Association between participation and compliance with Continuing Medical Education and care production by physicians: a cross-sectional study / Associação entre participação e cumprimento de um programa de Educação Médica Continuada e produção assistencial dos médicos: estudo transversal

Objective Physician participation in Continuing Medical Education programs may be influenced by a number of factors. To evaluate the factors associated with compliance with the Continuing Medical Education requirements at a private hospital, we investigated whether physicians’ activity, measured by volumes of admissions and procedures, was associated with obtaining 40 Continuing Medical Education credits (40 hours of activities) in a 12-month cycle. Methods In an exclusive and non-mandatory Continuing Medical Education program, we collected physicians’ numbers of hospital admissions and numbers of surgical procedures performed. We also analyzed data on physicians’ time since graduation, age, and gender. Results A total of 3,809 credentialed, free-standing, private practice physicians were evaluated. Univariate analysis showed that the Continuing Medical Education requirements were more likely to be achieved by male physicians (odds ratio 1.251; p=0.009) and who had a higher number of hospital admissions (odds ratio 1.022; p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that age and number of hospital admissions were associated with achievement of the Continuing Medical Education requirements. Each hospital admission increased the chance of achieving the requirements by 0.4%. Among physicians who performed surgical procedures, multivariate analysis showed that male physicians were 1.3 time more likely to achieve the Continuing Medical Education requirements than female physicians. Each surgical procedure performed increased the chance of achieving the requirements by 1.4%. Conclusion The numbers of admissions and number of surgical procedures performed by physicians at our hospital were associated with the likelihood of meeting the Continuing Medical Education requirements. These findings help to shed new light on our Continuing Medical Education program. .

Objetivo A participação de médicos em programas de Educação Médica Continuada pode ser influenciada por inúmeros fatores. Para avaliar os fatores associados ao cumprimento dos requisitos para Educação Médica Continuada em um hospital privado, investigamos se a atividade médica, medida por volume de internações e procedimentos, esteve relacionada à obtenção de 40 créditos (40 horas-aula) em um ciclo do programa de 12 meses. Métodos Em um programa exclusivo e não obrigatório de Educação Médica Continuada, coletamos o número de admissões e de procedimentos realizados por médico. Analisamos dados como tempo de formado, idade e sexo. Resultados Foram analisados dados de 3.809 médicos credenciados e autônomos. A análise univariada mostrou que os requisitos de Educação Médica Continuada eram mais preenchidos por médicos do sexo masculino (odds ratio de 1,251; p=0,009) e que eles apresentavam números de internações mais significativos (odds ratio de 1,022; p<0,001). A análise multivariada mostrou que idade e número de admissões estiveram associados ao cumprimento das metas estabelecidas. Cada admissão aumentou a chance de atingir a meta em 0,4%. Entre os que realizaram procedimentos cirúrgicos, a análise multivariada mostrou que médicos do sexo masculino eram 1,3 vez mais propensos a atingir a meta estabelecida que seus pares do sexo feminino. Cada procedimento cirúrgico realizado elevou a chance de atingir a meta em 1,4%. Conclusão O número de admissões e de procedimentos cirúrgicos realizados por médicos em nosso hospital foi associado à probabilidade de alcançar a meta de Educação Médica Continuada. Estes achados lançaram uma nova luz sobre o nosso programa de Educação Médica Continuada. .

Time needed to schedule dermatological consultations in Brazil / Tempo para agendamento de consultas dermatologicas no Brasil

BACKGROUND: It is not clear what the population's demand for dermatologists is, nor how many professionals are needed in order to provide adequate care in this area of expertise. Knowledge of the flow of patients at dermatological clinics throughout the country allows for the formation of expansion and distribution policies regarding professionals, and provides backing for the decision to increase medical residency places. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the time it takes to schedule a private dermatological consultation in Brazil, and other factors concerning consultations. METHODS: Survey with a random sample of 14% of Brazilian dermatologists, simulating the scheduling of emergency clinical and cosmetic consultations, and botulinum toxin procedures. Also, details relating to cost and professionals, were studied. Data were adjusted for each region of the country. RESULTS: A total of 873 dermatologists were evaluated. Full SBD members represented 85%, and 66% were women. The median time to schedule a consultation ranged from 6 (out-of-pocket payment) to 7 (medical insurance) consecutive working days. Times varied depending on the region. A multivariate analysis showed that out-of-pocket consultations and procedures were scheduled sooner than with medical insurance, regardless of whether they were clinical or cosmetic. CONCLUSION: The characteristics of dermatologists are varied throughout regions of the country. Private ...

