The cost of primary care: An experience analysis in an urban setting

Objectives@#PhilHealth’s present health benefit scheme is largely centered on in-patient services. This inadvertently incentivizes hospital admissions for increased access to benefit coverage. To address this problem, this study proposes a costing method to comprehensively finance outpatient care. The objective of this paper is to estimate an annual primary care benefit package (PCBP) cost based on experience analysis (actual benefit usage) on the first year of implementation at an urban pilot site. @*Methods@#A cost analysis was conducted to assess a disease-agnostic primary care benefit package for an urban outpatient government facility over the first year of implementation. Costing information was gathered through staff interviews, accounting documents, and usage data from the electronic health records system available on-site. @*Results@#The annual primary care cost was defined as the estimated financial coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents (n=15,051). The annual utilization rate for consultations was reported at 51%. Of patients who consulted, approximately 38% accessed free available diagnostic procedures and 48% availed of free available medicines. Based on these usage rates, the annual primary care cost for the first year was computed at PhP 403.22 per capita. @*Conclusion@#Our study shows that on the first year of coverage in a government run urban outpatient facility, an allocation of PhP 403.22 per capita can allow coverage for a disease-agnostic package (comprehensive); this amount excludes out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the target population of this study. This amount is feasible only when coopted with opportunistic registration, reduction of untargeted check-ups, prior contextual community engagement, and streamlining of patient-transactions through an electronic health record (EHR).

Engagement and resource considerations in developing and implementing mobile health technologies for COVID-19 Pandemic: Filipino developers’ perspectives

Objective@#This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the different engagement, cost, and resource considerations in developing and implementing mHealth solutions in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. @*Methods@#First, six participants completed a form to document the estimated costs of developing a pseudo mobile application with features to mitigate the pandemic. Second, ten key informant interviews determined the facilitators, barriers, and resource requirements in developing mHealth tools. @*Results@#The average cost estimate to develop and roll out a mobile application with public health and epidemiology features is Php 4,018,907 (US $78,650). The analysis of the interviews resulted in 12 themes organized in three domains: 1) facilitators and barriers in developing and sustaining mHealth solutions; 2) costs of sustaining mHealth technologies; and 3) factors affecting the costs of development and maintenance of mHealth technologies. @*Conclusion@#While differences in the cost estimates are evident, it provides a ballpark figure and the different factors that implementers need to sustain and maintain an mHealth solution. This paper hopes to inform policies and practices in engaging technology solution partners and in scaling up mHealth technologies.

Physiological responses of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed diets supplemented with silage from fish and vegetables residues / Respostas fisiológicas de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) alimentado com dietas suplementadas com silagem de resíduos de pescado e vegetais

The demand for products to replace high-cost raw materials, such oil and fish meal, in the manufacture of feed for use in aquaculture, while also guaranteeing the nutritional quality of the diets, is increasing. Silage produced with fish and vegetables residues is a low-cost and efficient protein source. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the physiological and biochemical responses of tambaqui fingerlings fed four different levels of silage included in commercial feed with 28% crude protein, over two periods: 45 and 90 days. Each treatment was carried out over three replications, with 10 tambaqui in each 100 L experimental tank. At the end of each established period, blood samples were collected from five animals from each repetition to determine the hematological and biochemical variables. Body weight and total length, hepatosomatic and liposomal indices and hematocrit of specimens fed with diets supplemented with silage did not exhibit significant changes in both assessment period. After 45 days of feeding, the hemoglobin concentration increased when tambaqui were fed a diet including 20% silage. The red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin did not change between treatments in either period. The total protein concentrations increased significantly in the plasma of tambaqui fed with diets with the inclusion of 5 and 10% of silage, evaluated after feeding for 45 days. It was found that the groups which had silage included in their diet did not exhibit significant alterations in the evaluated parameters, and the diet was therefore not consider harmful to the health of tambaqui. Therefore, the use of silage as a feed supplement during tambaqui farming is a sustainable alternative for producers, as it leads to a reduction of impacts of fish and vegetables waste disposal.

A procura por insumos que substituam produtos de alto custo, como óleo e farinha de peixe, na fabricação de rações para uso na aquicultura é crescente, sendo necessário garantir a qualidade nutricional das dietas. A silagem produzida a partir de resíduos de pescado e de vegetais apresenta-se como uma alternativa de baixo custo e eficiente fonte proteica. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar as respostas fisiológicas e bioquímicas de alevinos de tambaqui alimentados com quatro níveis de inclusão de silagem em ração comercial com 28% de proteína bruta, em dois períodos: 45 e 90 dias. Cada tratamento foi realizado em três repetições, com 10 tambaquis em cada caixa experimental de 100 L. Ao término de cada período estabelecido, amostras sanguíneas foram coletadas de cinco animais de cada repetição para determinação das variáveis hematológicas e bioquímicas. Peso, comprimento total e índices hepatossomático e lipossomático de espécimes alimentados com silagem não mostraram alterações significativas em ambos os períodos de avaliação, bem como os valores de hematócrito. A concentração de hemoglobina de tambaqui após 45 dias de alimentação aumentou quando foi fornecida dieta com inclusão de 20% de silagem. A contagem de eritrócitos, volume corpuscular médio e hemoglobina corpuscular média não apresentaram alterações entre os tratamentos, em ambos os períodos. As proteínas totais aumentaram significativamente no plasma de tambaquis que receberam dietas com inclusão de 5 e 10% de silagem, avaliados após 45 dias de alimentação. Evidenciou-se que os grupos com inclusão de silagem na dieta não apresentaram alterações significativas nos parâmetros avaliados, assim não sendo prejudiciais à higidez do tambaqui. Portanto, o uso da silagem como suplemento alimentar durante o cultivo do tambaqui é uma alternativa sustentável para produtores, por promover a redução do descarte de resíduos de pescado e da agricultura.

