The application of bioethics as legal basis in judicial sentences concerning right to health in Brazil

The right to health is linked to life and human dignity. Among the instruments to make it effective, the phenomenon of health litigation has become prominent. In Brazil, courts are increasingly faced with the task of rendering verdicts concerning matters related to health. Nowadays, judges have to deal with issues about health policies, technology incorporations, drug supplies, human autonomy, genetics, and biotechnologies, among others. Lawsuit sentences are now to be built upon the resolution of ethical, legal and philosophical questions. Bioethics presents itself as an instrument and method to help solve legal cases involving the right to health. This paper intends to show that bioethics can be applied in verdicts of lawsuits regarding to right to health in Brazil. It highlights that bioethics can be considered a source of law due to its normative dimension, as well as a hermeneutic method. This essay also aims to show the role for bioethics to help interpret the law and solve hard cases within health law and the right to health. Lastly, it aims to justify the presence of bioethics as legal reasoning to be used by judges in the foundation of their verdicts in lawsuits involving the right to health.

El derecho a la salud está vinculado a la dignidad humana. Entre los instrumentos para hacerlo efectivo se ha destacado el fenómeno de la judicialización de la salud. En Brasil, los tribunales cada vez más deben decidir sobre asuntos relacionados con el derecho a la salud. Jueces deben tratar temas sobre políticas de salud, biotecnologías, medicamentos, autonomía humana, genética, entre otros. Las sentencias judiciales ahora deben resolver cuestiones éticas, legales y filosóficas. La bioética se presenta como un instrumento y un método para ayudar a resolver los casos legales del derecho a la salud. Este estudio pretende mostrar que la bioética puede ser aplicada en sentencias judiciales sobre casos de derecho a la salud en Brasil. Se destaca que la bioética puede ser considerada una fuente de derecho por su dimensión normativa, así como un método hermenéutico. Este ensayo también tiene como objetivo mostrar el papel de la bioética para ayudar a interpretar el derecho y resolver casos difíciles dentro del derecho a la salud. Por último, pretende justificar la presencia de la bioética como razonamiento jurídico a ser utilizado por los jueces en la fundamentación de sus veredictos en juicios que involucren el derecho a la salud.

O direito à saúde está vinculado à dignidade humana. Dentre os instrumentos para efetivá-la, o fenômeno da judicialização da saúde tem se destacado. No Brasil, os tribunais se deparam cada vez mais com a tarefa de julgar processos relacionadas ao direito à saúde. Atualmente, os juízes têm que lidar com questões sobre políticas de saúde, incorporação de tecnologias, fornecimento de medicamentos, autonomia, genética, biotecnologias, entre outros. As sentenças judiciais devem ser construídas com base também na resolução de questões éticas, legais e filosóficas. A bioética apresenta-se como instrumento e método para auxiliar na resolução de casos jurídicos envolvendo o direito à saúde. Este trabalho pretende mostrar que a bioética pode ser aplicada no julgamento de ações judiciais relativas ao direito à saúde no Brasil. Destaca que a bioética pode ser considerada fonte do direito por sua dimensão normativa, bem como método hermenêutico. Este ensaio também visa mostrar o papel da bioética para ajudar a interpretar a lei e resolver casos difíceis dentro do direito sanitário e do direito à saúde. Por fim, visa justificar a presença da bioética como fundamentação jurídica a ser utilizada pelos magistrados na fundamentação de suas sentenças em ações que envolvam o direito à saúde.

Percepción del cuidado centrado en la persona y autonomía en la atención clínica de usuarios que viven con multimorbilidad / Perception of Person-Centered Care and Autonomy in Clinical Care in Patients living with Multimorbidity / Percepção do cuidado centrado na pessoa e autonomia no cuidado clínico de usuários que convivem com multimorbidade