FUNDAMENTOS: Não é clara a demanda populacional dermatológica, assim como a proporção de profissionais adequada para a cobertura de saúde na especialidade. O conhecimento da realidade de fluxo de atendimentos nos consultórios dermatológicos do País permite a formação de políticas de expansão e distribuição de profissionais, além de subsidiar a decisão de ampliação das vagas de residência médica. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o tempo para agendamento de consulta dermatológica privada no Brasil e características ligadas à consulta. MÉTODOS: Inquérito populacional com amostra probabilística de 14% dos consultórios dermatológicos brasileiros, simulando o agendamento de consulta clínica de urgência, cosmiátrica e aplicação de toxina botulínica. Avaliaram-se também aspectos ligados ao custo e ao profissional. Dados foram ajustados para cada região do País. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 873 dermatologistas brasileiros. Sócios titulares da SBD foram 85% e mulheres, 66%. O tempo mediano para agendamento de consulta variou de 6 (particulares) a 7 (convênios) dias úteis consecutivos, esse valores variaram entre as regiões do País. A análise multivariada demonstrou que atendimentos e procedimentos particulares foram agendados mais rapidamente que os de convênios, independentemente, se clínico ...

Evaluation of common operator errors in panoramic radiography in Trinidad and Tobago: a comparison of formally vs informally trained operators / La evaluación de los errores comunes de los operadores de radiografía panorámica en Trinidad y Tobago comparación de los operadores adiestrados formalmente frente a los adiestrados informalmente

AIM: To evaluate and compare the frequency of common operator errors seen on panoramic radiographs in dental private practices and in the dental hospital (taken by informally and formally trained operators, respectively) in Trinidad and Tobago. METHOD: One thousand panoramic radiographs of patients over the age of 10 years were included in this study. These comprised 500 from the dental hospital and 500 from dental private practices. The radiographs were reviewed using standardized criteria to identify the most common operator errors. RESULTS: There were only 21 (4.2%) error free radiographs in the dental private practice sample and 29 (5.8%) in the dental hospital sample. Frequencies of specific errors were significantly higher in the dental private practice sample in each category except for "Chin tipped too low" (Chi-square p < 0.05) CONCLUSION: This study supports the need for the introduction of statutory guidelines with respect to the use of ionizing radiation in dentistry in Trinidad and Tobago and in particular, the implementation of formally assessed dedicated dental radiography training for all operators of dental X-ray equipment.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar y comparar la frecuencia de los errores comunes de los operadores, observados en las radiografías panorámicas en las clínicas dentales privadas y en el hospital de odontología (tomadas por operadores adiestrados formalmente e informalmente, de forma respectiva) en Trinidad y Tobago. MÉTODO: Mil radiografías panorámicas de pacientes de más de 10 años de edad, fueron incluidas en este estudio. Las mismas comprendían 500 provenientes del hospital odontológico y 500 provenían de las prácticas privadas de dentistas. Las radiografías fueron examinadas a partir de criterios estandarizados, a fin de identificar los errores más comunes de los operadores. RESULTADOS: Hubo sólo 21 (4.2%) radiografías sin errores en la muestra de la clínica dental privada, y 29 (5.8%) en la muestra del hospital de odontología. Las frecuencias de errores específicos fueron significativamente más altas en la muestra de la clínica dental privada en cada categoría, salvo el caso del "mentón inclinado excesivamente hacia abajo" (Chi-cuadrado p < 0.05) CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio subraya la necesidad de introducir pautas reglamentarias con respecto al uso de la radiación ionizante en la cirugía dental en Trinidad y Tobago, particularmente en lo que concierne al adiestramiento especializado en radiografía dental, formalmente evaluado, para todos los operadores de equipos de rayos x para el trabajo dental.

