Cirugía colorrectal en tiempos de COVID-19: guías de recomendación del Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires / Colorectal surgery in times of COVID-19: recommendation guides of the British Hospital of Buenos Aires

Se trató de redactar una guía para la práctica segura de la especialidad en tiempos de COVID-19. Se realizó una búsqueda de las publicaciones recientes disponibles en Pub-Med y en otros buscadores, se utilizó la experiencia de expertos a través de diferentes conferencias o comunicados de sociedades científicas. Esta pandemia nos ha obligado a aprender de una manera vertiginosa el manejo de una nueva enfermedad, donde especialistas en cirugía comenzamos a hablar de terminología clínica, virológica, entre otras completamente nueva y desconocida para la mayoría de nosotros. Tuvimos que adaptar nuestra práctica habitual a nuevos estándares, cometiendo diferentes errores en el manejo inicial, provocados por la falta de información previa. La guía trata de abarcar los tópicos considerados más relevantes en este momento, como son el manejo del consultorio, recomendaciones de que patologías se recomienda operar y cuáles no. Recomendaciones de tratamientos alternativos al quirúrgico mientras dura la pandemia. Métodos de diagnósticos utilizados para evaluar infección en pacientes que se someterán a una cirugía, etc. Se agregaron links y apéndices para aquellos que deseen ampliar algún tema en particular, esto evita que la guía sea más extensa y pierda su practicidad con la que fue pensada. Esperamos esta guía sirva para facilitar la compresión de esta nueva enfermedad y su manejo para cualquier cirujano que necesite asistir a pacientes con patología colorrectal. Seguramente al finalizar estas líneas habrá nueva evidencia que deberá ser adaptada e incorporada a la presentada actualmente.

An attempt was made to write a guide for the safe practice of the specialty in times of COVID-19. A search of recent publication available in Pub-Med and other platforms was performed. Experts' opinions and experiences were taken into account from various conferences or communications of scientific societies. This pandemic has forced us to learn the management of a new disease in a sudden way. Surgical specialists began to learn clinical and virologic terminology, among other new concepts previously ignored by most of us. We were forced to adapt our usual practice to new standards, making different mistakes in the initial handling, caused by the lack of prior information.The present guide tries to cover the topics considered most relevant at this time, such as outpatients ́ management, recommendations of which patients we should operate on and which procedures should be postponed. Recommendations for alternative treatments to surgery while the pandemic lasts. Diagnostic methods used to assess infection in patients who will undergo surgery, etc. Links and appendices have been added for those who wish to expand on a particular topic, this prevents the guide from being too extensive and losing the practicality with which it was intended. We hope this guide will facilitate the understanding of this new disease and its management for any surgeon who needs to assist patients with colorectal pathology. By the time we would have finished these lines there will be new evidence that must be adapted and incorporated into those currently presented.

Validez y consistencia de una escala rápida de satisfacción del paciente de consulta externa / Validity and consistency of an outpatient department user satisfaction rapid scale

Resumen Antecedentes: La satisfacción del usuario es clave para definir y valorar la calidad de la atención, sin embargo, no existe una escala rápida de satisfacción del paciente en México. El objetivo fue determinar la validez y consistencia de la Escala Rápida de Satisfacción del Paciente de Consulta Externa (ERSaPaCE). Método: Estudio comparativo, observacional, transversal, prolectivo. En la fase 1 se elaboró un modelo de escala rápida, que se sometió a la valoración de expertos en atención médica; se realizaron pruebas piloto con 10 pacientes por ronda, tantas veces como fuera necesario hasta lograr 20 aprobaciones. En la fase 2 se aplicó el cuestionario resultante y la escala de Satisfacción del Usuario de Consultas Externas (SUCE) a usuarios de consulta externa; la ERSaPaCE se reaplicó telefónicamente siete a 10 días después. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, a de Cronbach, Spearman y coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI). Resultados: Se reclutaron 200 pacientes, 53 % con edad de 31 a 60 años, 51.5 % mujeres y 48.5 % hombres de la consulta externa de 13 especialidades; a de Cronbach de ERSaPaCE = 0.608, CCI = 0.98 (p = 0.000) y validez convergente = 0.681 (p = 0.000) por rho de Spearman. Conclusiones: ERSaPaCE fue un instrumento válido y consistente para evaluar la satisfacción del usuario de consulta externa.

