer. El modelo BERTopic sirvió como un método exploratorio para ser utilizado en el etiquetado de casos y su posterior aplicación en modelos supervisados. La identificación automática de otras enfermedades plantea preguntas éticas sobre el tratamiento de la información de salud mediante el aprendizaje de máquina.

Patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome benefit from health promotion programs. Their rapid identification is important for the cost-effective use of these programs. Traditional identification techniques perform poorly especially in pandemics. A descriptive observational study was carried out using 105,008 prior authorizations paid by a private health care provider with the application of an unsupervised natural language processing method by topic modeling to identify patients suspected of being infected by COVID-19. A total of 6 models were generated: 3 using the BERTopic algorithm and 3 Word2Vec models. The BERTopic model automatically creates disease groups. In the Word2Vec model, manual analysis of the first 100 cases of each topic was necessary to define the topics related to COVID-19. The BERTopic model with more than 1,000 authorizations per topic without word treatment selected more severe patients - average cost per prior authorizations paid of BRL 10,206 and total expenditure of BRL 20.3 million (5.4%) in 1,987 prior authorizations (1.9%). It had 70% accuracy compared to human analysis and 20% of cases with potential interest, all subject to analysis for inclusion in a health promotion program. It had an important loss of cases when compared to the traditional research model with structured language and identified other groups of diseases - orthopedic, mental and cancer. The BERTopic model served as an exploratory method to be used in case labeling and subsequent application in supervised models. The automatic identification of other diseases raises ethical questions about the treatment of health information by machine learning.

The effects of gratitude interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction Gratitude has several implications. Over time, a logical relationship has been established between gratitude and well-being. In addition, researchers aimed to establish associations between gratitude and other factors of positive feelings using scientific methods. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions to develop gratitude and its benefits to human beings. Objective This study aimed to evaluate and quantify the available scientific evidence on interventions to acquire knowledge on gratitude as a quantifiable causal factor of benefit to human beings. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies that investigated the effects of gratitude interventions. MEDLINE, Embase, and Central Cochrane databases were searched in addition to gray (Google Scholar) and manual search. Two authors independently evaluated the titles and abstracts, and selected the studies that met the inclusion criteria. The searches were conducted between January and July 2022. Results Sixty-four randomized clinical trials were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated that patients who underwent gratitude interventions experienced greater feelings of gratitude, better mental health, and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Moreover, they experienced other benefits such as a more positive mood and emotions. Conclusion The results demonstrate that acts of gratitude can be used as a therapeutic complement for treating anxiety and depression and can increase positive feelings and emotions in the general population. Prospero database registration: (www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero) under the number CRD42021250799.

Análisis comparativo de la acreditación de unidades médicas en Canadá, Chile, la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía, Dinamarca y México / Comparative analysis of the accreditation of medical facilities in Canada, Chile, the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, Denmark, and Mexico / Análise comparativa da acreditação de estabelecimentos de saúde no Canadá, Chile, Comunidade Autônoma da Andaluzia, Dinamarca e México

RESUMEN Objetivo. Contrastar las características del proceso de acreditación de establecimientos de salud en Canadá, Chile, la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía, Dinamarca y México, con el fin de identificar elementos comunes y diferencias, y las lecciones aprendidas que puedan ser de utilidad para otros países y regiones. Métodos. Estudio observacional, analítico y retrospectivo en el que se usaron fuentes secundarias de libre acceso sobre acreditación y certificación de establecimientos de salud durante el período 2019-2021 en estos países y regiones. Se describen las características generales del proceso de acreditación y sus respuestas a puntos clave del diseño de estos programas. Además, se generaron categorías de análisis para el avance en su implementación y su nivel de complejidad, y se resumen los resultados favorables y desfavorables informados. Resultados. Los componentes operativos del proceso de acreditación son peculiares de cada país, aunque comparten similitudes. El programa de Canadá es el único que contempla algún tipo de evaluación responsiva. Hay una amplia variación en la cobertura de establecimientos acreditados entre países (desde 1% en México a 34,7% en Dinamarca). Entre las lecciones aprendidas, se destacan la complejidad de aplicación del sistema mixto público-privado (Chile), el riesgo de una excesiva burocratización (Dinamarca) y la necesidad de incentivos claros (México). Conclusiones. Los programas de acreditación operan de forma peculiar en cada país o región, logran alcances diferentes y presentan problemáticas también diversas, de las que podemos aprender. Es necesario considerar los elementos que obstaculizan la implementación y generar adecuaciones para los sistemas de salud en cada país o región.