Introducción: promover autonomía significa transitar desde un modelo paternalista hacia uno que posi-cione en un rol activo a las personas durante el encuentro clínico, con participación en la toma de deci-siones relativas al cuidado de su salud. Este artículo describe la percepción de usuarios que viven con multimorbilidad respecto del ejercicio de su autonomía durante la atención clínica. Método: estudio de caso cualitativo en usuarios con multimorbilidad atendidos en un centro de salud familiar de Santiago (Chile).Se realizó análisis de contenido según Krippendorf. Resultados: la muestra quedó conformada por 19 participantes adultos con un promedio de 2.7 condiciones crónicas de salud. Del análisis de contenido de las entrevistas emergieron tres categorías: a) significado atribuido por los usuarios a la autonomía en la atención de salud, b) elementos que debe considerar una atención en salud que respete la autonomía del usuario y c) participación durante la atención clínica. Conclusiones: frente al aumento de las condicio-nes crónicas de salud es imperativo repensar la forma de brindar atención de salud, relevando el valor de la participación usuaria a través de la toma de decisiones compartida como expresión de respeto de su autonomía y una forma de fomentar el cuidado centrado en las personas

Aim: Promoting autonomy means changing from a paternalistic model to one in which individuals play an active role in their healthcare, which their participation in medical decision-making will reflect. This issue needs to be sufficiently explored in Chile, so this article aims to describe the perception of users liv-ing with multimorbidity regarding their ability to exercise autonomy in clinical care. Method: Qualitative case study conducted in a sample of patients with multimorbility from a family health center in Santiago de Chile. Content analysis was performed according to the Krippendorf method. Results: The sample com-prised 19 adult participants with an average of 2.7 chronic health conditions. Three categories emerged from the content analysis of the interviews: (a) Meaning attributed by users to autonomy in health care, (b) Elements that health care respecting user autonomy should consider, and (c) Participation during clinical care. Conclusions: Considering the sustained increase in chronic health conditions, it is impera-tive to rethink how health care is provided, highlighting the value of user participation through shared decision-making as an expression of respect for individuals' autonomy and the promotion of patient-cen-tered care

Objetivo: promover a autonomia significa passar de um modelo paternalista para um que posicione as pessoas num papel ativo durante o encontro clínico, com participação na tomada de decisões relaciona-das com os seus cuidados de saúde. Este manuscrito descreve a percepção de usuários que convivem com multimorbidade quanto ao exercício de sua autonomia durante o atendimento clínico. Método: estudo de caso qualitativo em usuários com multimorbidade atendidos em um Centro de Saúde da Família de Santiago, no Chile. A análise de conteúdo foi realizada segundo Krippendorf. Resultados: a amostra foi composta por 19 participantes adultos com média de 2.7 condições crônicas de saúde. Da análise de conteúdo das entrevistas emergem três categorias: a) Significado atribuído pelos usuários à autonomia no cuidado em saúde, b) Elementos que um cuidado de saúde que respeite a autonomia do usuário deve considerar, e c) Participação durante o atendimento clínico. Conclusões: face ao aumento das condições crónicas de saúde, é imperativo repensar a forma de prestar cuidados de saúde, destacando o valor da participação dos pacientes através da tomada de decisão partilhada como expressão de respeito pela sua autonomia e forma de promover o cuidado centrado nas pessoas

A arte de elaborar uma pergunta de pesquisa / The art of crafting a research question

A criatividade na elaboração da pergunta impacta todo o processo da pesquisa, buscando suprir as lacuna do conhecimento, gerar percepções, instigar reflexões e procurar resolver problemas até então insolúveis. Objetivo: refletir acerca dos princípios fundamentais envolvidos na formulação de perguntas de pesquisa. Método: Estudo de crítico e reflexivo sobre tendências, lacunas e perspectivas emergentes contribuindo para uma compreensão mais aprofundada da complexidade envolvida na elaboração de perguntas de pesquisa. Resultados: emergiram duas categorias "Dimensões" e "Parâmetros" essenciais na elaboração da pergunta de pesquisa". Discussão: Acadêmicos e orientadores enfrentam dificuldades ao identificar elementos essenciais em uma pergunta de pesquisa estratégica e objetiva, denunciando a incerteza que provoca para a compreensão e investigação dos fenômenos. Deve ser sustentada por um paradigma de intelegibilidade, relação lógica e coerência epistemológica, subsidiando o autor na explcitação de sua voz. Conclusão: A habilidade de elaborar uma pergunta de pesquisa destaca a maestria do pesquisador, transcendendo a fronteira meramente linguistica.(AU)