Abstract Background: User satisfaction is key to define and assess the quality of care; however, there is no patient satisfaction rapid scale in Mexico. Our objective was to determine the validity and consistency of an outpatient department user satisfaction rapid scale (ERSaPaCE). Method: Comparative, observational, cross-sectional, prolective study. In phase 1, a rapid scale model was developed, which was submitted to experts in medical care for assessment; the instrument was pilot-tested in 10-patient groups, using as many rounds as required until it obtained 20 approvals. In phase 2, the resulting questionnaire and the Outpatient Service User Satisfaction (SUCE) scale were applied to outpatient department users. ERSaPaCE was reapplied by telephone 10 days later. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s a, Spearman’s correlation and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were used. Results: Two-hundred patients were recruited, out of which 53 % were aged 31-60 years; 51.5 % were women and 48.5 % men, all of them users of the outpatient services from 13 specialties. Cronbach’s a for ERSaPaCE was 0.608, whereas ICC was 0.98 (p = 0.000). Convergent validity was 0.681 (p = 0.000) using Spearman’s rho. Conclusion: ERSaPaCE was a valid and consistent instrument for the assessment of outpatient department user satisfaction.

Factors associated with the discontinuance of outpatient follow-up in neonatal units / Factores asociados con la interrupción del seguimiento ambulatorio de recién nacidos tras el alta de unidades neonatales / Fatores associados à descontinuidade do seguimento ambulatorial de egressos de unidades neonatais

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify predisposing and enabling factors as well as the health needs associated with the discontinuance of outpatient follow-up of newborns who were hospitalized at neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: cross-sectional study, using the behavioral model of health services use. The study was composed of 358 mothers and newborns referred to the outpatient follow-up after discharge. Characterization, perception of social support, postnatal depression, and attendance to appointments data were collected, analyzed by the R software (3.3.1). Results: outpatient follow-up was discontinued by 31.28% of children in the first year after discharge. In multiple regression analysis, the chance of discontinuance was higher for newborns who used mechanical ventilation (OR = 1.68; 95%CI 1.04-2.72) and depended on technology (OR = 3.54; 95%CI 1.32-9.5). Conclusions: predisposing factors were associated with the discontinuance of follow-up; enabling factors and health needs did not present a significant association. Children with more complex health conditions require additional support to participate in follow-up programs, thus ensuring the continuity of care.

RESUMEN Objetivso: identificar los factores predisponentes y facilitadores, y las necesidades de salud asociadas a la interrupción del seguimiento ambulatorio de recién nacidos tras el alta de unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatais. Métodos: estudio transversal, que utilizó el modelo conductual de utilización de servicios de salud. Participaron 358 madres y recién nacidos, que fueron orientados al seguimiento ambulatorio para el alta hospitalaria. Se recogieron los datos de caracterización, de percepción de apoyo social, de depresión posparto y de asiduidad a las consultas, siendo analizados en el software R (3.3.1). Resultados: el siguimiento ambulatorio fue interrumpido por el 31,28% de los niños durante el primer año tras el alta. En el análisis de regresión múltiple, la probabilidad de interrumpir el seguimiento fue mayor entre los recién nacidos que utilizaron ventilación mecánica (OR = 1,68; IC 95% 1,04-2,72) y dependían de la tecnología (OR = 3,54; IC 95% 1,32-9,5). Conclusión: los factores predisponentes fueron asociados con la interrupción del seguimiento; sin embargo, los factores facilitadores y las necesidades de salud no presentaron una asociación significativa. Los niños que presentaban condiciones de salud más complejas requirieron apoyo adicional para participar en los programas de seguimiento y garantizar la continuidad del cuidado.