ABSTRACT Objective. To compare and contrast the characteristics of the accreditation process for health care facilities in Canada, Chile, the Autonomous Community of Andalusia (Spain), Denmark, and Mexico, in order to identify shared characteristics, differences, and lessons learned that may be useful for other countries and regions. Methods. An observational, analytical, retrospective study using open-access secondary sources on the accreditation and certification of health care facilities in 2019-2021 in these countries and regions. The general characteristics of the accreditation processes are described and comments are made on key aspects of the design of these programs. Additionally, analytical categories were created for degree of implementation and level of complexity, and the positive and negative results reported are summarized. Results. The operational components of the accreditation processes are country-specific, although they share similarities. The Canadian program is the only one that involves some form of responsive evaluation. There is a wide range in the percentage of establishments accredited from country to country (from 1% in Mexico to 34.7% in Denmark). Notable lessons learned include the complexity of application in a mixed public-private system (Chile), the risk of excessive bureaucratization (Denmark), and the need for clear incentives (Mexico). Conclusions. The accreditation programs operate in a unique way in each country and region, achieve varying degrees of implementation, and have an assortment of problems, from which lessons can be learned. Elements that hinder their implementation should be considered and adjustments made for the health systems of each country and region.

RESUMO Objetivo. Comparar as características do processo de acreditação de estabelecimentos de saúde no Canadá, Chile, Comunidade Autônoma da Andaluzia, Dinamarca e México, a fim de identificar elementos comuns e diferenças, bem como lições aprendidas que podem ser úteis para outros países e regiões. Métodos. Estudo observacional, analítico e retrospectivo usando fontes secundárias de livre acesso sobre acreditação e certificação de estabelecimentos de saúde durante o período 2019-2021 nos países e regiões supracitados. As características gerais do processo de acreditação e suas respostas a pontos-chave no delineamento de tais programas foram descritas. Além disso, foram geradas categorias de análise para o andamento de sua implantação e seu grau de complexidade, e os desfechos favoráveis e desfavoráveis relatados foram resumidos. Resultados. Os componentes operacionais do processo de acreditação são peculiares a cada país, embora compartilhem certas semelhanças. O programa canadense é o único que contempla algum tipo de avaliação responsiva. Houve grande variação entre países no percentual de estabelecimentos acreditados (de 1% no México a 34,7% na Dinamarca). Entre as lições aprendidas, destacam-se a complexidade da aplicação do sistema misto público-privado (Chile), o risco de burocratização excessiva (Dinamarca) e a necessidade de incentivos claros (México). Conclusões. Os programas de acreditação operam de forma peculiar em cada país ou região, têm diferentes escopos e também apresentam diversos problemas a partir dos quais podemos aprender. É preciso considerar os elementos que dificultam a implementação e realizar as adequações necessárias para os sistemas de saúde de cada país ou região.

Fiabilidad y validez de un instrumento de medición del desempeño competitivo de las instituciones de salud mediante las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación / Reliability and validity of an instrument for measuring the competitive performance of health institutions through the use of Information and Communication Technologies

Resumen Desde su surgimiento, la utilización de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación ha logrado mayores ventajas competitivas en las empresas y organismos públicos, incluyendo el sector salud, aunque sobre este hay poca evidencia científica. El objetivo de la investigación fue validar un cuestionario para la medición del desempeño competitivo de las instituciones de salud del estado de Baja California, mediante el uso de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación. El enfoque del estudio es cuantitativo, con alcance descriptivo de tipo retrospectivo y diseño no experimental de corte transversal. El cuestionario elaborado con base en la revisión de literatura se aplicó entre septiembre de 2020 y mayo de 2021 a una muestra de profesionales de la salud (n = 203). Constó de 59 ítems, como resultado de la medición de 9 dimensiones, en donde su índice de validez de contenido para n = 13 expertos fue catalogado como adecuado (0.79). La fiabilidad obtenida en la prueba piloto fue alta (alfa de Cronbach = 0.86). Para evaluar la validez de constructo se llevó a cabo un análisis factorial exploratorio, que determinó 9 factores que explican el 84.5 % de la varianza total y una fuerte correlación entre las variables. El instrumento obtenido presentó adecuadas propiedades psicométricas de confiabilidad y validez, que a su vez permitieron medir el impacto que tienen las tecnologías de la información y comunicación sobre el desempeño competitivo de las instituciones de salud.

Abstract Since their emergence, the use of information and communication technologies has achieved greater competitive advantages in companies and public organizations, including the health sector, although there is little scientific evidence about it. The objective of the research was to validate a questionnaire to measure the competitive performance of health institutions in the state of Baja California, through the use of information and communication technologies. The study approach is quantitative, with a retrospective descriptive scope and a non-experimental cross-sectional design. The questionnaire developed based on the literature review was administered between September 2020 and May 2021 to a sample of health professionals (n = 203). It consisted of 59 items, as a result of measuring 9 dimensions, where its content validity index for n = 13 experts was classified as adequate (0.79). The reliability obtained in the pilot test was high (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.86). To evaluate the construct validity, an exploratory factor analysis was carried out, which determined 9 factors that explain 84.5 % of the total variance and a strong correlation between the variables. The obtained instrument presented adequate psychometric properties of reliability and validity, which in turn made it possible to measure the impact of information and communication technologies on the competitive performance of health institutions.