Canasta alimentaria normativa: perspectivas actuales e implicaciones para la salud pública en Venezuela / Normative Food Basket current perspectives and implications for public health in Venezuela

La Canasta Alimentaria Normativa (CAN) es un instrumento estratégico de planificación y seguimiento, que impacta el ámbito económico (fijación del salario mínimo SM y del umbral de la pobreza relativa), la seguridad alimentaria y la salud pública. El objetivo fue describir la evolución histórica de la CAN en Venezuela, contrastando su valoración económica respecto al SM durante el período 1990 ­ 2023. Tipo de estudio: Descriptivo. Se empleó la CAN del Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas/Instituto Nacional de Nutrición (INE/INN) y su comparación con la canasta del Centro de Documentación y Análisis Social de la Federación Venezolana de Maestros(CENDAS ­ FVM). Los valores mensuales de la CAN y del SM se recalcularon a dólares USA, de acuerdo a la tasa de cambio oficial. No se incluyó evaluación de la estructura interna, ni sus expresiones en términos de aporte de energía y nutrientes. Resultados: Desde 1990 hasta el año 2015, se requirieron entre1,0 y 1,8 SM y entre 0,6 y 1,7 Ingresos Mínimos Legales (IML)para acceder a la CAN. Para el año 2023 se requirieron hasta 78,3SM y 51,6 IML. El valor promedio de la canasta del CENDAS-FVM fue superior al valor de la CAN INE/INN, en una proporción de 1,7: 1. Conclusiones: la CAN resultó sensible en identificar los cambios y tendencias de su estimación económica, en el ambiente inflacionario venezolano. El uso de sus resultados está sujeta a cierto grado de discrecionalidad política. El costo de la CAN, expresa una contracción del poder de compra de los hogares venezolanos con potenciales impactos sobre la nutrición y la salud física y mental a corto y largo plazo.

The Normative Food Basket (NFB) represents astrategic planning and monitoring instrument, which impactsthe economic sphere (setting of the minimum wage (MW) andthe relative poverty threshold), food security and public health.The objective was to describe the historical evolution of the NFB in Venezuela, contrasting its economic valuation with respect to the MW during the period 1990 ­ 2023. Type of study: Descriptive. The NFB of the National Institute of Statistics/National Institute of Nutrition (NIS/NIN) was used and itscomparison with the basket of the Center for Documentationand Social Analysis of the Venezuelan Federation of Teachers (CENDAS ­ FVM). The monthly values of the NFB and theMW were recalculated into dollars (US$), according to theofficial exchange rate. No evaluation of the internal structurewas included, nor its expressions in terms of energy and nutrientcontribution. Results: From 1990 to 2015, between 1.0 and1.8 MW and between 0.6 and 1.7 Minimum Legal Income(MLI) were required to access the NFB. By 2023, up to 78.3MW and 51.6 MLI were required. The average value of the CENDAS-FVM basket was higher than the value of the NFBNIS/NIN, in a proportion of 1.7: 1. Conclusions: As a statistical operation, the NFB was sensitive in identifying changes andtrends in its estimate economic, in the Venezuelan inflationaryenvironment. The use of its results is subject to a certain degree ofpolitical discretion. The cost of CAN expresses a contraction inthe purchasing power of Venezuelan households with potentialimpacts on nutrition and physical/mental health in the shortand long term.

Feridas complexas: abordagem por equipa multidisciplinar. Uma scoping review. / Complex wounds: approach by a multidisciplinary team. A scoping review

Objetivos: - reconhecer a importância da equipa multidisciplinar na abordagem à pessoa com ferida complexa na cicatrização de feridas; - mapear a evidência/conhecimento sobre a temática em estudo. Método: Scoping review realizada entre 04 de janeiro e 01 de fevereiro de 2020, nas bases de dados Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP), EBSCO host (CINAHL e Medline) e Web of Science, utilizando estratégias de pesquisa adaptadas a cada base de dados. Resultados e discussão: A evidência científica demonstra a importância das equipas multidisciplinares na abordagem à pessoa com ferida complexa. Conclusão: Tratando-se de um processo complexo, é fundamental ter em consideração todos os elementos que influenciam e atrasam a cicatrização, para se conseguir melhorar os resultados no tratamento e nos custos associados.(AU)

Objectives: - to recognize the importance of the multidisciplinary team in the approach to the person with a complex wound in wound healing; - to map the evidence/knowledge on the subject under study. Method: Scoping review carried out between January 4 and February 1, 2020, in the databases Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP), EBSCO host (CINAHL and Medline) and Web of Science, using search strategies adapted to each database. Results and discussion: The scientific evidence demonstrates the importance of multidisciplinary teams in dealing with people with complex wounds. Conclusion: As this is a complex process, it is essential to take into account all the elements that influence and delay healing, in order to improve treatment results and associated costs. (AU)