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar fatores predisponentes e capacitantes e necessidades de saúde associados à descontinuidade do seguimento ambulatorial de recém-nascidos egressos de terapia intensiva neonatal. Métodos: estudo transversal, utilizando o modelo comportamental de utilização de serviços de saúde. Participaram 358 mães e recém-nascidos encaminhados ao seguimento ambulatorial à alta hospitalar. Foram coletados dados de caracterização, percepção de apoio social, depressão pós-parto e assiduidade às consultas, sendo analisados no software R (3.3.1). Resultados: o seguimento ambulatorial foi descontinuado por 31,28% das crianças no primeiro ano após a alta. Em análise de regressão múltipla, a chance da descontinuidade foi maior nos recém-nascidos que utilizaram ventilação mecânica (OR = 1,68; IC 95% 1,04-2,72) e dependiam de tecnologia (OR = 3,54; IC 95% 1,32-9,5). Conclusões: fatores predisponentes estiveram associados à descontinuidade do seguimento; fatores capacitantes e necessidades de saúde não apresentaram associação significativa. Crianças com condições de saúde mais complexas requerem suporte adicional para participação nos programas de seguimento e garantia da continuidade do cuidado.

Participação dos pacientes na segurança dos cuidados de saúde: revisão sistemática / Participation of patients in healthcare security: a systematic review

Resumo O artigo objetiva identificar as estratégias utilizadas, para participação do paciente na segurança do cuidado de saúde. Revisão sistemática, norteada pelas recomendações do modelo PRISMA, nos bancos de dados: Scopus, WOS e Medline. Limitou-se a busca a estudos realizados entre janeiro de 2001 e julho de 2016, redigidos em português, inglês ou espanhol. Foram incluídos estudos observacionais, descritivos, qualitativos e/ou epidemiológicos, que descrevessem a metodologia de elaboração e/ou aplicação de, pelo menos, uma estratégia de inclusão dos pacientes na melhoria da segurança dos cuidados. A qualidade metodológica dos artigos foi avaliada usando a ferramenta Cochrane. Para analisar os resultados se fez uma análise temática. Após leitura de títulos, resumos e aplicação de critérios de exclusão, 19 artigos foram selecionados. Nestes se identificam estratégias de mobilização dos pacientes para a segurança dos cuidados, estratégias para promover a participação ativa dos pacientes na segurança dos cuidados e estratégias de solicitação de informação ao paciente sobre a segurança dos cuidados. Há na literatura diversas estratégias que promovem a participação do paciente na segurança dos cuidados, que têm formas e métodos concretos de implementação, bem como objetivos distintos para o seu uso.

Abstract The scope of this article was to identify the strategies used for the participation of the patient in healthcare security in hospital and outpatient environments. It involved a systematic review of the literature based on the recommendations of the PRISMA model on the Scopus, WOS and Medline databases. The search was restricted to studies written in Portuguese, English or Spanish conducted between January 2001 and July 2016. Observational, descriptive, qualitative and/or epidemiological studies that described a development/appliance methodology using at least one patient security improvement strategy of inclusion were included. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the randomized Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Thematic analyses were performed in order to analyze the results. After the application of criteria of title, abstract analysis and exclusion, 19 studies were selected. In these studies, patient security strategies that promoted patients' active participation on patient security and information request strategies were identified. In the literature, sundry strategies promoting patient participation on healthcare security, with concrete implementation methods, as well as distinct purposes for their use, were encountered.