Cenário atual da estrutura das unidades de terapia intensiva na Argentina: resultados do inquérito de autoavaliação de unidades de terapia intensiva da Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva / Current stage of the intensive care unit structure in Argentina: results from the Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva self-assessment survey of intensive care units

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever e comparar a estrutura das unidades de terapia intensiva argentinas que responderam ao inquérito de autoavaliação de unidades de terapia intensiva desenvolvido pela Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal observacional com uso de um inquérito voluntário online por meio do banco de dados de membros da Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva e outras publicações em mídias sociais. Foram analisadas as respostas recebidas entre dezembro de 2018 e julho de 2020. Foram utilizados testes não paramétricos e estatística descritiva. Resultados: Foram recebidos 392 inquéritos, sendo 244 considerados para a análise. Eram de unidades de terapia intensiva adulto 77% (187/244), e 23% (57/244) eram de unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica. A taxa de participação foi de 76%. A amostra incluiu 2.567 leitos de unidades de terapia intensiva (1.981 adulto e 586 pediátrica). Observamos nítida concentração de unidades de terapia intensiva nas regiões Centro e Buenos Aires, Argentina. A mediana de leitos foi de dez (intervalo interquartil 7 - 15). A mediana de monitores multiparamétricos, ventiladores mecânicos e oxímetros de pulso foi de um por leito, sem diferenças regionais ou de tipo de unidade de terapia intensiva (adulto ou pediátrica). Embora nossa amostra tenha evidenciado que as unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica apresentaram proporção de ventilação mecânica/leito maior do que as unidades de terapia intensiva adulto, esse achado não foi linearmente correlacionado. Conclusão: A Argentina tem concentração notável de leitos de cuidados intensivos e complexidade estrutural superior nas regiões de Buenos Aires e Centro, tanto de unidades de terapia intensiva adulto quanto pediátrica. Além disso, observou-se ausência de dados precisos informados sobre a estrutura e os recursos de unidades de terapia intensiva. São necessárias mais opções de melhoria para alocar os recursos de unidades de terapia intensiva nos níveis institucional e regional.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe and compare the structure of Argentinean intensive care units that completed the "self-assessment survey of intensive care units" developed by the Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva. Methods: An observational crosssectional study was conducted using an online voluntary survey through the Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva member database and other social media postings. Answers received between December 2018 and July 2020 were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used. Results: A total of 392 surveys were received, and 244 were considered for the analysis. Seventy-seven percent (187/244) belonged to adult intensive care units, and 23% (57/244) belonged to pediatric intensive care units. The overall completion rate was 76%. The sample included 2,567 ICU beds (adult: 1,981; pediatric: 586). We observed a clear concentration of intensive care units in the Central and Buenos Aires regions of Argentina. The median number of beds was 10 (interquartile range 7 - 15). The median numbers of multiparameter monitors, mechanical ventilators, and pulse oximeters were 1 per bed with no regional or intensive care unit type differences (adult versus pediatric). Although our sample showed that the pediatric intensive care units had a higher mechanical ventilation/bed ratio than the adult intensive care units, this finding was not linearly correlated. Conclusion: Argentina has a notable concentration of critical care beds and better structural complexity in the Buenos Aires and Centro regions for both adult and pediatric intensive care units. In addition, a lack of accurate data reported from the intensive care unit structure and resources was observed. Further improvement opportunities are required to allocate intensive care unit resources at the institutional and regional levels.

El bibliotecario en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social / The librarian at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social

En las unidades de información que integran el Sistema Bibliotecario del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), la tarea de orientar y formar a los usuarios sobre el uso de información es un proceso complejo, debido a la especificidad de las necesidades de información de los usuarios. Los sistemas de información que son utilizados en el Instituto exigen al personal bibliotecario contar con competencias informativas específicas para el acceso, evaluación, organización y uso de la información por medio de las tecnologías de la información. Sin embargo, existen grandes retos, como la carencia de la definición del perfil profesional del bibliotecario médico, ya que es indispensable para que el personal logre satisfacer de forma eficiente las demandas y necesidades de los usuarios de acuerdo con sus diversos perfiles.