Objetivos: - reconocer la importancia del equipo multidisciplinar en el abordaje de la persona con herida compleja en la cicatrización de heridas; - mapear la evidencia/conocimiento sobre el tema objeto de estudio. Método: Revisión de alcance realizada entre el 04 de enero y el 01 de febrero de 2020, en las bases de datos Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP), EBSCO host (CINAHL y Medline) y Web of Science, utilizando estrategias de búsqueda adaptadas a cada base de datos. Resultados y discusión: La evidencia científica demuestra la importancia de los equipos multidisciplinares en el abordaje de las personas con heridas complejas. Conclusión: Al tratarse de un proceso complejo, es fundamental tener en cuenta todos los elementos que influyen y retrasan la cicatrización para mejorar los resultados del tratamiento y los costes asociados.(AU)

The impact of COPD on the private healthcare system in Brazil: an economic analysis / Impacto da DPOC no sistema de saúde privado no Brasil: uma análise econômica

Objective: To assess healthcare resource utilization and hospitalization costs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations in the Brazilian private healthcare system. Methods: A retrospective cohort study, considering data from an administrative database of a private company (Orizon). Patients aged ≥40 years old and with at least one COPD-related claim identified by the ICD-10 code (J40 to J44) at any time during the eligibility period (January/2010 to December/2013) were included in the analysis. Follow-up was performed until December/2014, death or inactivation of a health plan. Sociodemographic characteristics, number of emergency visits, hospital admissions (number and length of stay), length of hospital stay in an intensive care unit (ICU), number of severe COPD exacerbations, therapeutic approach, and hospitalization costs were assessed. Results: The analysis included 8,254 COPD patients. Emergency visits, hospital admission, and exacerbation rates were 0.4, 0.2, and 0.1 per person-year, respectively. The mean length of hospital stays and the length of stay of patients requiring or not ICU stay were 16.6 (SD = 77.0), 8.7 (SD = 36.9), and 27.6 (SD = 109.7), respectively. Mean costs associated to emergency department visits and hospitalizations were 258.2 BRL (SD = 383.1) and 38,165.4 BRL (SD = 124,683.5), respectively. Hospitalizations costs without ICU stay were 11,810.1 BRL (SD = 31,144.1) and 74,585.3 BRL (SD = 182,808.1) for those with ICU utilization. Conclusion: Costs for COPD management during disease exacerbation are very high and may reach almost 75 thousand BRL per hospitalization. The prevention of COPD exacerbations and better disease control may reduce the economic burden on the private healthcare system in Brazil.

Objetivo: Avaliar a utilização de recursos e custos de pacientes com exacerbação da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) no sistema de saúde suplementar (SSS) do Brasil. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva, considerando banco de dados administrativo de uma empresa privada (Orizon). Pacientes com ≥40 anos e pelo menos um registro de admissão relacionado à DPOC identificado com CID-10 J40-J44, entre janeiro/2010 e dezembro/2013, foram incluídos e acompanhados até dezembro/2014, morte ou inativação no plano. Características sociodemográficas, número de visitas de emergência, admissões hospitalares (número e tempo de hospitalização), tempo de hospitalização em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), número de exacerbações graves, estratégias terapêuticas e custos hospitalares foram as variáveis analisadas. Resultados: A análise incluiu 8.254 pacientes com DPOC. As taxas de visita à emergência, internação hospitalar e exacerbação da doença foram de 0,4, 0,2 e 0,1 por pessoa-ano, respectivamente. Os tempos médios de hospitalização, hospitalização sem utilização de UTI e hospitalização com necessidade de UTI foram de 16,6 (DP = 77,0), 8,7 (DP = 36,9) e 27,6 (DP = 109,7) dias, respectivamente. Os custos médios relacionados à visita de emergência e por hospitalização foram de 258,2 BRL (DP = 383,1) e 38.165,4 BRL (DP = 124.683,5), respectivamente. Os custos para pacientes que não utilizaram UTI foram de 11.810,1 BRL (DP = 31.144,1) e de 74.585,3 BRL (DP = 182.808,1) para aqueles com necessidade desse serviço. Conclusão: Os custos para o manejo dos pacientes com exacerbação da DPOC são muito elevados, podendo chegar a 75.000 BRL por hospitalização. A prevenção de exacerbações e o melhor controle da doença podem reduzir esse impacto econômico no SSS.

Flebite associada ao cateter venoso periférico em cardiologia: incidência, fatores de risco e custos associados / Phlebitis associated with peripheral venous catheter in cardiology: incidence, risk factors and associated costs

Objetivo: Determinar a incidência de flebite, fatores de risco associados e custos diretos de tratamento. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, correlacional, com análise de custo direto. Utilizaram-se dados da documentação dos enfermeiros entre janeiro 2019 e agosto 2021. Resultados: Incluíram-se 2.374 pessoas com cateter venoso periférico, com internamento na cardiologia. A incidência de flebite foi de 12,38%, das quais 78,23% eram de grau 1 de severidade. Verificou-se associação estatística entre o desenvolvimento de flebite e a administração de amiodarona endovenosa, dias de hospitalização e serviço de internamento. Estimaram-se 1662€ de custos adicionais ao tratamento da flebite, em material clínico e horas de cuidados de enfermagem. Conclusão: Os cuidados de enfermagem são eficazes na identificação precoce e tratamento da flebite, promovendo redução de custos adicionais e garantindo melhores cuidados e ganhos em saúde.