La condición indígena en los servicios de salud: comparación de la calidad en la atención 2012-2018 para la población en pobreza / Indigenous condition in health services: comparison of quality of care 2012-2018 for poor population

Resumen: Objetivo: Comparar la percepción de la calidad de atención ambulatoria de servicios de salud en 2012 y 2018, por condición indígena y no indígena. Material y métodos. Con información de dos encuestas poblacionales (Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición [Ensanut] 2012 y Ensanut 100k) se analizó la calidad de atención con indicadores de estructura, proceso, resultado en salud y satisfacción. Resultados: Entre 2012 y 2018 aumentó la utilización de servicios privados, disminuyó la buena opinión sobre las condiciones del lugar y la percepción de tiempo de espera corto para utilizadores no indígenas. Para servicios públicos se mantuvo alto el surtimiento de medicamentos, disminuyó la realización de estudios de laboratorio y gabinete en la unidad de atención y la explicación del tratamiento farmacológico principalmente en no indígenas. La percepción de mejoría y la satisfacción fue buena. Conclusión: Es prioritario un modelo de atención ambulatoria acorde con las necesidades y expectativas de la población más vulnerable y, principalmente, indígena.

Abstract: Objective: To compare the perception of the quality of ambulatory care in users of health services in 2012 and 2018, by indigenous and non-indigenous condition. Materials and methods: With information from two population surveys (Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición [Ensanut] 2012 and Ensanut 100k) the quality of care was analyzed based on indicators of structure, process, health outcome and care satisfaction. Results: Between 2012 and 2018, the use of private health services increased; favorable opinion about the conditions of the site, and perception of short waiting times decreased among non-indigenous people. In public health services, the supply of medicines remained high, the laboratory and Rx tests in the same care unit and pharmacology treatment explanation decreased, particularly among non-indigenous patients. Perception of health improvement and satisfaction of care was adequate. Conclusion: An ambulatory care model aimed to response needs and expectations of the most vulnerable population, mainly the indigenous population, is a priority.

Identifying quality of life indicators to improve outpatient pharmacy services for prostate cancer patients: a comparison between brazilian and british experiences

ABSTRACT Objectives: Prostate cancer is the most common and fatal cancer amongst Brazilian males. The quality of prostate cancer care in Brazil was systematically reviewed and compared to United Kingdom (UK) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, which are considered an international benchmark in care, to deter- mine any treatment gaps in Brazilian practice. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of Brazilian and UK literature was under- taken. Additionally, quality of life scores was measured using a FACT-P questionnaire of 36 prostate cancer patients attending the Farmácia Universitária da Universidade de São Paulo (FARMUSP). These scores were compared against NICE care measures for patient safety, clinical efficacy and quality of life indicators determined by either quantitative or qualitative methods. Key findings: The quality of prostate cancer care in Brazil was considered good when compared to NICE guidelines. However, FACT-P data strongly indicated a poor under- standing of treatment received by Brazilian patients and that their mental health needs were not being met. Conclusions: NICE quality statements that address the holistic needs of patients should be implemented into Brazilian outpatient care plans. Addressing the non-medical concerns of patients may improve quality of life and can be easily rolled-out through existing Brazilian pharmacy services at no financial cost to the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).

Use of psychoactive substances in women in outpatient treatment / Uso de sustancias en mujeres en tratamiento ambulatorio / Uso de substâncias psicoativas em mulheres em tratamento ambulatorial

ABSTRACT Objective: to characterize the sociodemographic and psychiatric profile of women users of psychoactive substances in treatment for drug addiction. Method: descriptive study of quantitative approach performed with women attended at a Psychosocial Care Center for Users of Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAPS ad) from the interior of São Paulo State. Results: the sample consisted of 349 adult women, single, low educational level and unemployed, users of alcohol, cocaine, crack and tranquillizers. Among the consequences of use include withdrawal syndrome, overdose, depressive and suicidal symptoms. Most were referred for treatment by the family or health services. Almost 20% of these women had previously started treatments. Conclusion: The results suggest marked morbidity and high levels of psychosocial vulnerability, which require thorough investigation at the patient's admission, as well as damage associated with use, withdrawal symptoms and depressive symptoms.