In the information units that make up the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) Library System, the task of guiding and training users on the use of information is a complex process, due to the specificity of the users' information needs. The information systems that are used in the Institute require the personal librarian to have specific information skills for access, evaluation, organization and use of information through information technologies. However, there are important challenges, such as the lack of definition of the professional profile of the medical librarian, because it is essential for the staff to efficiently satisfy the demands and needs of users according to their various profiles.

El concepto del confort en el cuidado de enfermería / The Concept of Comfort in Nursing Care

Introducción: Para enfermería, el confort es un objetivo de cuidado en los múltiples escenarios del actuar disciplinario, lleva a la formulación de teorías con perspectiva holística y logra aplicar el confort desde una mirada física, psicoespiritual, ambiental y social. Objetivo: Identificar los atributos del concepto confort entendido por enfermería en los diferentes escenarios de cuidado. Métodos: Revisión integrativa, con estrategia de búsqueda: "Confort" AND "Nursing", en las bases de datos Scopus, Google Académico, BVS, EBSCO, Cochrane, Ovid y Medline. Los criterios de elegibilidad fueron: estudios primarios, a texto completo, publicados entre 2009-2019, en español, inglés y portugués. Se utilizó el diagrama prisma para el análisis crítico de diseños experimentales, revisiones y cualitativos, se emplearon las plantillas del Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (Caspe). Para los demás diseños se aplicaron las listas de chequeo del Joanna Briggs Institute, quedaron incluidos 16 artículos. Conclusión: El confort está ligado a temas que enmarcan la realidad física, social, psíquica y ambiental de la persona, determinado por los atributos: 1. Alivio físico del dolor mediante intervenciones farmacológicas y de elementos externos en contacto con el cuerpo. 2. Soporte social con cercanía de los familiares, lo que facilita la adaptación al ambiente hospitalario y reduce la ansiedad. 3. Relaciones con el personal sanitario de acompañamiento y acceso a información sobre la condición del paciente. 4. Ambiente adaptado para favorecer la recuperación y alivio. 5. Descanso que incluye reposo y sueño, generando alivio; y 6. Salud mental con alivio de ansiedad, estrés y adecuada recuperación mental(AU)

Introduction: For nursing, comfort is a care-related objective in the multiple settings of professional performance; it leads to the formulation of theories with a holistic perspective and manages to be applied from a physical, psychospiritual, environmental and social point of view. Objective: To identify the attributes of the concept of comfort understood by nursing in different care settings. Methods: Integrative review carried out in the Scopus, Google Scholar, VHL, EBSCO, Cochrane, Ovid and Medline databases, using the following search strategy: "Comfort" AND "Nursing". The eligibility criteria considered primary studies, full texts, published between 2009 and 2019, in Spanish, English or Portuguese. The PRISMA diagram was used for the critical analysis of experimental, review and qualitative studies, using the templates of the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (Caspe). For the other designs, the checklists of the Joanna Briggs Institute were applied and sixteen articles were included. Conclusion: Comfort is related to issues that enclose the physical, social, psychic and environmental reality of a person, determined by the following attributes: physical relief of pain through pharmacological interventions and external elements in contact with the body; social support with the closeness of family members, which facilitates adaptation to the hospital environment and reduces anxiety; relationships with the accompanying health personnel and access to information on the patient's condition; an adapted environment to favor recovery and relief; rest including sleep and generating relief; and mental health with relief of anxiety, stress and adequate mental recovery(AU)

Provision and use of physical rehabilitation services for adults with disabilities in Rwanda: A descriptive study

Physical rehabilitation interventions address functional deficits caused by impairments that affect someone's performance. Whilst rehabilitation is important, it is assumed that these services are either minimal or nonexistent in low-resource settings. Our data expand on the data from the Situation Assessment of Rehabilitation in the Republic of Rwanda report to describe rehabilitation services and who access them at public and semiprivate facilities (primarily funded by the private sector).Objectives: This article describes the use of the outpatient physical rehabilitation services across nine health facilities, the characteristics of adults attending these health facilities and some of the facilitators and barriers they encounter when attending rehabilitation. Method: Data were collected between September and December 2018 from the heads of departments and adult patients attending outpatient rehabilitation services funded by the government, international nongovernmental organizations or faith-based organizations. Results: Two hundred and thirteen adults were recruited from nine facilities. There is a sixfold difference in the number of rehabilitation personnel between public and semiprivate hospitals in these facilities' catchment areas. However, most participants were recruited at public facilities (186 [87%]), primarily with physical disorders. Patients reported that family support (94%) was the most crucial facilitator for attending rehabilitation, whilst transportation cost (96%) was a significant barrier. Conclusion: Rehabilitation service availability for Rwandan adults with disabilities is limited. Whilst family support helps patients attend rehabilitation, transportation costs remain a significant barrier to people attending rehabilitation. Strategies to address these issues include developing triage protocols, training community health workers and families. Contribution: Data on rehabilitation service provision in Rwanda and most African countries are either non-existent or very limited. These data contain important information regarding the services provided and the people who used them across different health facilities (public versus private) and urban versus rural settings). To improve rehabilitation service provision, we first need to understand the current situation. These data are an important step to better understanding rehabilitation in Rwanda

