Disposição de enfermeiros para o uso do telemonitoramento em usuários com condições crônicas: estudo transversal / Nurses' willingness to resort to telemonitoring in users with chronic conditions: a cross-sectional study

OBJETIVO: Verificar a disposição de enfermeiros da Atenção Primária em utilizar o telemonitoramento no acompanhamento de usuários com hipertensão arterial e/ou diabetes mellitus. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal realizado com enfermeiros atuantes nos municípios da 15ª Regional de Saúde do Paraná. Dos 289 convidados, 65 responderam ao questionário online disponibilizado em maio e junho de 2021 no Google Forms. Foram incluídos os enfermeiros que atuavam nas unidades de saúde da 15ª Regional de Saúde e que responderam ao questionário enviado. Não foi adotado nenhum critério de exclusão, mesmo quando o enfermeiro deixava alguma questão em branco. Na análise, foram utilizados os testes Qui-quadrado, Exato de Fisher e Razão de Prevalência. RESULTADOS: Entre as variáveis analisadas, observou-se associação entre ter menos idade e menor tempo de formado e a percepção de que o telemonitoramento sem atendimento presencial é insuficiente para acompanhar os usuários, e das variáveis "telemonitoramento favorece a comunicação com o paciente" e "é possível" com "otimiza o trabalho da equipe". E também maior disposição para uso foi observada entre os que receberam capacitação. CONCLUSÃO: Ausência de capacitações e insuficiência de equipamentos e recursos humanos são fatores que afetam e podem inviabilizar o uso do telemonitoramento.

OBJECTIVE: To verify Primary Care nurses' willingness to resort to Telemonitoring in the follow-up of users with arterial hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus. METHOD: A cross-sectional study conducted with nurses working in the municipalities from the 15th Health Region of Paraná. Of all the 289 individuals invited, 65 answered the online questionnaire made available in May and June 2021 via Google Forms. The nurses included were those working in the health units from the 15th Health Region and who answered the questionnaire sent. No exclusion criteria were adopted, even when a nurse left some questions unanswered. Chi-square, Fisher's Exact and Prevalence Ratio tests were used in the analysis. RESULTS: An association was observed between less time since graduation and the perception that Telemonitoring without in-person assistance is insufficient to follow up the users; in addition, it was noticed that the Telemonitoring variables favor communication with the patients and can streamline the work performed by the team. More willingness to use Telemonitoring was perceived among those who underwent training. CONCLUSION: The absence of training sessions and the insufficiency of devices and human resources affect and may preclude Telemonitoring.

Spatial Clusters of Chronic Childhood Conditions in the State of Paraíba, Brazil / Aglomerados espaciais de condições crônicas infantis no estado da Paraíba, Brasil

Introduction:chronic conditions are complex health problems that require continuous and multidisciplinary care. When they affect children/adolescents, they require hospitalizations and periodic and long-term follow-up. Understanding the geographical distribution of these conditions will provide greater visibility to the problem and support the decision-making process.Objective: detect the spatial clusters of chronic health conditions affecting children and adolescents in the state of Paraíba, Brazil.Methods: ecological, retrospective, study employing secondary data from the Information System of Children and Adolescents with Chronic Disease from a reference hospital in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, covering the period from 2015 to 2017. The Spatial Incidence Ratio and the Spatial Scan statistic were used for the data analysis.Results: a concentration of spatial clusters was observed in the Mata Paraibana mesoregion, an area where the public hospital service is located, which functions as a reference in the recurrent hospitalizations of this population with chronic conditions.Conclusion: the detection of spatial clusters can help public managers to recognize the priority areas for the monitoring of chronic conditions in children and adolescents.

Introdução: as condições crônicas são problemas de saúde complexos que exigem tratamento contínuo e multiprofissional. Quando se referem às crianças/adolescentes, demandam internações hospitalares e acompanhamentos periódicos e duradouros. A compreensão da distribuição geográfica desses agravos proporcionará uma maior visibilidade ao problema e subsídios para o processo de tomada de decisão.Objetivo: detectar os aglomerados espaciais das condições crônicas de saúde que acometem crianças e adolescentes no estado da Paraíba, Brasil.Método: trata- se de estudo ecológico, retrospectivo com dados secundários do Sistema de Informação de Crianças e Adolescentes com Doença Crônica provenientes de um hospital de referência do estado da Paraíba, Brasil, no período de 2015 a 2017. Para análise dos dados foram estimadas Razão de Incidências Espaciais e a estatística Scan espacial.Resultados: foi verificada uma concentração de aglomerados espaciais na mesorregião da mata paraibana, área onde se encontra o serviço hospitalar público que atua como referência estadual nas recorrentes internações dessa população em condição de cronicidade.Conclusão: a detecção dos aglomerados espaciais pode ajudar gestores públicos a reconhecer as áreas prioritárias para o monitoramento dos casos de condições crônicas em crianças e adolescentes.