RESUMEN Objetivo: caracterizar el perfil sociodemográfico y psiquiátrico de mujeres usuarias de sustancias psicoactivas en tratamiento para la dependencia química. Método: estudio descriptivo de abordaje cuantitativo realizado con mujeres atendidas en un Centro de Atención Psicosocial para Usuarios de Alcohol y otras Drogas (CAPS ad) del interior paulista. Resultados: la muestra fue de 349 mujeres adultas, solteras, baja escolaridad y desempleadas, usuarias de alcohol, cocaína, crack y tranquilizantes. Entre las consecuencias del uso incluyen el síndrome de abstinencia, sobredosis, síntomas depresivos y suicidas. La mayoría fueron encaminadas para el tratamiento por la familia o los servicios de salud. Casi el 20% de estas mujeres ya habían iniciado tratamientos anteriormente. Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren acentuada morbilidad y altos niveles de vulnerabilidad psicosocial, que requieren una investigación minuciosa en la admisión de la usuaria, además de daños asociados al uso, síntomas de abstinencia y síntomas depressivos.

RESUMO Objetivo: caracterizar o perfil sociodemográficos e psiquiátrico de mulheres usuárias de substâncias psicoativas em tratamento para dependência química. Método: estudo descritivo de abordagem quantitativa realizado com mulheres atendidas em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial para Usuários de Álcool e outras Drogas (CAPS ad) do interior paulista. Resultados: a amostra foi de 349 mulheres adultas, solteiras, baixa escolaridade e desempregadas, usuárias de álcool, cocaína, crack e tranquilizantes. Entre as consequências do uso incluem a síndrome de abstinência, overdose, sintomas depressivos e suicidas. A maioria foi encaminhada para o tratamento pela família ou serviços de saúde. Quase 20% dessas mulheres já havia iniciado tratamentos anteriormente. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem acentuada morbidade e elevados níveis de vulnerabilidade psicossocial, que requerem investigação minuciosa na admissão da usuária, além de danos associados ao uso, sintomas de abstinência e sintomas depressivos.

Apendicitis aguda. Criterios de atención médica / Acute appendicitis. Health care criteria

INTRODUCCIÓN. La apendicitis aguda es la causa más frecuente de dolor abdominal agudo o dolor abdominal quirúrgico. El examen clínico usando la escala de Alvarado para su diagnóstico permite realizar una práctica evaluación de su condición. OBJETIVO. Unificar criterios en la atención médica ambulatoria, en emergencias y servicios de cirugía para lograr una adecuada y eficaz atención. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS. Se realizó un estudio observacional y el análisis de varios estudios, siendo las variables más consideradas la edad, presentación clínica, anatomopatología, antibioticoterapia y complicaciones del posoperatorio. RESULTADOS. Predomina el grupo de edad comprendido entre los 10 a 30 años, sexo masculino, el análisis anatomopatológico indica mayor número de la forma supurativa, la profilaxis antibiótica preoperatoria y la antibioticoterapia posoperatoria disminuyen las complicaciones posoperatorias. CONCLUSIONES. Una adecuada utilización de medios diagnósticos y terapéuticos redunda en beneficios para el paciente y la institución.

INTRODUCTION. Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain or surgical abdominal pain. The clinical examination using the Alvarado scale for its diagnosis allows a practical evaluation of its emergencies and surgical services to achieve adequate and effective care. MATERIAL AND METHODS. An observational study and analysis of several studies were carried out, being the variables most considered the age, clinical presentation, anatomopathology, antibiotic therapy and postoperative complications. RESULTS. Prevalence of the age group between 10 and 30 years old, male, anatomopathological analysis indicates the highest number of suppurative form, preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and postoperative antibiotic therapy reduce postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS. An adequate use of diagnostic and therapeutic means benefits the patient and the institution.

Assessment of access to primary health care among children and adolescents hospitalized due to avoidable conditions / Avaliação do acesso à atenção primária à saúde entre crianças e adolescentes internados por condições evitáveis