Creativity in question formulation has an impact on the entire research process, seeking to fill knowledge gaps, generate insights, instigate reflections and try to solve previously unsolvable problems. Objective: To reflect on the fundamental principles involved in formulating research questions. Method: A critical and reflective study on emerging trends, gaps and perspectives, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complexity involved in formulating research questions. Results: Two categories emerged: "Dimensions" and "Parameters", which are essential when formulating a research question". Discussion: Academics and advisors face difficulties in identifying essential elements in a strategic and objective research question, denouncing the uncertainty it causes for understanding and investigating phenomena. It must be supported by a paradigm of intelegibility, logical relationship and epistemological coherence, supporting the author in explaining his or her voice. Conclusion: The ability to elaborate a research question highlights the mastery of the researcher, transcending the merely linguistic frontier.(AU)

La creatividad en la formulación de preguntas repercute en todo el proceso de investigación, al tratar de colmar lagunas de conocimiento, generar ideas, suscitar reflexiones y tratar de resolver problemas antes insolubles. Objetivo: Reflexionar sobre los principios fundamentales implicados en la formulación de preguntas de investigación. Método: Estudio crítico y reflexivo de las tendencias, lagunas y perspectivas emergentes, contribuyendo a una comprensión más profunda de la complejidad que entraña la formulación de preguntas de investigación. Resultados: Surgieron dos categorías: "Dimensiones" y "Parámetros" que son esenciales a la hora de diseñar una pregunta de investigación". Discusión: Académicos y orientadores enfrentan dificultades para identificar los elementos esenciales en una pregunta de investigación estratégica y objetiva, denunciando la incertidumbre que provoca para la comprensión e investigación de los fenómenos. Debe apoyarse en un paradigma de intelegibilidad, relación lógica y coherencia epistemológica, ayudando al autor a explicitar su voz. Conclusión: La capacidad de elaborar una pregunta de investigación destaca el dominio del investigador, trascendiendo la frontera meramente lingüística. (AU)

Developing a breast cancer screening decision aid in Spanish for average-risk women: a mixed methods study / Estudios originales Publicado el 14 de marzo de 2024 | http://doi.org/10.5867/medwave.2024.02.2726 Developing a breast cancer screening decision aid in Spanish for average-risk women: a mixed methods study Desarrollo de una herramienta en español para ayudar en la toma de decisiones del cribado de cáncer de mama para mujeres de riesgo promedio: un estudio de métodos mixtos

Introduction We aimed to develop a decision aid to support shared-decision making between physicians and women with average breast cancer risk when deciding whether to participate in breast cancer screening. Methods We included women at average risk of breast cancer and physicians involved in supporting the decision of breast cancer screening from an Academic Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We followed the International Patient Decision Aid Standards to develop our decision aid. Guided by a steering group and a multidisciplinary consultancy group including a patient advocate, we reviewed the evidence about breast cancer screening and previous decision aids, explored the patients' information needs on this topic from the patients' and physicians' perspective using semi-structured interviews, and we alpha-tested the prototype to determine its usability, comprehensibility and applicability. Results We developed the first prototype of a web-based decision aid to use during the clinical encounter with women aged 40 to 69 with average breast cancer risk. After a meeting with our consultancy group, we developed a second prototype that underwent alpha-testing. Physicians and patients agreed that the tool was clear, useful and applicable during a clinical encounter. We refined our final prototype according to their feedback. Conclusion We developed the first decision aid in our region and language on this topic, developed with end-users' input and informed by the best available evidence. We expect this decision aid to help women and physicians make shared decisions during the clinical encounter when talking about breast cancer screening.

ChatGPT's learning and reasoning capacity in anesthesiology

Introduction: Over the past few months, ChatGPT has raised a lot of interest given its ability to perform complex tasks through natural language and conversation. However, its use in clinical decision-making is limited and its application in the field of anesthesiology is unknown. Objective: To assess ChatGPT's basic and clinical reasoning and its learning ability in a performance test on general and specific anesthesia topics. Methods: A three-phase assessment was conducted. Basic knowledge of anesthesia was assessed in the first phase, followed by a review of difficult airway management and, finally, measurement of decision-making ability in ten clinical cases. The second and the third phases were conducted before and after feeding ChatGPT with the 2022 guidelines of the American Society of Anesthesiologists on difficult airway management. Results: On average, ChatGPT succeded 65% of the time in the first phase and 48% of the time in the second phase. Agreement in clinical cases was 20%, with 90% relevance and 10% error rate. After learning, ChatGPT improved in the second phase, and was correct 59% of the time, with agreement in clinical cases also increasing to 40%. Conclusions: ChatGPT showed acceptable accuracy in the basic knowledge test, high relevance in the management of specific difficult airway clinical cases, and the ability to improve after learning.