Profile of health facilities and determinants of the family planning services supply to unmarried adolescents in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Niger

Objectives: Despite numerous interventions to facilitate adolescents' access to family planning (FP) services in West Africa, studies reveal that unmarried adolescents have difficulties accessing these services. This study analyses the supply of the FP services package to unmarried adolescents as well as the profiles of the facilities that provide this package in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Niger. Also, it examines the determinants of the supply of this package. Design: The study adopted a spatiotemporal descriptive analysis and a binary logistic Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model. The data come from surveys conducted in the three countries between 2013 and 2019 as part of the Performance Monitoring and Accountability 2020 program. Participants: The target population consists of health facilities that provide health services. Results: The study indicates that more than 80% of FP services are provided by basic health facilities in Burkina Faso and Niger, while in Ghana, the profile is more diversified, including hospitals, polyclinics, and public and private primary health centres. The econometric analysis indicates that regional ownership, examination of client opinion data, ownership of a functioning computer, and knowledge of the served population are the main determinants of the supply of the FP services package to unmarried adolescents. Conclusion: By identifying facility profiles and determinants of FP services supply, this study provides a pathway for action to ensure that adolescents have access to these services regardless of their marital status in West Africa.

Infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria en la provincia Camagüey, años 2016-2020

Introducción: Las infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria son aquellas que aparecen durante la hospitalización del paciente, pueden estar presentes o ausentes en el período de incubación en el momento del ingreso, independientemente de que se manifieste o no durante su estancia en el hospital. Objetivo: Caracterizar las infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria en la provincia Camagüey. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo, sobre el comportamiento de las infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria en la provincia Camagüey, desde el 1ro de enero de 2016 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2020. El universo de estudio abarcó 500 949 pacientes ingresados en los hospitales de más de 100 camas. La muestra a discreción la conformaron los 6 542 pacientes atendidos con el diagnóstico de las infecciones asociadas a la atención sanitaria. Resultados: Tendencia decreciente a nivel provincial de las infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria dentro del indicador nacional que es hasta un 3 %, el Hospital Universitario Manuel Ascunce Domenech y el Hospital Psiquiátrico René Vallejo. En cuanto a la letalidad, no se cumplió con el indicador nacional en los años 2016, 2018 y 2019. El Servicio de Hemodiálisis, mostró la mayor tasa de incidencia y Escherichiacoli fue el microorganismo más aislado. Conclusiones: Los aspectos fundamentales para reducir las infecciones asociadas a la atención sanitaria son las medidas de prevención y vigilancia, entre las que la higiene de las manos se considera la medida más eficaz.

Introduction: Health care-associated infections are those that appear during the patient's hospitalization and may be present or absent in the incubation period, at the time the patient is admitted to the hospital, regardless of whether or not it manifests itself during their stay at the hospital. Objective: To characterize the infections associated with health care in the province of Camagüey. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective observational study was carried out on the behavior of infections associated with health care in the province of Camagüey, during the period from January 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2020. The study universe comprised 500,949 patients admitted to hospitals with more than 100 beds. The discretionary sample was made up of 6,542 patients treated with a diagnosis of Health care-associated infections. Results: Decreasing trend at the provincial level of infections associated with health care within the national indicator that is up to 3%, the Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital and the René Vallejo Psychiatric Hospital. Regarding lethality, the national indicator was not met in 2016, 2018 and 2019. The Hemodialysis Service showed the highest incidence rate and Escherichia coli was the most isolated microorganism. Conclusions: The fundamental aspects to reduce Health care-associated infections are prevention and surveillance measures, among which hand hygiene is considered the most effective measure.

A entrada do capital estrangeiro no sistema de saúde no Brasil / The entry of foreign capital into the health system in Brazil / La entrada de capital extranjero en el sistema de salud en Brasil