Percepção dos estudantes de Medicina sobre as habilidades de autogestão adquiridas durante a vigência do ensino remoto / Medical students' perception about the self-management skills acquired during remote learning

Resumo: Introdução: A pandemia da Covid-19 trouxe diversos desafios para as instituições de ensino superior (IES) de todos os países. Nesse contexto, destacou-se a necessidade de reestruturação do processo de ensino-aprendizagem de forma a garantir a aquisição real de conhecimentos, bem como o desenvolvimento de métodos de estudo para que os discentes conseguissem conviver com o ensino remoto emergencial (ERE) e seus contratempos. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar como ocorreu o estudo dirigido e a percepção dos discentes quanto aos ganhos de habilidades de autogestão durante o ERE. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal quantitativo e qualitativo, realizado com 93 estudantes de Medicina de diferentes IES brasileiras. Utilizou-se questionário semiestruturado para a coleta dos dados. Os dados foram processados no software Iramuteq, e utilizaram-se análise de similitude e nuvem de palavras, além de estatística descritiva. Resultado: Em relação ao tempo dedicado ao estudo dirigido, 59,1% dos estudantes relataram que o estabeleceram, e 57,0% afirmaram que traçaram estratégias para melhor geri-lo; 68,8% mencionaram que perceberam diferenças ao compararem os métodos de fixação de conteúdo utilizados antes e durante no ERE, e, desses, 70,3% consideraram que essas novas técnicas foram eficientes. Na análise qualitativa, analisaram-se seis corpora monotemáticos, relacionados à opinião sobre o que auxiliou e o que prejudicou a gestão das emoções e do tempo, quais estratégias de fixação de conteúdo foram utilizadas e quais habilidades de autogestão foram desenvolvidas no período do ERE. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que, apesar das dificuldades encontradas, elas foram superadas com a adoção de estratégias centradas no desenvolvimento de habilidades de autogestão de tempo, emoções e fixação de conteúdo por parte dos estudantes, e, dessa forma, pode-se inferir que eles perceberam o desenvolvimento de algumas das habilidades essenciais para superar os novos e recentes desafios impostos pelas mudanças no planeta, como organização pessoal, dos estudos e do tempo, além das relacionadas às emoções e ao gerenciamento de recursos tecnológicos.

Abstract: Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic presented several challenges to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in all countries. In this context, there is a prominent need to restructure the teaching-learning process in order to guarantee genuine knowledge acquisition, as well as the development of study methods to enable students to deal with the emergency remote teaching (ERT) and its setbacks. Objective: To investigate directed study was implemented and how students viewed the gains in self-management skills during ERT. Method: Quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional study, conducted with 93 medical students from different Brazilian HEIs. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were processed using the IRAMUTEQ software, similarity analysis and word cloud, in addition to the use of descriptive statistics. Results: In relation to the time dedicated to directed study, 59.1% of the students reported having established it and 57.0% said they had outlined strategies to better manage this time; 68.8% reported having perceived differences when comparing the learning consolidation methods used before and during ERT and, of these, 70.3% considered that these new techniques were efficient. In the qualitative analysis, six monothematic corpora were analysed, relating to opinions on what helped and what hindered emotional and time management, which learning consolidation strategies were used and which self-management skills were developed during ERT. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that the difficulties encountered were overcome through the adoption of strategies to help students develop self-management skills in relation to time, emotions and learning consolidation. It can therefore be inferred that students successfully mastered some of the essential skills to overcome new and recent challenges imposed by changes in the world, such as their personal organization, studies and time, in addition to those related to emotions and management of technological resources.