Introduction: Hospitalizations for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (HACSC) are considered an indicator of the effectiveness of primary health care (PHC). High rates of HACSC represent problems in the access or the quality of health care. In Brazil, HACSC rates are high and there are few studies on the factors associated with it. Objective: To evaluate the access to PHC offered to children and adolescents hospitalized due to ACSC and analyze the conditioning factors. Method: Cross-sectional study with a quantitative and qualitative approach. Five hundred and one (501) users (guardians/caregivers) and 42 professionals of PHC units were interviewed over one year. Quantitative data were obtained using Primary Care Assessment Tool validated in Brazil (PCATool-Brazil), while qualitative data were collected by semi-structured interview. The independent variables were: age, maternal education, family income, type of diagnosis, and model of care offered, and the dependent variables were access and its components (accessibility and use of services). Results: Sixty-five percent (65.2%) of hospitalizations were ACSC. From the perspective of both users and professionals, access and its components presented low scores. Age, type of diagnosis, and model of care affected the results. Conclusion: The proportion of HACSC was high in this population. Access to services is inappropriate due to: barriers to access, appreciation of the emergency services, and attitude towards health needs. Professional attitudes and opinions reinforce inadequate ideas of users reflecting on the pattern of service use.

Resumo Introdução: internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária (ICSAP) é um indicador da efetividade da atenção primária à saúde (APS). Altas taxas de ICSAP representam problemas no acesso e/ou na qualidade da APS oferecida. Verificam-se altas taxas dessas hospitalizações e poucos estudos sobre os fatores associados às ICSAP em nosso meio. Objetivo: avaliar o acesso à APS entre crianças e adolescentes com ICSAP e analisar os fatores condicionantes. Método: estudo de corte transversal quanti-qualitativo. Foram entrevistados 501 responsáveis por crianças internadas por ICSAP no período de um ano, usuárias de unidades básicas de saúde no município de São Paulo, e 42 profissionais. Os dados quantitativos foram obtidos com o Instrumento de Avaliação da Atenção Primária à Saúde (PCATool-Brasil), e os dados qualitativos, por entrevista semiestruturada. Variáveis independentes: idade, escolaridade materna, renda familiar, tipo de diagnóstico e modelo de atenção; variáveis dependentes: o acesso e seus componentes (acessibilidade e utilização de serviços). Resultados: sessenta e cinco por cento (65,2%) das hospitalizações foram ICSAP. Tanto os usuários como os profissionais atribuíram baixos escores para o acesso e seus componentes. A idade, o tipo de diagnóstico e o modelo de atenção influenciaram a avaliação dos usuários. Conclusão: a proporção de ICSAP foi alta na população estudada. O acesso aos serviços de APS está inadequado e está relacionado a: presença de barreiras de acesso, valorização dos serviços de urgência e atitude frente às necessidades de saúde. A postura e as opiniões dos profissionais reforçam os conceitos inadequados dos usuários, refletindo no padrão de utilização dos serviços.

Fatores associados à pneumonia em crianças Yanomami internadas por condições sensíveis à atenção primária na região norte do Brasil / Factors associated with pneumonia in Yanomami children hospitalized for Ambulatory Care sensitive conditions in the north of Brazil

Resumo Em países em desenvolvimento, a pneumonia é a principal causa de adoecimento e morte na infância, principalmente em grupos vulneráveis. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os fatores associados à pneumonia em crianças Yanomami internadas por condições sensíveis à atenção primária (ICSAP). As internações foram divididas em dois grupos: i) pneumonias e ii) demais causas, de acordo com a lista brasileira de ICSAP. Foram estimadas taxas ajustadas de ICSAP e utilizou-se a regressão logística não condicional para analisar fatores associados. Mais de 90% dos registros foram considerados ICSAP. A taxa padronizada de ICSAP foi 18,6/1.000. As chances de internação por pneumonia foram 2,7 (IC: 1,3-5,4) vezes maiores em crianças de 0,1 a 5,9 meses; 1,9 (IC: 1,1-3,3) vezes maiores nas crianças que tiveram a duração da hospitalização variando de 8 a 14 dias; e 3,0 (IC: 1,2-7,5) vezes maiores nas crianças com diagnóstico secundário de desnutrição. O excesso de internações evitáveis é um forte indício da baixa qualidade das ações em terras indígenas e do limitado acesso à atenção primária, contrariando o modelo assistencial proposto pelo subsistema de saúde indígena no Brasil que, em tese, deveria privilegiar tecnologias assistenciais ancoradas na atenção primária.