Comparison of the epidemiologic features and patterns of initial care for prostate cancer between public and private institutions: a survey by the Brazilian Society of Urology

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological features and patterns of initial care for prostate cancer at public and private institutions in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,082 physicians affiliated to the Sao Paulo Section of the Brazilian Society of Urology were invited to participate in this cross-sectional, web-based survey. Between September 2004 and September 2005, participating urologists entered data on demographic, clinical and pathological characteristics of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer in their practice. Data on patients attended at public institutions were analyzed and compared with those patients attended at private practice. RESULTS: One hundred and ten society members contributed with data from 1915 patients, 1026 (53.6%) of whom from public institutions. When compared with patients attended at private institutions, those attended at public institutions were older and more likely to be black, had higher serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, had a higher probability of being diagnosed with metastatic disease, but were less likely to undergo prostatectomy (all P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, age, biopsy Gleason score, and being attended at a public institution were independently associated with metastatic disease upon diagnosis. The significant predictors of nonsurgical treatment were age, black race, and higher serum levels of PSA. CONCLUSIONS: A statewide registry provides valuable information regarding patient demographics, clinical features, and patterns of care. The results of this study suggest that significant disparities exist for patients with prostate cancer attended at different health-care systems. The relative contribution of biological versus socioeconomic features remains uncertain.

La práctica privada de odontólogos ubicados en las zonas aledañas a las clínicas de la UAM-X / Dentists working at private practices in areas located close to UAM-X clinics

Obejetivos: el presente estudio tuvo como propósito analizar el tipo de práctica privada de los odontólogos ubicados en zonas aledañas a las clínicas estomatológicas de la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco (UAM-X) para saber si el tipo de práctica profesional de los dentistas que egresaron de la UAM-X, difería de las de los odontólogos que egresaron de otras universidades y que se ubicaron en las mismas áreas geográficas.Diseño del estudio: Se entrevistaron a 150 dentistas y se les presentó un cuestionario de autollenado que contenían preguntas relacionadas con su práctica profesional. Se analizó la preparación académica, participación en los servicios estatales, universitarios o en su práctica privada, tipo de sociedad laboral que poseen, opiniones sobre su mercado de trabajo y calidad de vida, tipo de pacientes atendidos y número de horas a la semana que trabajan como dentistas. Resultados. El 98 por ciento de los dentistas egresaron de universidades Públicas y un 39 por ciento tienen posgrado. El 88 por ciento sólo se dedica a la práctica privada y el 12 por ciento restante, participa además en servicios estatales y/o universitarios. El 34.7 por ciento trabajan en sociedad con otros dentistas. Más de la mitad de los odontólogos dicen que tanto su mercado laboral como su calidad de vida son estables. La población que más atienden es de estrato socioeconómico medio-bajo. Conclusiones: Se concluyó que el sitio de formación del odontólogo, no influyó significativamente en un diferente tipo de práctica profesional al de los dentistas egresados de otras universidades. Se sugiere la necesidad de plantear como pregunta de investigación para futuros estudios, la de que, independientemente de cuál escuela haya egresado el profesional, la atención que proporciona a sus pacientes dependerá más de los servicios que estos puedan pagar que de las verdaderas necesidades que presenten.

Control of type 2 diabetes mellitus among general practitioners in private practice in nine countries of Latin America

OBJECTIVES: To better understand how diabetes care and control are being administered by general practitioners/nonspecialists in private practice in nine countries of Latin America, and to identify the most significant patient- and physician-related barriers to care. METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional, epidemiological survey was conducted in nine countries in Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. General practitioners in private practice were asked to provide care and control data for patients 18 to 75 years of age with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), including demographics, medical and medication history, laboratory exams, and information on the challenges of patient management. RESULTS: Of the 3 592 patient questionnaires returned by 377 physicians, 60 percent of the patients had a family history of diabetes, 58 percent followed a poor diet, 71 percent were sedentary, and 79 percent were obese or overweight. Poor glycemic control (fasting blood glucose > 110 mg/dL) was observed in 78 percent of patients. The number of patients with HbA1c < 7.0 percent was 43.2 percent. Glycemic control decreased significantly with increased duration of T2DM. Comorbid conditions associated with T2DM were observed in 86 percent of patients; insulin use and comorbid conditions, especially those associated with microvascular complications, increased significantly disease duration. Ensuring compliance with recommended diet and exercise plans was the most-cited patient management challenge. CONCLUSIONS: Blood glucose levels are undercontrolled in T2DM patients in the private health care system in Latin America, particularly among those who have had the disease the longest (>15 years). Considering the differences between private and public health care in Latin America, especially regarding the quality of care and access to medication, further studies are called for in the public...