Objective: This study aimed to identify the incidence rate of phlebitis, associated risk factors and treatment direct costs. Methods: Descriptive, correlational study with direct cost analisys. Data from the nurses' clinical records between January 2019 and August 2021 were used. Results: Included 2,374 files of people with peripheral venous catheter who were admitted to Cardiology. The phlebitis incidence rate was 12.38% and regarding severity 78.23% were grade 1. The phlebitits was significantly related with intravenous amiodarone administration, length of stay and physical department. This represents €1662 of additional treatment costs, in clinical supplies and nursing time. Conclusion: Nursing care is effective in the early identification and treatment of phlebitis, reducing costs and improve clinical and economic outcomes.

The impact of depression in the Brazilian private healthcare system: patient journey and economic burden study associating claim database and expert's opinion approach / O impacto da depressão no sistema de saúde privado brasileiro: estudo da jornada do paciente e da carga econômica associando banco de dados de sinistros e abordagem de opinião de especialistas

Objective: The study aimed to describe the profile and economic burden of patients with depression from the perspective of the Brazilian Private Healthcare System (PHS). Methods: A two-step methodological quantitative-qualitative research design was performed: retrospective descriptive analysis of the Orizon database of patients with at least one claim of depression (F33, F38, or F39) in PHS (2013-2019) and experienced physicians perspective from an expert meeting. Results: 1,802 patients fulfilling the eligibility criteria counted BRL 74,978 million across the 4-year period. Over this period, nearly 60% of patients had a medical appointment (6.6 appointments per patient, on average), 61% had a psychologist, 9.8% had a psychiatrist appointment, and an average of 115.2 exams and 8.7 emergency visits per patient were performed. According to the experts, the economic impact of depression is more significant when considering the indirect costs related to productivity loss and impairment in occupational and interpersonal functioning. Conclusion: Identifying and diagnosing patients with depression and their real burden is challenging; even with significant costs identified in the claim database analyses in the Brazilian PHS, the real impact must be higher if indirect costs are considered. The depressive disorder should be prioritized in the Brazilian PHS to establish more adequate health policies.

Objetivo: O estudo teve como objetivo descrever o perfil e a carga econômica de pacientes com depressão na perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Métodos: Foi realizado um projeto de pesquisa quantitativo-qualitativo metodológico em duas etapas: análise descritiva retrospectiva do banco de dados Orizon de pacientes com pelo menos uma alegação de depressão (F33, F38 ou F39) no PHS (2013- 2019) e perspectiva de médicos experientes de uma reunião de especialistas. Resultados: 1.802 pacientes que preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade totalizaram R$ 74,978 milhões no período de 4 anos. Nesse período, cerca de 60% dos pacientes tiveram consulta médica (6,6 consultas por paciente, em média), 61% tiveram psicólogo, 9,8% consulta com psiquiatra e foram realizados em média 115,2 exames e 8,7 atendimentos de emergência por paciente . Segundo os especialistas, o impacto econômico da depressão é mais significativo quando considerados os custos indiretos relacionados à perda de produtividade e prejuízo no funcionamento ocupacional e interpessoal. Conclusão: Identificar e diagnosticar pacientes com depressão e sua real carga é desafiador; mesmo com custos significativos identificados nas análises da base de sinistros do SUS brasileiro, o impacto real deve ser maior se considerados os custos indiretos. O transtorno depressivo deve ser priorizado na APS brasileira para o estabelecimento de políticas de saúde mais adequadas.

Direct costs of treating men with prostate cancer with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound / Costos directos del tratamiento de hombres con cáncer de próstata con el uso de High Intensity Focused Ultrasound / Custos diretos do tratamento de homens com câncer de próstata via High Intensity Focused Ultrasound

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the direct costs of materials, medicines/solutions and healthcare professionals required to treat men with prostate cancer using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. Method: Quantitative, exploratory-descriptive research, single case study type. Data were collected from electronic medical records/printed documentation from the Operating Room of a public teaching and research hospital. Health professionals estimated the respective time spent on activities in the following stages: "Before anesthetic induction", "Before performing thermal ablation", "During thermal ablation" and "After performing thermal ablation". Costs were calculated by multiplying the (estimated) time spent by the unit cost of direct labor, adding to the measured cost of materials, medicines/solutions. Results: The measured costs with materials corresponded to US$851.58 (SD = 2.17), with medicines/solutions to US$72.13 (SD = 25.84), and estimated personnel costs to US$196.03, totaling US$1119.74/procedure. Conclusion: The economic results obtained may support hospital managers in the decision-making process regarding the adoption of the High Intensity Focused Ultrasound for the treatment of prostate cancer.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los costos directos de materiales, medicamentos/soluciones y profesionales de la salud necesarios para tratar a hombres con cáncer de próstata a través de High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. Método: Investigación cuantitativa, exploratoria-descriptiva, tipo estudio de caso único. Los datos se obtuvieron de registros médicos electrónicos/documentación impresa del Centro Quirúrgico de un hospital público de enseñanza e investigación. Los profesionales de la salud estimaron el tiempo respectivo dedicado a las actividades en las siguientes etapas: "Antes de la inducción anestésica", "Antes de realizar la ablación térmica", "Durante la realización de la ablación térmica" y "Después de realizar la ablación térmica". Los costos se calcularon multiplicando el tiempo (estimado) invertido por el costo unitario de la mano de obra directa, sumándolo al costo medido de materiales, medicamentos/soluciones. Resultados: Los costos medidos con materiales correspondieron a US$851,58 (DE = 2,17), con medicamentos/soluciones a US$72,13 (DE = 25,84) y los costos de personal estimados a US$196,03, totalizando US$1119,74/procedimiento. Conclusión: Los resultados económicos obtenidos podrán apoyar a los gestores hospitalarios en el proceso de toma de decisiones respecto a la adopción del High Intensity Focused Ultrasound para el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os custos diretos com materiais, medicamentos/soluções e profissionais de saúde requeridos à realização do tratamento de homens com câncer de próstata via High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. Método: Pesquisa quantitativa, exploratória-descritiva, do tipo estudo de caso único. Coletaram-se os dados em prontuários eletrônicos/documentações impressas do Centro Cirúrgico de um hospital público de ensino e pesquisa. Profissionais de saúde estimaram os respectivos tempos despendidos em atividades constantes das etapas: "Antes da indução anestésica", "Antes da execução da termoablação", "Durante a execução da termoablação" e "Após a execução da termoablação". Calcularam-se os custos multiplicando-se o tempo (estimado) despendido pelo custo unitário da mão de obra direta, somando-se ao custo mensurado dos materiais, medicamentos/soluções. Resultados: Os custos mensurados com materiais corresponderam a US$851,58 (DP = 2,17), com medicamentos/soluções a US$72,13 (DP = 25,84) e os custos estimados com pessoal a US$196,03, totalizando US$1119,74/procedimento. Conclusão: Os resultados econômicos obtidos poderão subsidiar os gestores hospitalares no processo decisório quanto à adoção do High Intensity Focused Ultrasound para o tratamento do câncer de próstata.