Poor Sleep quality and health-related quality of life impact in adolescents with and without chronic immunosuppressive conditions during COVID-19 quarantine

OBJECTIVE: To assess the possible factors that influence sleep quality in adolescents with and without chronic immunosuppressive conditions quarantined during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 305 adolescents with chronic immunocompromised conditions and 82 healthy adolescents. Online surveys were completed, which included questions on socio-demographic data and self-rated healthcare routine during COVID-19 quarantine and the following validated questionnaires: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL4.0), and Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). RESULTS: The median current age [14 (10-18) vs. 15 (10-18) years, p=0.847] and frequency of female sex (62% vs. 58%, p=0.571) were similar in adolescents with chronic conditions compared with healthy adolescents. The frequency of poor sleep quality was similar in both groups (38% vs. 48%, p=0.118). Logistic regression analysis, including both healthy adolescents and adolescents with chronic conditions (n=387), demonstrated that self-reported increase in screen time (odds ratio [OR] 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-6.8; p=0.008) and intrafamilial violence report (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2-3.5; p=0.008) were independently associated with poor sleep quality in these adolescents. However, the PODCI global function score was associated with a lower OR for poor sleep quality (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.94-0.99; p=0.001). Further logistic regression, including only adolescents with chronic conditions (n=305), demonstrated that self-reported increase in screen time (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.4-6.8; p=0.006) and intrafamilial violence report (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.4; p=0.011) remained independently associated with poor quality of sleep, whereas a lower PODCI global function score was associated with a lower OR for sleep quality (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.94-0.98; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Self-reported increases in screen time and intrafamilial violence report impacted sleep quality in both healthy adolescents and those with chronic conditions. Decreased health-related quality of life was observed in adolescents with poor sleep quality.

Dynamics of chronic diseases in metro and non-metro regions of India: evidence from India Human Development Survey I and II

Background:The growth of metropolitan cities had significantly contributed to the process of urbanization in India. About two-fifth of the urban population, out of total India’s urban population, live in 35 metropolitan cities. It is important to look into the disease dynamics in the population of metro and non-metro regions of India. The study aims to find the differences in the distribution of chronic diseases in metro and non-metro regions of India and depicts the contributions of background factors causing a change in the prevalence of chronic diseases in metro and non-metro regions of India.Methods:Data from India Human Development Survey (IHDS)I and II conducted in 2004 and 2012 respectively have been used. Bivariate analysis has been performed to find the association between independent variables and chronic diseases, and logistic regression has been used to find the effect of predictor variables on chronic diseases by metro and non-metro regions. Fairlie decomposition technique has been used to find the contribution of each predictor variable accounting for differences in chronic diseases between metro and non-metro regions.Results:Age, sex, socio-economic status (education and wealth), alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption, and body mass index status are significantly associated with chronic conditions in metro regions of India. Age, wealth, and developed regions contributed most to the differences in chronic diseases between metro and non-metro areas.Conclusions:Metro regions in India suffers from a massive burden of chronic conditions. Metro regions should be given a special focus to tackle the menace of chronic diseases.

Factores que impactan sobre la percepción de la menstruación en las adolescentes / Factors that impact on the perception of menstruation among female adolescents

Introducción. Se ha descrito que la menstruación se percibe como un evento natural pero molesto, con un impacto negativo en la vida diaria de la mujer. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar la percepción de la menstruación en adolescentes y los factores que podían influir sobre esta.Material y métodos. Estudio transversal observacional comparativo en adolescentes posmenárquicas con y sin enfermedades crónicas, en 2 hospitales pediátricos y 2 escuelas de nivel primario y secundario. Se recabaron los datos de edad, escolaridad, tipo de población, fecha de menarca y presencia de dismenorrea. Se aplicó un cuestionario previamente validado para evaluar la percepción sobre la menstruación.Resultados. Se incluyó un total de 346 adolescentes. Se encontró que la percepción más frecuente hacia la menstruación fue la negativa en un 65,6 % (n = 227), positiva en el 16 % (n = 55), sigilosa en el 13 % (n = 45) e indeterminada en el 5,4 % (n = 19). La presencia de enfermedad crónica demostró ser un factor protector de la percepción negativa de la menstruación (odds ratio 0,4 [intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 0,20-0,78], p = 0,007).Conclusiones. Más de la mitad de las adolescentes presentaron una actitud negativa hacia la menstruación, pero la presencia de una enfermedad crónica la mejoró