Introducción: En los últimos meses, ChatGPT ha suscitado un gran interés debido a su capacidad para realizar tareas complejas a través del lenguaje natural y la conversación. Sin embargo, su uso en la toma de decisiones clínicas es limitado y su aplicación en el campo de anestesiología es desconocido. Objetivo: Evaluar el razonamiento básico, clínico y la capacidad de aprendizaje de ChatGPT en una prueba de rendimiento sobre temas generales y específicos de anestesiología. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo una evaluación dividida en tres fases. Se valoraron conocimientos básicos de anestesiología en la primera fase, seguida de una revisión del manejo de vía aérea difícil y, finalmente, se midió la toma de decisiones en diez casos clínicos. La segunda y tercera fases se realizaron antes y después de alimentar a ChatGPT con las guías de la Sociedad Americana de Anestesiólogos del manejo de la vía aérea difícil del 2022. Resultados: ChatGPT obtuvo una tasa de acierto promedio del 65 % en la primera fase y del 48 % en la segunda fase. En los casos clínicos, obtuvo una concordancia del 20 %, una relevancia del 90 % y una tasa de error del 10 %. Posterior al aprendizaje, ChatGPT mejoró su tasa de acierto al 59 % en la segunda fase y aumentó la concordancia al 40 % en los casos clínicos. Conclusiones: ChatGPT demostró una precisión aceptable en la prueba de conocimientos básicos, una alta relevancia en el manejo de los casos clínicos específicos de vía aérea difícil y la capacidad de mejoría secundaria a un aprendizaje.

The value of mathematical modelling approaches in epidemiology for public health decisión making

It is discussed the relevance of quantitative approaches, specifically mathematical modelling in epidemiology, in the public health decision-making process. This topic is discussed here based on the experience of various experts in mathematical epidemiology and public health. First, the definition of mathematical modelling is presented, especially in the context of epidemiology. Second, the different uses and socio-political implications, including empirical examples of recent experiences that have taken place at the international level are addressed. Finally, some general considerations regarding the challenges encountered in the use and application of mathematical modelling in epidemiology in the decision-making process at the local and national levels.

Se trata sobre la importancia de los abordajes cuantitativos, específicamente la formulación de modelos matemáticos en epidemiología, dentro del proceso de toma de decisiones en salud pública. Esta importante temática se analiza basándose en la experiencia de algunos expertos en epidemiología matemática y salud pública. En primer lugar, se presenta la definición de modelación matemática, particularmente dentro del contexto de la epidemiología. En segundo lugar, se abordan los diferentes usos y las implicaciones socio-políticas, incluyendo ejemplos de experiencias recientes que han ocurrido a nivel internacional. Finalmente, se hace referencia a ciertas consideraciones generales respecto a los retos que representa el uso y la aplicación de modelos matemáticos en epidemiología para el proceso de toma de decisiones a nivel local y nacional.

Decision-making Support and Patients’ Care Progress in a Palliative Care Outpatient Clinic at a Community Hospital

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the decision-making support and patients’ care progress in a palliative care outpatient clinic at a community hospital. Methods: We conducted a retrospective examination of patients who visited our palliative care outpatient clinic and subsequently died between January 2020 and December 2021. The clinic, staffed by two palliative care physicians, operated twice weekly and accepted patients irrespective of their treatment status. Result: 93 patients were included in the analysis. At the onset of the outpatient clinic, 72 patients were asked about their preferred location for end-of-life care should their condition deteriorate. Of these, 25 patients preferred to receive end-of-life care in a palliative care unit (“PCU” group). Another 25 patients initially sought medical treatment at home through home-visits but later expressed a preference for care in a palliative care unit as their condition worsened (“home-visit→PCU” group). Additionally, 17 patients preferred home care from the end-of-life until death (“home-visit” group). Among the “PCU” patients, 96% received care in a palliative care unit, and 84% passed away in the same unit. In the “home-visit→PCU” group, 76% received care through home visit, and 80% passed away in a palliative care unit. In the “home-visit” group, 76% of patients received care at home, and 47% passed away in their own homes. Conclusion: These findings suggest that delivering end-of-life care in patients’ preferred locations is feasible with continuous decision-making support provided in the palliative care outpatient clinic.