Análise das solicitações de medicamentos não padronizados de um hospital universitário terciário / Analysis of requests for non-standard medicines from a tertiary university hospital

Introdução: O uso extensivo de medicamentos não padronizados causa aumento de custos em saúde, além de potencial redução de segurança e uso racional de medicamentos. A Comissão de Farmácia e Terapêutica orienta a prescrição de medicamentos, por meio da avaliação e seleção de medicamentos a serem incluídos no formulário de medicamentos padronizados, com base nas melhores evidências científicas disponíveis e no perfil dos pacientes locais, promovendo o uso racional de medicamentos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as solicitações de fornecimento de medicamentos não padronizados na instituição. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional e descritivo onde foram analisadas as solicitações de medicamentos não padronizados realizadas entre fevereiro de 2016 e dezembro de 2021, identificando os medicamentos envolvidos e seus respectivos custos. Resultados: Foram realizadas 203 solicitações no período, sendo 174 incluídas no estudo. Os medicamentos que tiveram mais solicitações foram o rituximabe (41), a imunoglobulina humana (31), o sucralfato (23), a nitazoxanida (12) e o eltrombopague (7). As solicitações com maior custo foram as de imunoglobulina humana (US$ 799,702.38), rituximabe (US$ 717,320.26), eltrombopague (US$ 281,062.50), ruxolitinibe (US$ 167,867.46) e bortezomibe (US$ 149,033.52). As principais clínicas que solicitaram medicamentos não padronizado foram a neurologia (47), a hematologia (30), as moléstias infecciosas e parasitárias (17), e a anestesiologia (12). As solicitações de maior custo foram realizadas pela neurologia (US$ 145,519.08), hematologia (US$ 120,980.25), transplante de medula óssea (US$ 51,635.11) e dermatologia (US$ 44,813.40). Conclusão: O estudo demonstrou que há um fluxo estruturado de solicitação de medicamentos não padronizados na instituição, sendo uma importante ferramenta de gerenciamento dessas solicitações, evitando a aquisição desnecessária de itens que não compõem o elenco terapêutico do hospital.

Introduction: Widespread use of non-formulary drugs (NFD) increases cost and may reduce safety and rational use of medicines. The Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee provides guidance on drug prescription by evaluating and selecting medications to be included in a hospital's formulary based on best scientific evidence available and local patients' profile, promoting rational use of medicines. The objective of this study was to assess non-formulary drugs prescriptions at a tertiary hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective study. NFD prescribed and its associated costs were assessed through NFD request forms received from February 2016 to December 2021. Results: A total of 203 NFD request forms were received, from which 174 were included in this study. The most frequently prescribed NFD included rituximab (n = 41), immunoglobulin (31), sucralfate (23), nitazoxanide (12), and eltrombopag (7), with the highest costs being with immunoglobulin (US$ 799,702.38), rituximab (US$ 717,320.26), eltrombopag (US$ 281,062.50), ruxolitinib (US$ 167,867.46), and bortezomib (US$ 149,033.52). The most frequent requesting specialties were neurology (n = 47), hematology (30), infectious disease (17) and anesthesiology (12), and highest costs requests were from neurology (US$ 145,519.08), hematology (US$ 120,980.25), bone marrow transplant unit (US$ 51,635.11), and dermatology (US$ 44,813.40). Conclusion: This study showed that a structured request flow for NFD prescription is a critical procedure in order to better manage drug prescription within the hospital, promoting rational use of medicines and preventing unnecessary spending with drugs for which the clinical indication may be covered by a drug already in the hospital's formulary.