Abstract In developing countries, pneumonia is the leading cause of sickness and mortality in childhood, especially among vulnerable groups. The scope of this study was to analyze the factors associated with pneumonia in Yanomami children hospitalized for Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions (ACSC). Hospital admissions were divided into two groups: i) pneumonia; and ii) other causes, according to the Brazilian ACSC list. Adjusted hospitalization rates were estimated and unconditional logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with pneumonia. Over 90% of the registered cases were considered ACSC. The adjusted rate of ACSC was 18.6/1000. The odds ratio of hospitalization for pneumonia was 2.7 (CI: 1.3-5.4) times higher in children aged between 0.1 and 5.9 months; 1.9 (CI: 1.1-3.3) times higher in children who were hospitalized for 8-14 days; and three (CI: 1.2-7.5) times higher in children with a secondary diagnosis of malnutrition. The excess of avoidable hospitalizations is a clear indication of the low quality of care and limited accessibility to primary health care in indigenous territories, which is contrary to the assistance model proposed by the indigenous healthcare subsystem in Brazil, which should in theory focus on welfare technologies based on primary health care.

Quality of emergency rooms and urgent care services: user satisfaction / Qualidade dos prontos-socorros e prontos-atendimentos: a satisfação dos usuários

Objective To evaluate the quality of emergency rooms and urgent care services according to the satisfaction of their users. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study with a quantitative approach. The sample comprised 136 users and was drawn at random. Data collection took place between October and November 2012 using a structured questionnaire. Results Participants were mostly male (64.7%) aged less than 30 years (55.8%), and the predominant level of education was high school (54.4%). Among the items evaluated, those that were statistically associated with levels of satisfaction with care were waiting time, confidence in the service, model of care, and the reason for seeking care related to acute complaints, cleanliness, and comfortable environment. Conclusion Accessibility, hospitality, and infrastructure were considered more relevant factors for patient satisfaction than the cure itself.

Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade dos prontos-socorros e prontos atendimentos, de acordo com a satisfação dos usuários desses serviços. Métodos Estudo descritivo transversal com abordagem quantitativa. A amostra foi constituída aleatoriamente por 136 usuários. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de outubro e novembro de 2012 por meio de questionário estruturado. Resultados Os participantes eram na maioria do sexo masculino (64,7%), com idade inferior aos 30 anos (55,8%) e a escolaridade predominante foi o ensino médio (54,4%). Entre os itens avaliados, os que se associaram estatisticamente com os níveis de satisfação com o atendimento foram: tempo de espera, confiança do serviço, modelo do atendimento e motivo da procura do atendimento relacionado à queixa aguda, limpeza e conforto do ambiente. Conclusão A acessibilidade, o acolhimento e a infraestrutura foram fatores considerados mais relevantes para a satisfação do paciente do que a cura propriamente dita.

Respeto a los derechos de las personas que se atienden en Servicios de Psiquiatría Ambulatoria en Chile / A survey about quality of care and user’s rights in Chilean psychiatric services

Background: Quality of care and respect for the rights of users are critical to achieve positive health outcomes and respond appropriately to the expectations of people, particularly if they have mental illnesses. Aim: To carry out a baseline diagnosis of quality of care and respect for rights in public outpatient psychiatric services. Material and Methods: Quality of care and respect for patients’ rights was assessed by a mental health professional and a trained psychiatric service user in 15 ambulatory psychiatric services. The WHO QualityRights instrument was used, reviewing documentation and making observations in each facility, as well as interviewing 146 patients, 148 health care workers and 64 relatives of patients. Results: A high level of achievement was accomplished in terms of discrimination-free health care, availability of psychotropic medications, lack of abuse or neglect and use of informed consents. A low level of achievement was found in terms of user support to cope with community living, access to education or work and participation in community activities, respect for user treatment preferences and preventive measures to avoid maltreatment and cruelty. Conclusions: Chile could improve the performance of psychiatry services having laws based on the “Convention of Rights of Persons with Disabilities” and standards of the World Health Organization, having national policies about quality of care and rights of users, reinforcing the community work of mental health care teams, reinforcing and informing users about their rights and promoting research on interventions to improve the respect of their rights.