O estudo descreve o histórico da legislação, analisa a trajetória e dimensiona o capital estrangeiro no sistema de saúde no Brasil. A Lei Orgânica da Saúde restringiu a participação do capital estrangeiro, legislações setoriais permitiram o posterior ingresso na assistência médica suplementar e, em 2015, uma nova lei promoveu a abertura irrestrita, inclusive em hospitais e serviços de saúde. O estudo analisou documentos, legislação e dados de bases secundárias públicas ou obtidos via Lei de Acesso à Informação. Foram considerados investimentos diretos e atos de fusões e aquisições no setor privado da saúde. Foram identificadas cinco fases: ordenamento inaugural, expansão regulada, restrição legal, liberação setorizada e abertura ampliada. De 2016 a 2020, ingressaram no país quase dez vezes mais recursos estrangeiros em serviços de saúde que no quinquênio anterior. Foram identificadas 13 empresas ou fundos, a maioria originária dos Estados Unidos. Normas que permitiram a abertura do capital estrangeiro foram antecedidas por lobbies empresariais e interações público-privadas que podem afetar a qualidade das políticas públicas e a integridade do processo legislativo. O capital aportado busca empresas já constituídas e mais rentáveis, em diversos segmentos de atividade. O ingresso ocorre em redes assistenciais privadas não universais, que atendem clientelas específicas, concentradas geograficamente. Conclui-se que o capital estrangeiro, elemento do processo de financeirização da saúde, se expressa como possível vetor da ampliação de desigualdades de acesso da população aos serviços de saúde e como um obstáculo adicional à consolidação do Sistema Único de Saúde.

The study describes the history of legislation, analyzes the trajectory and the amount of foreign capital in the Brazilian health system. The Organic Health Law restricted the participation of foreign capital; sectoral legislation, however, allowed its subsequent entry into supplementary medical care and, in 2015, a new law promoted unrestricted openness, including in hospitals and healthcare services. Our study analyzes documents, legislation, and data obtained from secondary public bases or via the Law on Access to Information. Direct investments and merger and acquisition acts in the private health sector were considered. Five phases were identified: inaugural planning, regulated expansion, legal restriction, sectorized release, and expanded opening. From 2016 to 2020, the amount of foreign resources entering the country's healthcare services was almost ten times more than the previous five-year period. Thirteen companies or funds were identified, most of them from the United States. Regulation allowing for the opening of foreign capital were preceded by business lobbies and public-private interactions that can affect the quality of public policies and the integrity of the legislative process. The invested capital seeks established and profitable companies in various segments of activity. Admission occurs in non-universal private care networks, which serve specific, geographically concentrated clientele. We conclude that foreign capital, an element of health financialization process, is expressed as a possible vector of the expansion of inequalities in the population's access to health services and as an additional obstacle to the consolidation of the Brazilian Unified National Health System.

Este estudio describe la historia de la legislación, analiza la trayectoria y dimensiona el capital extranjero en el sistema de salud en Brasil. La Ley Orgánica de Salud restringió la participación de capital extranjero, las legislaciones sectoriales permitieron el posterior ingreso a la asistencia médica complementaria y, en el 2015, una nueva ley promovió la apertura sin restricciones, incluso en hospitales y servicios de salud. El estudio analizó documentos, legislación y datos de bases públicas secundarias u obtenidos por medio de la Ley de Acceso a la Información. Se consideraron inversiones directas y actos de fusiones y adquisiciones en el sector privado de la salud. Se identificaron cinco etapas: ordenamiento inaugural, expansión regulada, restricción legal, liberación sectorizada y apertura ampliada. Del 2016 al 2020 ingresaron al país casi diez veces más recursos extranjeros en servicios de salud que en el quinquenio anterior. Se identificaron 13 empresas o fondos, la mayoría con origen en los EE.UU. Las reglas que permitieron la apertura al capital extranjero fueron precedidas por cabildeos empresariales e interacciones público-privadas que pueden afectar la calidad de las políticas públicas y la integridad del proceso legislativo. El capital aportado busca empresas ya consolidadas y más rentables, en diversos segmentos de actividad. El ingreso se da en redes asistenciales privadas no universales, que atienden a una clientela específica y geográficamente concentrada. Se concluye que el capital extranjero, elemento del proceso de financiarización de la salud, se expresa como un posible vector de la ampliación de desigualdades en el acceso de la población a los servicios de salud y como un obstáculo adicional para la consolidación del Sistema Único de Salud.

Desabastecimiento de antidiabéticos y antihipertensivos en el contexto de la etapa inicial de la pandemia por la COVID-19 en Perú / Shortage of antidiabetic and antihypertensive in the context of the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru

Introducción: Un adecuado abastecimiento de medicamentos en los establecimientos de salud aumentará la posibilidad de un adecuado control de la hipertensión y la diabetes. Objetivo: Determinar el desabastecimiento de antidiabéticos y antihipertensivos a nivel nacional en el contexto de la etapa inicial de la pandemia por la COVID-19 en Perú. Material y métodos: Análisis del "Sistema integrado de suministro de medicamentos e insumos médicos quirúrgicos" (SISMED) entre el 13 de junio y 15 de julio del 2020, de acuerdo a la lista del "Petitorio nacional único de medicamentos de medicamentos esenciales" (PNUME) del Ministerio de Salud. Resultados: Entre el 16 % y 24% de las regiones están totalmente desabastecidos en al menos un antidiabético y entre 4 y 96 % en al menos un antihipertensivo. El antidiabético más desabastecido fue la Metformina de 500 mg y los antihipertensivos más desabastecidos fueron Labetalol 5 mg/ml iny, Atenolol 50 mg tab y Carvedilol 6,5 mg tab. El desabastecimiento fue porcentualmente mayor en hospitales y los institutos especializados en comparación con centros y puestos de salud según región geográfica. Conclusiones: Existe un desabastecimiento de antihipertensivos y antidiabéticos en los establecimientos de salud, el cual es heterogéneo en las diferentes regiones del Perú.

Introduction: Adequate drug supply in health facilities will increase the possibility of adequate control of hypertension and diabetes. Objective: To determine the shortage of antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs at the national level in the context of the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru. Material and methods: Analysis of the "Sistema integrado de suministro de medicamentos e insumos médicos quirúrgicos" (SISMED) between June 13 and July 15, 2020, according to the list of the "Petitorio nacional único de medicamentos de medicamentos esenciales" (PNUME) of the Ministry of Health. Results: Between 16% and 24% of the regions are totally out of stock in at least one antidiabetic and between 4% and 96% in at least one antihypertensive. The most undersupplied antidiabetic was Metformin 500 mg and the most undersupplied antihypertensives were Labetalol 5 mg/ml injection, Atenolol 50 mg tab and Carvedilol 6.5 mg tab. Stock-outs were percentage-wise higher in hospitals and the specialized institutes compared to health centers and health posts according to geographic region. Conclusions: There is a shortage of antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs in health facilities, which is heterogeneous in the different regions of Peru.

Desabastecimiento de antidiabéticos y antihipertensivos en el contexto de la crisis por la COVID-19 en Perú

Introducción: Un adecuado abastecimiento de medicamentos en los establecimientos de salud aumentará la posibilidad de un adecuado control de la hipertensión y la diabetes. Objetivo: Determinar el desabastecimiento de antidiabéticos y antihipertensivos a nivel nacional en el contexto de la crisis por COVID-19. Material y métodos: Análisis del "Sistema integrado de suministro de medicamentos e insumos médicos quirúrgicos" (SISMED) entre el 13 de junio y 15 de julio del 2020, de acuerdo a la lista del "Petitorio nacional único de medicamentos de medicamentos esenciales" (PNUME) del Ministerio de Salud. Resultados: Entre el 16 % y 24% de las regiones están totalmente desabastecidos en al menos un antidiabético y 4 % y 96 % en al menos un antihipertensivo. El antidiabético más desabastecido fue la Metformina de 500 mg y los antihipertensivos más desabastecidos fueron Labetalol 5 mg/ml iny, Atenolol 50 mg tab y Carvedilol 6.25 mg tab. El desabastecimiento fue porcentualmente mayor en hospitales y los institutos especializados en comparación con centros y puestos de salud según región geográfica. Conclusiones: Existe un desabastecimiento de antihipertensivos y antidiabéticos en los establecimientos de salud, el cual es heterogéneo en las diferentes regiones del Perú.

Introduction: An adequate supply of medicines in health establishments will increase the possibility of adequate control of hypertension and diabetes. Objective: To determine the supply of antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs at the national level in the context of the crisis by COVID-19. Material y methods: Analysis of the "Sistema Integrado de Suministro de Medicamentos e Insumos Médicos Quirúrgicos" (SISMED) Database, between June 13th and July 15th, 2020, according to the "National list for medicines of essential medicines" (PNUME) of Ministry of health. Results: Between 16% and 24% of the departments have a total shortage of at least one antidiabetic, and 4% and 96% of at least one antihypertensive. The most depleted antidiabetic was Metformin 500 mg, and the most depleted antihypertensive drugs were Labetalol 5 mg / ml iny, Atenolol 50 mg tab and Carvedilol 6.25 mg tab. The percentage of distribution was higher in hospitals and specialized institutes in comparison with primary health facilities. Conclusions: There is a shortage of antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs in health centers in Peru.