O desperdício em uma unidade de terapia intensiva na visão dos profissionais pela metodologia de Bardin / Waste in intensive care unit in the view of professionals by Bardin's methodology / Desperdícios en una unidad de cuidados intensivos a la vista de los profesionales según la metodología de Bardin

Objetivo: avaliar a opinião dos profissionais de saúde sobre o desperdício, em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Método: o método utilizado foi o qualitativo. Foi realizada uma entrevista com 66 profissionais de uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e analisados pelo método de Bardin. Resultados: através dos discursos obtidos em cada quadro, foram identificadas e destacadas as unidades de registro que permitiram a criação de dois quadros, o primeiro possibilitou a construção da categoria que denominada "Gestão de custos em saúde: o desperdício de materiais em UTI". Já o quadro 2, possibilitou a obtenção de duas categorias, "Capacitação profissional em saúde: a otimização da gestão de custos em UTI" e "a inserção do processo de gestão de custos em UTI". Conclusão: o primeiro passo para o combate ao desperdício é conhecer a realidade institucional. Os gestores necessitam estudar os percentuais e fontes de desperdício de seu serviço e o impacto desses nos custos

Objective: to evaluate the opinion of health professionals about waste in an Intensive Care Unit. Method: the method used was qualitative. An interview was conducted with 66 professionals from an Intensive Care Unit and analyzed by the Bandin method. Results: through the speeches obtained in each table, were identified and highlighted the units that allowed the creation of two tables, the first made it possible to construct the category called "Health cost management: the waste of materials in ICU". Table 2, on the other hand, made it possible to obtain two categories, "Professional training in health: the optimization of ICU cost management" and "the insertion of the ICU cost management process". Conclusion: the first step in the fight against waste is to know the institutional reality. Managers need to study the percentages and sources of their service waste and their impact on costs

Objetivo: evaluar la opinión de los profesionales de la salud sobre los desechos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. Método: el método utilizado fue cualitativo. Se realizó una entrevista con 66 profesionales de una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos y se analizó mediante el método Bandin. Resultados: através de los discursos obtenidos en cada tabla, se identificaron y destacaron las unidades de registro que permitieron la creación de dos tablas, la primera permitió construir la categoría denominada "Gestión de costos de salud: el desperdicio de materiales en la UCI". La Tabla 2, por otro lado, permitió obtener dos categorías, "Capacitación profesional en salud: la optimización de la gestión de costos de la UCI" y "la inserción del proceso de gestión de costos de la UCI". Conclusión: el primer paso en la lucha contra el desperdicio es conocer la realidad institucional. Los gerentes deben estudiar los porcentajes y las fuentes de desperdicio de sus servicios y su impacto en los costos

Extracorporeal photopheresis in chronic graft-versus-host disease: clinical description and economic study

Abstract Introduction Although extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a promising second-line therapy in the treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), its use is limited by its high cost. This study aims to describe the clinical evolution of patients who underwent ECP therapy for cGVHD and to perform an economic analysis of the therapy Methods This was a case series between 2016 and 2020 describing the clinical response to ECP and a micro-cost analysis of the therapy using time-driven activity-based costing. Results Six patients underwent ECP for corticosteroid-dependent cGVHD The cost per ECP session is 14,960.90 Brazilian reais (BRL), which primarily consists of the ECP kit with an activator (82.78%), followed by the hospital's physical structure (14.66%), human resources (2.48%) and exams/inputs (0.08%). The number of sessions performed ranged from 2 to 42. The total cost of the therapy per patient ranged from BRL 30,000 to 500,000. Conclusion The response of the patient with cGVHD to treatment with ECP was variable. These micro-costing results can be used to develop remuneration and cost control strategies in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation programs, as well as in further economic studies.

A insegurança das barragens da Vale em Minas Gerais, Brasil: aplicação da teoria da atividade à análise de desastres / The insecurity of Vale's dams in Minas Gerais, Brazil: applying activity theory to disaster analysis

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é apontar hipóteses de contradições que estariam incubadas historicamente nos sistemas de atividades da Vale, e que podem ter levado ao maior desastre ambiental do Brasil: o rompimento da barragem B I em Brumadinho, bem como à interdição de muitas outras barragens da empresa no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Trata-se de uma análise de caso a partir de dados secundários disponíveis em entrevistas, documentos e textos publicados em diferentes mídias entre 2011 e 2021. Procuramos demonstrar, a partir da Teoria Histórico-Cultural da Atividade, as contradições verificadas em e entre sistemas de atividades da Vale, pois a empresa distribuiu dividendos vultosos aos seus acionistas, remunerou como nunca seus diretores, reduziu os custos em relação às receitas e diminuiu brutalmente a dívida interna, mas manteve investimentos insuficientes na gestão das barragens, culminando no rompimento da B I em 2019 e em 29 barragens interditadas em março de 2021. A financeirização tornou-se central para as operações da empresa. Este estudo aponta para um caminho metodológico do diálogo interdisciplinar que ajuda a esclarecer como as decisões gerenciais estratégicas, especialmente aquelas da gestão financeira, poderiam influenciar a gestão de produção, de manutenção e de segurança das barragens de rejeitos.