Introduction. It has been described that menstruation is perceived as a natural but cumbersome event, with a negative impact on women's daily life. The objective of this study was to identify the perception of menstruation among female adolescents and the factors that may affect it.Material and methods. Observational, cross-sectional, comparative study in postmenarcheal adolescents with and without chronic conditions in two children's hospitals and two primary and secondary schools. Age, education level, type of population, date of menarche, and presence of dysmenorrhea were recorded. A previously validated questionnaire was administered to assess the perception of menstruation. Results. A total of 346 female adolescents were included. The most common perception of menstruation was negative in 65.6 % (n = 227), positive in 16 % (n = 55), discreet in 13 % (n = 45), and indefinite in 5.4 % (n = 19). The presence of a chronic condition demonstrated to be a protective factor against a negative perception of menstruation (odds ratio: 0.4 [95 % confidence interval: 0.20-0.78], p = 0.007).Conclusions. More than half of female adolescents had a negative attitude toward menstruation, but the presence of a chronic condition improved it.

Prescrição e cuidado no contexto da condição crônica / Prescription and care in the context of the chronic condition / Prescripción y cuidado en el contexto de la condición crónica

O adoecimento crônico se apresenta atualmente como uma problemática de enorme relevância para as políticas públicas de saúde. Este artigo relata uma investigação realizada com médicos de um serviço especializado no atendimento a pessoas com condições crônicas de adoecimento em um hospital público no Rio de Janeiro. Partindo dos conceitos de Canguilhem sobre saúde e doença foram entrevistados cinco médicos deste serviço especializado de modo a analisar os projetos terapêuticos voltados às condições de cronicidade. No discurso dos entrevistados ressalta-se a referência a diferentes ordens de dificuldades observadas por eles no universo dos pacientes atendidos. Dificuldades de adesão ao tratamento causadas pela angústia diante da ausência da perspectiva de cura, poucos recursos para acesso a uma alimentação saudável e mesmo para a locomoção ao hospital, impossibilitam, segundo os entrevistados, o cuidado necessário ao trabalho de normatividade de um corpo acometido de uma doença crônica.

Chronic illness is currently a problem of enormous relevance for public health policies. This article reports an investigation carried out with physicians of a specialized service in the care of people with chronic conditions of illness in a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Based on the concepts of Canguilhem on health and illness, five physicians of this specialized service were interviewed in order to analyze the therapeutic projects focused on the conditions of chronicity. In the interviewees' speech the reference to different orders of difficulties observed by them in the universe of the patients attended is highlighted. Difficulties of adherence to treatment caused by anguish in the absence of the prospect of cure, few resources for access to a healthy diet and even for the locomotion to the hospital, make it impossible, according to the interviewees, to take care of the normative work of a body affected by a chronic disease.

La enfermedad crónica se presenta actualmente como una problemática de enorme relevancia para las políticas públicas de salud. Este artículo relata una investigación realizada con médicos de un servicio especializado en la atención a personas con condiciones crónicas de enfermedad en un hospital público en Río de Janeiro. A partir de los conceptos de Canguilhem sobre salud y enfermedad fueron entrevistados cinco médicos de este servicio especializado para analizar los proyectos terapéuticos orientados a las condiciones de cronicidad. En el discurso de los entrevistados se resalta la referencia a diferentes órdenes de dificultades observadas por ellos en el universo de los pacientes atendidos. Dificultades de adhesión al tratamiento causadas por la angustia ante la ausencia de la perspectiva de curación, pocos recursos para acceder a una alimentación sana e incluso para la locomoción al hospital, imposibilitan, según los entrevistados, el cuidado necesario al trabajo de normatividad de un cuerpo acometido de un cuerpo una enfermedad crónica.

Validación español-argentina del cuestionario de transición a la atención médica del adulto en adolescentes con enfermedades crónicas / Validation of the Argentine Spanish version of Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire for adolescents with chronic conditions