OBJETIVOS: Comprender mejor cómo los médicos generales/no especialistas del sector privado atienden y controlan la diabetes en nueve países de América Latina e identificar los principales problemas relacionados con el paciente y el médico, que obstaculizan la atención. MÉTODOS:Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico, multicéntrico, transversal, en nueve países de América Latina: Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, México, Perú y Venezuela. Se pidió a los médicos generales del sector privado la información sobre la atención y el control de sus pacientes de 18 a 75 años de edad con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DMT2), así como los datos demográficos, la historia clínica y de medicación, las pruebas de laboratorio e información sobre los retos relacionados con la atención del paciente. RESULTADOS: De los 3 592 cuestionarios de pacientes entregados por 377 médicos, 60 por ciento de los pacientes tenían antecedentes familiares de diabetes, 58 por ciento seguían una dieta inadecuada, 71 por ciento eran sedentarios y 79 por ciento presentaban obesidad o sobrepeso. Se observó un inadecuado control glucémico (glucemia en ayunas > 110 mg/dL) en 78 por ciento de los pacientes. La proporción de pacientes con HbA1c < 7,0 por ciento fue de 43,2 por ciento. El control glucémico se redujo significativamente al aumentar la duración de la DMT2. En 86 por ciento de los pacientes se encontraron enfermedades concurrentes asociadas con la DMT2; el uso de insulina y las enfermedades concurrentes -especialmente las asociadas con complicaciones microvasculares- incrementaron significativamente la duración de la diabetes. En cuanto al tratamiento de los pacientes, el reto más frecuentemente citado fue garantizar la adhesión a la dieta y al plan de ejercicios recomendados. CONCLUSIONES: Los niveles de glucemia no están suficientemente controlados en los pacientes con DMT2 que se atienden en el sistema privado de salud de América Latina, particularmente...

Use of radiographs for periodontal diagnosis in private practice

The aim of the present study was to determine the percentage of dentists who use radiographic examination on the initial appointment, and establish the relation between the use of periodontal probe and graduation year. Dentists were interviewed in their private offices in three cities in Rio Grande do Sul. They were asked about the routine use of radiographic examination and, if applicable, what technique was applied and what clinical instrument was used at the first appointment. Opened and closed questions were included in the interview and for some of them more than one answer was possible. A significant number of dentists (62.9%) reported some kind of radiographic examination at the initial appointment. Among the radiographic techniques, the periapical was the most cited (74.3%), followed by the panoramic (36.2%) and bite-wing (32.9 %) techniques. There was an association between the use of periodontal probe and the use of radiographic examination at the initial appointment. Dentists who used periodontal probe used radiographic examination more frequently (p=0.010). More recently graduated dentists (1991-2005) used radiographic examination more than the others (p=0.022). In conclusion, a large number of dentists reported the use of radiographic examination at the initial appointment. There was an association between the use of this examination technique and the use of the periodontal probe; recently graduated dentists used radiographic examinations more frequently than the others.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar o percentual de cirurgiões dentistas (CDs) que utilizam o exame radiográfico para diagnóstico na consulta inicial, assim como realizar associações entre o uso de sonda periodontal, tempo de conclusão da graduação e uso de radiografias. Os CDs foram entrevistados em seus consultórios particulares em três cidades do Rio Grande do Sul. Foram questionados a respeito da utilização rotineira do exame radiográfico, e quando utilizado qual a técnica realizada e quais instrumentos clínicos utilizava na consulta inicial. Foram utilizadas perguntas abertas e fechadas nas entrevistas, sendo que para algumas delas mais de uma resposta era possível. Um alto percentual dos CDs entrevistados (62.9%) faz uso rotineiro de algum tipo de radiografia na consulta inicial. Entre as técnicas radiográficas, a periapical foi a mais relatada (74,3%), seguidas pela panorâmica (36,2%) e interproximal (32,9%). Existe uma associação entre o uso de sonda periodontal e o uso de exame radiográfico na consulta inicial. CDs que utilizam a sonda periodontal também utilizam mais rotineiramente o exame radiográfico (p=0.010). Percebe-se também que CDs formados recentemente (1991-2005) utilizam mais o exame radiográfico quando comparados aos demais (p=0,022). Conclusões: Um elevado percentual de CDs utiliza exame radiográfico na consulta inicial. Existe uma associação entre a utilização deste exame e a utilização de sonda periodontal e CDs formados mais recentemente utilizam o exame radiográfico mais freqüentemente.