Abstract The objective of this article is to point out hypotheses of contradictions historically incubated in Vale's activity systems and that may have led to Brazil's biggest environmental disaster, the B I dam break in Brumadinho, and the interdiction of many other dams owned by Vale in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is a case analysis from secondary data available in interviews, documents, and texts published in different media between 2011 and 2021. We try to demonstrate, from the Historical-Cultural Theory of Activity, the contradictions verified in and between Vale's activity systems, since the company distributed large dividends to its shareholders, remunerated its directors as never before, reduced costs in relation to incomes, and brutally reduced internal debt, but keeping insufficient investments in dam management, culminating with the break of B I in 2019 and with 29 dams interdicted in March 2021. Financialization has become central to the company's operations. This study points to a methodological path of the interdisciplinary dialogue to help clarify how strategic managerial decisions, especially those of financial management, could influence the production, maintenance, and safety management of tailings dams.

Cout réel de la prise en charge des cancers du col de l'utérus en radiothérapie au Cameroun / The real cost of the management of cervical cancers by radiotherapy in Cameroon

Introduction. Le cancer du col utérin est le deuxième cancer de la femme au Cameroun. La radiothérapie reste une des modalités thérapeutiques phares dans la prise en charge de cette pathologie et l'État participe en y apportant une subvention. Toutefois, plusieurs patientes n'accèdent pas au traitement en raison des difficultés financières. Notre objectif était d'évaluer le coût réel de la prise en charge afin de servir de support aux politiques d'aide aux patientes. Méthodologie. Uneétude descriptive, transversale portant sur les patientes traitées en radiothérapie à l'Hôpital Général de Douala pour cancer du col de l'utérus a été réalisée d'octobre 2020 à janvier 2021.Résultats. Au total 35 dossiers de patientes ont été inclus. Lespatientes avaient de faibles revenus (<108.810 XAF /mois, 51,3%), étaient sans assurance maladie (88,6%), provenant en majorité des villes hors de Douala (54,3%), avec des cancers localement évolués. Le coût global moyen du traitement était de 511 264 XAF+/-103479 XAF (779,42 +/-157,75 euros) pour chaque patiente. La durée moyenne de traitement était de 57,34 jours, avec un nombre médian de 27 séances. Les frais supplémentaires pendant le traitement provenaient de la chimiothérapie, de la gestion des effets secondaires, notamment des transfusions sanguines, et du bilan de suivi. Plus de la moitié des patientes ont eu besoin d'une prise en charge supplémentaire par chimiothérapie ou chirurgie. Conclusion. La prise en charge du cancer du col utérin par radiothérapie est coûteuse et peu accessible à la majorité des patientes Camerounaises.

Introduction.Cervix cancer is the second cancer among women in Cameroon. Radiotherapy is often warranted in its management. Many patients do not access treatment due to financial difficulties. Our objective was to assess the real cost of care in order to support patient assistance policies. Methodology. A descriptive cross over study of women treated by radiotherapy at the Douala General Hospital from October 2020 to January 2021 was conducted. Results. A total number of 35 patient files were included in the study. Patients generally had low income (<108.810 XAF /month), without medical insurance, lived out of Douala, and were diagnosed at locally advanced stages of their disease. Average cost of treatment for radiotherapy alone was 511,264 XAF +/-103,479 XAF. Average duration of treatment was 57.34 days, with a median number of 27 sessions. Extra cost came from chemotherapy, management of side effects especially from blood transfusions, and imaging. More than half of the patients required additional expense for adjunct chemotherapy or surgery. Conclusion. The total cost of treatment for cervix cancer by radiotherapy is quite expensive, and not accessible to the average Cameroonian

COVID­19 pandemic fatigue among well­educated Egyptian population: cross­sectional study

Aim: The study explores the emergence of COVID 19 pandemic fatigue among well educated Egyptians measured in terms of their level of adherence toward COVID 19 protective measures along 20 months since the beginning of the pandemic. Setting and Design: A cross sectional study was conducted in October 2021, using an online questionnaire for well educated Egyptians in different governorates. Results: A total of 888 participants completed the questionnaire, their mean age was 39 ± 7.2 years and 60% of them were females. There was a strong association between the presence of either behavioral risk factors or chronic conditions and % of infection. The main sources of COVID 19 information were social media, followed by the Egyptian Ministry of health and population and WHO websites. A pandemic fatigue was observed after nearly 7 to 10 months from the pandemic emergence. The participant's age, previous COVID 19 infection, and occupation status were significant predictors for adherence to COVID 19 protective measures. The participants claimed that difficulty in remaining at home, feeling uncomfortable with face masks, the high cost of protective supplies, absence of governmental enforcement, and forgetfulness are the most perceptive barriers hindering their adherence to COVID 19 protective measures. They suggested some strategies for better adherence and reduced pandemic fatigue that includes: the implementation of governmental enforcement measures, including penalties for nonwearing masks, educational health programs, and availability of free protective supplies at the workplace. Conclusions: Pandemic fatigue was observed after 7 to 10 months from the pandemic emergence even though the high education level of the participants

On addressing the burden of uncorrected refractive errors

@#Uncorrected or unaddressed refractive error (URE) is the leading cause of treatable visual impairment (VI) globally. A significant factor is the prohibitive costs of corrective options. The World Health Organization recently recommended the use of effective refractive error coverage (eREC) to determine the burden and management of URE. To increase eREC, spectacles should be made available and affordable. Most developing countries use ready-made glasses produced in bulk to address presbyopia. Timor-Leste employed a tiered- pricing for these ready-made spectacles which were found to be effective. The Philippines can adopt similar initiatives considering that prescription spectacles are not covered by its national health insurance. Prescription spectacles should also receive coverage from the national insurance. Policies should also be created that will set-up optical units inside government hospitals and primary health care units that can dispense low cost or free prescription spectacles. Dedicated government posts for optometrists should be created to man the said units. Existing colleges of optometry can partner with nearby public health facilities to man their optical units similar to partnerships made for other health professions. State universities can also consider opening colleges of optometry where they can tie up return services conditions or follow ladderized programs based on community demands similar to existing ones for other health professions