Recommendations for starting a grown up congenital heart disease (GUCH) unit / Recomendações para a implantação de uma Unidade de Cardiopatias Congênitas no Adulto

AbstractDuring the last decades, advances in diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease have allowed many individuals to reach adulthood. Due mainly to the great diagnostic diversity and to the co-morbidities usually present in this age group, these patients demand assistance in a multidisciplinary facility if an adequate attention is aimed. In this paper we reviewed, based in the international literature and also on the authors’ experience, the structural conditions that should be available for these patients. We highlighted aspects like the facility characteristics, the criteria usually adopted for patient transfer from the paediatric setting, the composition of the medical and para- medical staff taking into account the specific problems, and also the model of outpatient and in-hospital assistance. We also emphasized the importance of patient data storage, the fundamental necessity of institutional support and also the compromise to offer professional training. The crucial relevance of clinical research is also approached, particularly the development of multicenter studies as an appropriate methodology for this heterogeneous patient population.

ResumoDurante as últimas décadas, os avanços verificados no diagnóstico e tratamento das cardiopatias congênitas têm permitido que muitos indivíduos cheguem à idade adulta. Devido principalmente à grande diversidade diagnóstica e também às comorbidades habitualmente presentes nesse grupo etário, esses pacientes necessitam ser atendidos numa unidade multidisciplinar, se o objetivo for proporcionar uma assistência adequada. Neste trabalho revisamos, com base na experiência dos autores e na literatura internacional, as condições estruturais que devem estar disponíveis para esses pacientes. Procuramos ressaltar aspectos como as características da unidade, o critério usualmente adotado para transferência desses pacientes da unidade pediátrica, a composição das equipes médica e paramédica levando em consideração os problemas específicos dos pacientes e também o modelo de assistência ambulatorial e hospitalar. Enfatizamos, ainda, a importância do armazenamento dos dados dos pacientes, a necessidade fundamental de apoio institucional e a importância de oferecer treinamento profissional. A relevância da pesquisa clínica é também abordada, particularmente a importância da confecção de estudos multicêntricos, como uma metodologia apropriada para essa heterogênea população de pacientes.

Sequence analysis of the 5′ third of glycoprotein C gene of South American bovine herpesviruses 1 and 5

Bovine herpesviruses 1 (BoHV-1) and 5 (BoHV-5) share high genetic and antigenic similarities, but exhibit marked differences in tissue tropism and neurovirulence. The amino-terminal region of glycoprotein C (gC), which is markedly different in each of the viruses, is involved in virus binding to cellular receptors and in interactions with the immune system. This study investigated the genetic and antigenic differences of the 5′ region of the gC (5′ gC) gene (amino-terminal) of South American BoHV-1 (n=19) and BoHV-5 (n=25) isolates. Sequence alignments of 374 nucleotides (104 amino acids) revealed mean similarity levels of 97.3 and 94.2% among BoHV-1 gC (gC1), respectively, 96.8 and 95.6% among BoHV-5 gC (gC5), and 62 and 53.3% between gC1 and gC5. Differences included the absence of 40 amino acid residues (27 encompassing predicted linear epitopes) scattered throughout 5′ gC1 compared to 5′ gC5. Virus neutralizing assays testing BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 antisera against each isolate revealed a high degree of cross-neutralization between the viruses, yet some isolates were neutralized at very low titers by heterologous sera, and a few BoHV-5 isolates reacted weakly with either sera. The virus neutralization differences observed within the same viral species, and more pronounced between BoHV-1 and BoHV-5, likely reflect sequence differences in neutralizing epitopes. These results demonstrate that the 5′ gC region is well conserved within each viral species but is divergent between BoHV-1 and BoHV-5, likely contributing to their biological and antigenic differences.