Exploration of Decision-Making Methods Based on Syndrome Differentiation by “Data-Knowledge” Dual-Driven Models： A Case Study of Gastric Precancerous State / 中医杂志

Data analysis models may assist the transmission of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） experience and clinical diagnosis and treatment， and the possibility of constructing a “data-knowledge” dual-drive model was explored by taking gastric precancerous state as an example. Data-driven is to make clinical decisions around data analysis， and its syndrome-differentiation decision-making research relies on hidden structural models and partially observable Markov decision-making processes to identify the etiology of diseases， syndrome elements， evolution of pathogenesis， and syndrome differentiation protocols； knowledge-driven is to make use of data and information to promote decision-making and action processes， and its syndrome-differentiation decision-making research relies on convolutional neural networks to improve the accuracy of local disease identification and syndrome differentiation. The “data-knowledge” dual-driven model can make up for the shortcomings of single-drive numerical simulation accuracy， and achieve a balance between local disease identification and macroscopic syndrome differentiation. On the basis of previous research， we explored the construction method of diagnostic assisted decision-making platform for gastric precancerous state， and believed that the diagnostic and decision-making ability of doctors can be extended through the assistance of machines and algorithms. Meanwhile， the related research methods were integrated and the core features of gastric precancerous state based on TCM syndrome differentiation and endoscopic pathology diagnosis and prediction were obtained， and the elements of endoscopic pathology recognition based on TCM syndrome differentiation were explored， so as to provide ideas for the in-depth research and innovative application of cutting-edge data analysis technology in the field of intelligent TCM syndrome differentiation.

The influencing Factors of Doctor-patient Shared Decision Making: A Qualitative Study / 中国医学伦理学

To explore the barriers and facilitators of shared decision making, 23 clinicians were selected for semi-structured interviews by purpose sampling and convenience sampling with phenomenological methods in qualitative research, and 7-step of Colaizzi was used to analyze the interview data. Three themes and twelve subthemes were extracted, included: individual factors of doctors (role cognition, perceived outcomes, communication skills, clinical expertise, cognitive bias) , individual factors of patients (general information, lack of disease knowledge, willingness to participate in decision making) and environmental factors (clinical situation, social environment, resources and social influence) . There were many barriers and facilitators in the implementation of doctor-patient shared decision making. It is necessary to scientifically analyze and actively deal with the influence of each factor, and find reasonable countermeasures to promote the clinical implementation of shared decision making.

Study on the Cognitive Attitude of Doctors and Patients towards the Rank of Rights and Interests and Its Related Factors / 中国医学伦理学

In order to further understand the cognitive attitude of different groups towards the rank of rights and interests in medical decision-making and its influencing factors, and provide theoretical reference for the practice of medical decision-making, this study conducted convenience sampling through the questionnaire star enterprise edition. The collected data were descriptive statistical analysis with SPSS 21.0 software and joint hypothesis testing. The results showed that there were differences in the cognition of religious beliefs on the same individual’s rights and interests rank among the sample population (P<0.05). There were differences in the cognition of professional title, working years and institution level on the attitude of rights and interests rank in the group of medical institutions (P<0.05). In the ranking of the importance of individual rights usually involved in medical activities, the rights to life, health and equality were the most important. Most people can rationally view the rights and interests of doctors, patients and stakeholders. In medical decision-making, we should adhere to the principle of right rank, give priority to safeguarding the right to life and give consideration to fairness and justice. In the face of conflicts of interest, we should do a good job in value evaluation, safeguard the reasonable interests of patients and give consideration to the demands of family members.

Dilemma and Reflection on Children Exercising the Right of Medical Decision-making / 中国医学伦理学

Whether children can exercise their medical decision-making power has always been a controversial topic in law and ethics, and it is also the focus of attention of people from all walks of life. In this regard, combined with the problems existing in the exercise of children’s medical decision-making power, such as conflict with the right to life and health, insufficient guarantee of the right to informed consent system, and the legal guardian’s exercise of children’s medical decision-making power may not be in the best interests of children. This paper discussed the dilemma and feasibility of children’s exercise of medical decision-making power from three aspects: children’s right to life and health, the evaluation of informed consent and medical decision-making ability, and the thinking of children’s informed consent and medical decision-making ability, and pointed out that children who are able to make self-determination should be fully endowed with legal medical decision-making power, so as to ensure their best interests in medical clinic.