Health education can save the environment from medicine residues

Abstract The incorrect disposal of medicines and their environmental impact has been related to the health medicalization and the improper use of medication by society. In this sense, it is very important to know the profile of drug disposal for foster health policies. The aim was to identify the profile of disposal of medicines by the population, including the cost perspective. This is an inquiry descriptive study that began in September 2019. Medicine disposal health education program was carried out over six months in two University pharmacies. A questionnaire for sociodemographic and discarded medicines data collection was applied. Logistic regression analysis for variables association of correct disposal and the chi-square and t-student analysis for comparison between disposal programs were performed for a level of 5% and test power of 80%. Medicines weighed 23.3 kg and 28.5 kg, with the cost variation from US$ 13.5 to US$ 16.1 until the final treatment. The correct disposal was strongly associated with the disposal reason (p=0.013), source of information (p=0.006), prescription (p=0.03), form of use (p=0.01), acquisition source (p=0.001), cost with medication (p=0.0001), education (p=0.028) and age (p=0.05). The correct medicine disposal was associated with important features of the community related to education health.

3D-QSARpy: Combining variable selection strategies and machine learning techniques to build QSAR models

Abstract Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) is a computer-aided technology in the field of medicinal chemistry that seeks to clarify the relationships between molecular structures and their biological activities. Such technologies allow for the acceleration of the development of new compounds by reducing the costs of drug design. This work presents 3D-QSARpy, a flexible, user-friendly and robust tool, freely available without registration, to support the generation of QSAR 3D models in an automated way. The user only needs to provide aligned molecular structures and the respective dependent variable. The current version was developed using Python with packages such as scikit-learn and includes various techniques of machine learning for regression. The diverse techniques employed by the tool is a differential compared to known methodologies, such as CoMFA and CoMSIA, because it expands the search space of possible solutions, and in this way increases the chances of obtaining relevant models. Additionally, approaches for select variables (dimension reduction) were implemented in the tool. To evaluate its potentials, experiments were carried out to compare results obtained from the proposed 3D-QSARpy tool with the results from already published works. The results demonstrated that 3D-QSARpy is extremely useful in the field due to its expressive results.

Percentual de utilização de instrumentais em procedimentos cirúrgicos / Percentage of use of instruments in surgical procedures / Porcentaje de uso de instrumentos en procedimientos quirúrgicos

Objetivo: analisar o percentual de instrumentais cirúrgicos que compõem a caixa de laparotomia exploradora e não são utilizados durante as cirurgias. Método: estudo descritivo, transversal com abordagem quantitativa, que contabilizou instrumentais constituintes da caixa de laparotomia exploradora utilizados e não utilizados durante 13 cirurgias realizadas em um período de 17 dias, em um hospital do interior paulista. Resultados: nas 13 cirurgias analisadas, obteve-se um total de 1300 (100%) pinças presentes nas caixas, onde 832 (64%) não foram utilizadas e 468 (36%) foram utilizadas. Nos tempos cirúrgicos, o maior número de uso foi de 166 (35,5%) artigos, para preensão e afastadores. Conclusão: houve 64% de instrumentais não utilizados nas cirurgias analisadas. Há necessidade de implementar estratégias gerenciais que reduzam os números encontrados e, consequentemente, reduzam gastos, para gerar menor desperdício e reduzir falhas no gerenciamento de recursos materiais.

Objective: to analyze the percentage of surgical instruments that make up the operating laparotomy box and are not used during surgeries. Method: descriptive, cross-sectional study with quantitative approach, which counted instrumental constituents of the exploratory laparotomy box used and not used during 13 surgeries performed in a period of 17 days, in a hospital in the interior of São Paulo. Results: in the 13 surgeries analyzed, a total of 1300 (100%) tweezers were obtained in the boxes, where 832 (64%) were not used and 468 (36%) were used. In surgical times, the highest number of use was 166 (35.5%) articles, for seizures and reparators. Conclusion: there were 64% of instruments not used in the analyzed surgeries. There is a need to implement management strategies that reduce the numbers found and, consequently, reduce expenses, to generate less waste and reduce failures in the management of material resources.

Objetivo: analizar el porcentaje de instrumentos quirúrgicos que componen la caja de laparotomía quirúrgica y no se utilizan durante las cirugías. Método: estudio descriptivo, transversal con enfoque cuantitativo, que contó constituyentes instrumentales de la caja de laparotomía exploratoria utilizada y no utilizada durante 13 cirugías realizadas en un período de 17 días, en un hospital del interior de São Paulo. Resultados: en las 13 cirugías analizadas, se obtuvieron un total de 1300 (100%) pinzas en las cajas, donde no se utilizaron 832 (64%) y 468 (36%). En tiempos quirúrgicos, el mayor número de uso fue de 166 (35,5%) artículos, para convulsiones y reparadores. Conclusión: hubieran 64% de instrumentos no utilizados en las quirurgias analizadas. Es necesario implementar estrategias de gestión que reduzcan los números encontrados y, en consecuencia, reduzcan los gastos, para generar menos residuos y reducir las fallas en la gestión de los recursos materiales.