Perception of the healthcare accreditation system in Colombia / Percepción del sistema de acreditación sanitaria en Colombia

Abstract Introduction: Accreditation is an external, systematic, periodic, and voluntary evaluation process to which health care institutions submit themselves in order to demonstrate compliance with superior levels of quality of care. The Icontec, through an evaluative model, accredits the quality of health institutions in Colombia. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study following the recommendations of the survey study report. Using an electronic format, 22 health institutions with experience in the Icontec accreditation process were surveyed. The instrument evaluated three thematic axes of the process: added value provided by the accreditation process, evaluation process and final report. The measurement was carried out using a Likert-type scale and a descriptive statistical analysis to establish the perception of the phases of the process. Results: the items with the best perception were the humanization of care (86.4%) followed by patient safety and teamwork (81.8%). After accreditation, the quality of the processes improved (77.4%), infection prevention and control (68.1%) and physician commitment (63.6%). 54.6% felt that evaluators use different methods of evaluation. 63.6% of the respondents considered that Icontec does not comply with the times defined for the delivery of the report. Conclusion: the Icontec accreditation system adds value to health institutions in most of the thematic areas evaluated, especially in the humanization of care and patient safety. The lowest perception is presented in the increase of physicians' commitment.

Resumen Introducción: la acreditación es un proceso de evaluación externo, sistemático, periódico y voluntario al que se someten instituciones de salud para demostrar el cumplimiento de niveles superiores de calidad en la atención. El Icontec, Instituto colombiano de normas técnicas, es la organización colombiana no gubernamental designada por el Ministerio de Salud para ser la entidad que acredita la calidad de las instituciones de salud en Colombia. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la percepción del valor que agrega la acreditación a la calidad de la atención en clínicas y hospitales en Colombia. Métodos: estudio transversal observacional. Se encuestaron 22 profesionales con experiencia en el proceso de acreditación Icontec. El instrumento evaluó tres ejes temáticos del proceso: valor agregado que aporta el proceso de acreditación, proceso de evaluación e informe final. La percepción de las fases del proceso fue medida a través de una escala tipo Likert y un análisis estadístico descriptivo. Resultados: los ítems con mejor percepción fueron la humanización de la atención (86.4%), la seguridad de los pacientes y el trabajo en equipo (81.8%). Laacreditación mejora la calidad de los procesos (77.4%), la prevención y el control de infecciones (68.1%) y el compromiso de los médicos (63.6%). El 54.6% consideró que los evaluadores utilizan métodos diferentes de evaluación. Conclusión: el sistema de acreditación Icontec en Colombia, agrega valor a las instituciones de salud en la mayoría de los ejes temáticos evaluados. La percepción más baja se presenta en el incremento de compromiso de los médicos.

Can mystery patients evalúate the quality of cervical cancer screenings? A pilot study in Bolivia / ¿Los pacientes misteriosos pueden evaluar la calidad de las pruebas de detección del cáncer de cuello uterino? Un estudio piloto en Bolivia

ABSTRACT Objective This pilot study assesses the feasibility of using mystery patients to evaluate cervical cancer screenings provided to women in rural Bolivia. Methods We developed a protocol with local officials and adapted and pre-tested a debriefing tool. Eight mystery patients with existing appointments at four purposively selected rural facilities were recruited and trained. An interviewer debriefed patients after their screenings, and entered responses into a spreadsheet for analysis. Questionnaire response frequencies and missing observations were presented. Results All patients completed screening and debriefing. On average, 93% of the questions were completed, with non-responses largely due to questions that were irrelevant to the screening venue. Responses revealed problems with confidentiality and dignity, minimal exam explanations or health education, inconsistencies across health facilities in Papanicolaou test availability, and problems in delivering and receiving test results. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the mystery patient method can be useful in evaluating the quality of cervical cancer screening and the delivery of test results in rural Bolivia.

RESUMEN Objetivo Este estudio piloto evalúa la viabilidad de utilizar pacientes misteriosos para evaluar los exámenes de detección de cáncer de cuello uterino proporcionados a mujeres en zonas rurales de Bolivia. Métodos Desarrollamos un protocolo con funcionarios locales y se adaptó y probó una herramienta para la obtención de información. Se reclutaron y capacitaron ocho pacientes misteriosos con citas programadas para realizarse el examen de Papanicolaou en cuatro centros de salud/hospitales rurales seleccionados intencionalmente. Un entrevistador tomó la información de los pacientes después de sus exámenes y recogió los resultados en una hoja de cálculo para su análisis. Se reportaron las frecuencias y observaciones faltantes del cuestionario. Resultados Todos los pacientes completaron la evaluación y la entrevista. En promedio se completó el 93% de las preguntas. Las respuestas faltantes se debieron principalmente a preguntas que eran irrelevantes para el contexto. Las respuestas evidenciaron problemas con la confidencialidad y la dignidad, explicaciones mínimas sobre el examen o educación para la salud, inconsistencias entre los establecimientos de salud sobre la disponibilidad de la prueba de Papanicolaou y problemas relacionados con la entrega y recepción de los resultados. Conclusión Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que la metodología del paciente misterioso puede ser útil para evaluar la calidad de los exámenes de detección de cáncer de cuello uterino y la entrega de los resultados en zonas rurales de Bolivia.