Use of antibiotics in upper respiratory infections on patients under 16 years old in private ambulatory medicine

OBJECTIVE: To assess antibiotic use for upper respiratory infections (URI) treatment on patients under 16 years-old who are beneficiaries of a pre-paid health care scheme. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A database containing the record of all the medical prescriptions for URI treatment, from May 1997 to April 1998 was analyzed. Patients were under 16 years old and had been diagnosed with common colds, pharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis, and other unspecified upper respiratory tract infections. Three hundred and fifty-one physicians of seven different specialties who attended 25 300 beneficiaries wrote such prescriptions. RESULTS: A total of 30 889 assorted medications were prescribed to 5 533 patients with the above diagnoses. Antibiotics were prescribed for 77.5 percent of all diagnoses, ranging from 58 percent for pharyngitis to 91 percent for laryngitis. The most frequently used antibiotics were: penicillin, cephalosporins, and macrolides. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the information of antibiotics prescription practices for URI in a pre-paid health plan in Mexico. These findings may be used to support specific campaigns for rational use of antibiotics among children attended at private ambulatory health care practices

Health care options in childhood ARI before hospital care.

A cross sectional study was conducted, to examine the pattern of health care options, exercised before seeking care at the district hospital in the event of ARI in under fives. One hundred fifteen under fives selected through systematic sampling technique, from two district hospitals were the subjects of study. Respondents were the care providers, who accompanied children to the Hospitals. Time delay in initiating care and reaching the district hospital was also recorded. Reasons for preferring a particular source as first choice were enquired. District Hospitals stood out as the most preferred source, as 52 (45.2%) of the children used it as the first step. Other sources of health care were Health Center (10.4%), Home Care (25.2%) General Practitioners (10.4%) and Drug Stores (8.7%). On an average a child took 1.8 steps before coming to the district hospital. Children experienced 13 unique treatment patterns. Children initially offered home care followed longer sequence and more variable pattern. Convenience (62.6%) and cost (37.4%) were the main factors in choosing a source of treatment. Children who received home care were brought to district hospital earlier than others.

Evaluación de los posgrados de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Antioquia entre 1982 - 1995 (desempeño y grado de satisfacción) / Evaluation of postgraduate studies of the School of Dentistry, University of Antioquia, between 1982 - 1995 (performance and degree of satisfaction)

En la investigación "Evaluación de los posgrados de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Antioquia entre 1982 y 1995", en la cual participó el 83 por ciento de los egresados, con respecto al desempeño y grado de satisfacción, se encontró que una vez egresados, su desempeño laboral está estrechamente relacionado con dos de los objetivos propuestos para su formación de posgrado, el clínico y el docente, y en el área clínica prima la modalidad privada. El grado de satisfacción con respecto a la formación recibia estuvo entre el 81 y el 95 por ciento, satisfacción que está estrechamente relacionada con sus expectativas en la formación clínica. Con respecto al título, se encontró que existen problemas en su reconocimiento de parte de las asociaciones gremiales, y de algunas instituciones empleadoras. En la entrevista a los mayores empleadores en la ciudad de Medellín, se informó que no existen diferentes entre los egresados de la Universidad de Antioquia y los egresados de otras entidades educativas

Utilization of health care facilities in Bangladesh.

This study was conducted among 310 families at some urban and rural areas of Mymensingh district to know the pattern of utilization of available health care facilities by them. Out of 310 families, 150 were from 4 villages of Muktagacha thana (rural) and 160 were from Mymensingh pouroshava (urban). It was observed that 93.3 percent from rural and 95.6 percent of urban population were utilizing modern health care facilities. Of them 40.6 percent from urban and 33.3 per cent of rural areas were found to prefer private sector facilities. More than three-fourth of the urban children and half of the rural children of the families under study were found immunized. About 70 per cent of the town dwellers were availing MCH care. On the contrary the rate of utilization of MCH services by the village people was only 37.3 per cent.