Introducción. El pasaje de adolescentes con enfermedades crónicas al seguimiento como adultos es un proceso complejo y creciente. Los pacientes necesitan adquirir conocimientos y habilidades que aseguren la continuidad de su cuidado. El objetivo fue llevar a cabo la validación del instrumento Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) 5.0, versión en español argentino, en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes con enfermedades crónicas. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, transversal y cuantitativo. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 14 años con enfermedad crónica atendidos en el Hospital Garrahan. El TRAQ incluye 20 ítems en 5 subescalas (medicación, asistencia a citas, seguimiento de problemas de salud, comunicación con profesionales, manejo de actividades cotidianas) y se responde de modo autoadministrado. Los pacientes completaron el TRAQ, una encuesta de opinión sobre su uso y otra escala de autopercepción de autonomía; sus médicos, una escala sobre el compromiso de la enfermedad. Se registraron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y relacionadas con el TRAQ. Resultados. Participaron 191 pacientes. El TRAQ 5.0 pudo ser comprendido y completado por la mayoría de los pacientes (96,3%), en forma autoadministrada, en poco tiempo (mediana: 5 minutos) y con poca o ninguna ayuda (81%). Presentar pobreza o escolaridad no acorde aumentó la necesidad de ayuda. La consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach) para la puntuación total fue 0,81. Se demostró validez de construcción al testear diferentes hipótesis (todas p < 0,05): discriminación según edad ≥ 16 años (3,01 vs. 3,34), sexo (mujeres: 3,38 > varones: 3,12) y presencia de proyecto futuro (sin: 3,01 < con: 3,34); correlación con escala de autopercepción (r: 0,49). Conclusión. El TRAQ 5.0 queda disponible para ser utilizado en adolescentes argentinos con enfermedades crónicas.

Introduction. The transition of adolescents with chronic conditions to adult follow-up care is an increasingly complex process. Patients need to acquire knowledge and skills that ensure continuity of their care. The goal of this study was to validate the Argentinian Spanish version of the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) 5.0 tool in adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions. Population and methods. Descriptive, crosssectional, quantitative study. Patients with chronic conditions aged 14 years or older treated at Hospital Garrahan were included. The TRAQ is made up of 20 items divided into 5 subscales (Managing Medication, Appointment Keeping, Tracking Health Issues, Talking with Providers, Managing Daily Activities), and is designed to be self-administered. Patients completed the TRAQ, as well as an opinion survey about its use and a self-perceived autonomy scale; their physicians answered a scale about patients' health impairment due to the condition. Sociodemographic, clinical and TRAQ-related variables were recorded. Results. A total of 191 patients participated. The majority of patients (96.3%) understood the TRAQ 5.0 questionnaire and completed it correctly, in self-administered modality, in a short time (median: 5 minutes), with little or no help (81%). Patients who live in poverty or have a lower education level than the one expected for their age needed more help. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) for the overall score was 0.81. Construct validity was demonstrated by testing different hypotheses (all p < 0.05): discriminationby age ≥ 16 years (3.01 vs. 3.34), sex (women: 3.38 > men: 3.12) and having plans for the future (without plans: 3.01 < with plans: 3.34); correlation with self-perception scale (r= 0.49). Conclusion. The TRAQ 5.0 tool is available for use inArgentinianadolescents with chronic conditions.

Contextual factors related to chronic condition in portuguese adolescents: highlights from the HBSC/WHO study

Abstract Adolescence's changes may become more pronounced when living with a chronic condition (CC). This study aims to examined the differences in satisfaction with family life, perception of school competence and "pressure with homework" of Portuguese adolescents' 1) living with CC; 2) how living with CC affects school participation; taking into account age, gender and family socioeconomic status (SES). Five thousand fifty Portuguese adolescents (mean age 14 ± 1.85) of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC/WHO) were included. Results showed increased vulnerability in adolescents living with CC, presenting a lower satisfaction with family life and poor school outcomes. Younger boys, having a higher SES and not having CC are significantly associated with satisfaction with family life. Older girls, having a lower SES and living with CC were associated with more stress related to school work. Future interventions should include these featurescombined with 'listening' to adolescents and their needs, allowing their participation in the promotion of personal health. (AU)

Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de niños con enfermedades crónicas alojados en un hospedaje integral en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Health-related quality of life in children with chronic conditions lodged at a comprehensive accommodation in the City of Buenos Aires

Introducción. El tratamiento de enfermedades crónicas suele requerir un entrenamiento profesional multidisciplinario. Existen alojamientos integrales adaptados a las necesidades de familias que deben permanecer por períodos prolongados lejos de su hogar. Objetivos. Evaluar el impacto de un programa de hospedaje integral sobre la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de niños con patologías crónicas atendidos en un hospital de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, en comparación con niños alojados en hospedajes tradicionales y con niños sanos. Analizar la concordancia entre la declaración de niños y cuidadores. Métodos. Estudio observacional transversal. Grupo 1: niños con trastornos crónicos hospedados en un alojamiento integral; Grupo 2: niños con trastornos crónicos hospedados en un alojamiento tradicional; Grupo 3: niños sanos. Se utilizó la versión argentina del cuestionario Kidscreen-52. El valor p < 0,05, tamaño de efecto (TE) > 0,20 y el coeficiente de correlación interclase (CCI) > 0,60 fueron considerados significativos. Resultados. 250 duplas niños/as-cuidadores (50 en cada grupo crónico y 150 controles sanos). Edad media: 12,6 años (rango de 8-18 años); 56%, varones. Niños del Grupo 1 manifestaron mejor estado de ánimo, relación parental, amigos y entorno escolar comparado con el Grupo 2 (p < 0,05, TE > 0,20). La concordancia entre la declaración de niños y cuidadores fue baja, principalmente en las dimensiones psicosociales (CCI < 0,29). Conclusiones. Los niños con trastornos crónicos pueden conservar, pese al desarraigo, una buena relación parental, lazos de amistad y apoyo social, y no ver discontinuada su escolaridad, en un hogar integral adaptado a sus necesidades durante su estadía en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires.

Introduction.The treatment of chronic diseases usually requires a multidisciplinary professional training.There are comprehensive accommodations that are adapted to the needs of the families that have to stay away from home for long periods. Objectives.To assess the impact of a comprehensive accommodation on the health-related quality of life of children with chronic conditions seen at a hospital of the City of Buenos Aires compared to children lodged at a traditional accommodation and to healthy children. To analyze the agreement between children's and caregivers' opinions. Metfeods.Cross-sectional, observational study. Group 1:children with chronic conditions lodged at a comprehensive accommodation. Group 2: children with chronic conditions lodged at a traditional accommodation. Group 3: healthy children. The Argentine version of the Kidscreen-52 questionnaire was used. A value of p < 0.05, the effect size (ES) > 0.20, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.60 were considered significant. Results.Two hundred and fifty children/caregiver dyads (50 in each chronic group and 150 healthy controls). Mean age: 12.6 years old (range: 8-18 years old), 56% were males. The children in Group 1 showed better moods and emotions, a better relationship with parents and peers, and a better school environment than those in Group 2 (p < 0.05, ES > 0.20). Agreement between children's and caregivers' opinion was low, especially in relation to psychosocial dimensions (ICC < 0.29). Conclusions.In spite of their uprooting, children with chronic conditions are capable of maintaining a good relationship with their parents, a good peer bond and social support, and do not need discontinue their education while lodged at a comprehensive accommodation adapted to their needs during their stay in the City of Buenos Aires.

New Directions for the Brown Bag Program, Identified from the UK’s Experience of Advanced Pharmacist Services / 医薬品情報学

<b>Objective: </b>The Brown Bag program is a drug use review service conducted by community pharmacists.  To improve this program for promoting appropriate drug use, we studied the Medicine Use Review (MUR) program introduced in the UK in 2005, which is similar to the Brown Bag program.<br><b>Methods: </b>First, we obtained data through an internet-based search on MUR, which included data on the skills and accreditation required by pharmacists for conducting this program, the conditions required in pharmacies, the target patient groups, and financial reimbursement of pharmacists/pharmacies for these services.  Subsequently, we visited professional pharmaceutical organizations, a university, and a pharmacy in the UK to conduct interviews involving a predetermined questionnaire, with a total of 6 interviewees.<br><b>Results: </b>The MUR is a medication review program provided free of cost to patients mainly with chronic conditions.  It aims to identify potential safety concerns and improve medication adherence.  In addition to knowledge regarding pharmacotherapy, pharmacists require advanced communication skills for evaluating the use of medications and for providing appropriate consultations in face-to-face sessions. Providing an environment that protects patient privacy is also important.  After the MUR was introduced, the number of services has increased every year and good practices in this regard have increased.<br><b>Conclusion: </b>Information regarding patient selection, check sheet items (e.g., drug names, mode of drug use, reasons for use, and side effects), and feedback procedures was obtained from the MUR program.  The Brown Bag program should be improved to apply this activity to promote appropriate medication use and enhance risk communication service.