Drug Selection and Evaluation in Medical Institutions： A Scoping Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveBy analyzing the current situation of drug selection and evaluation in medical institutions in the world，we aim to understand the development of relevant selection methods and tools，provide reference basis for drug selection in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） medical institutions，and promote the optimization of drug catalogs in TCM medical institutions. MethodBased on the method of scoping review，the eight databases were systematically searched，the included documents were screened，extracted and analyzed，and the research results were graphically displayed. ResultA total of 23 articles were included in this study，including 13 in Chinese and 10 in English，involving 23 methods or tools related to drug selection. Of the 14 methods or tools from Chinese medical institutions，the earliest one was published in 2012，and five were published in 2022. The published methods or tools involved different levels of hospitals，different drug varieties，different evaluation angles，etc.，such as the drug selection methods of one county hospital and one township hospital， methods and tools for different types of drugs such as antibacterial drugs，ibuprofen preparations，proton pump inhibitors and hypoglycemic drugs used in pediatric intensive care units， Chinese patent medicine selection tools， tools for evaluation from the perspective of pharmacoeconomics， and universal tools for selecting domestic medical institutions. The nine drug selection tools of foreign medical institutions were from the European，American，Asian and African countries. It was first published in 1955. The contents included the formulation standards that medical institutions should follow for drug prescription sets，the management formulation and update of hospital prescription sets，and drug evaluation tools. ConclusionOn the whole，the drug selection methods and institutional methods of foreign medical institutions developed earlier than those in China. In recent years，Chinese medical institutions have paid high attention to drug selection and released various types of drug selection tools. However，the standardization should be further improved in the future.

Portuguese Advance Directives-a twist against futility? A cross sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Advance Directive documents allow citizens to choose the treatments they want for end-of-life care without considering therapeutic futility. OBJECTIVES: To analyze patients' and caregivers' answers to Advance Directives and understand their expectations regarding their decisions. DESIGN AND SETTING: This study analyzed participants' answers to a previously published trial, conceived to test the document's efficacy as a communication tool. METHODS: Sixty palliative patients and 60 caregivers (n = 120) registered their preferences in the Advance Directive document and expressed their expectations regarding whether to receive the chosen treatments. RESULTS: In the patient and caregiver groups, 30% and 23.3% wanted to receive cardiorespiratory resuscitation; 23.3% and 25% wanted to receive artificial organ support; and 40% and 35% chose to receive artificial feeding and hydration, respectively. The participants ignored the concept of therapeutic futility and expected to receive invasive treatments. The concept of therapeutic futility should be addressed and discussed with both the patients and caregivers. Legal Advanced Directive documents should be made clear to reduce misinterpretations and potential legal conflicts. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that all citizens should be clarified regarding the futility concept before filling out the Advance Directives and propose a grammatical change in the document, replacing the phrase "Health Care to Receive / Not to Receive" with the sentence "Health Care to Accept / Refuse" so that patients cannot demand treatments, but instead accept or refuse the proposed therapeutic plans. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05090072 URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05090072.

Asimetrías entre la coordinación nacional y la autonomía de los gobiernos estatales en la adopción de tecnologías sanitarias frente a la COVID-19 en Argentina / Asymmetries between national articulation and the autonomy of state governments in implementing health technologies to fight COVID-19 in Argentina / Assimetrias entre a articulação nacional e a autonomia de governos estaduais na implementação de tecnologias de saúde em combate à COVID-19 na Argentina

Resumen: En pandemia, en Argentina y en otros países se observó variabilidad en las políticas públicas implementadas sobre tecnologías sanitarias para prevención y tratamiento de la COVID-19. El objetivo fue analizar cómo se procesaron en Argentina los movimientos de coordinación vs. cooperación, y de autonomía vs. reparto de autoridad entre entidades, explorando asimetrías entre diferentes entidades en la implementación de políticas públicas sobre tecnologías sanitarias en pandemia y las influencias de otros actores. Se realizó una revisión documental del período 2020-2021 (informes técnicos publicados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, organismos nacionales y sociedades científicas, leyes, fallos judiciales, prensa, encuestas y entrevistas en profundidad a miembros de los Ministerios de Salud de Argentina). Se indagó sobre procesos y resultados de la toma de decisiones en los Ministerios de Salud, mapeando la cobertura y recomendación de cada tecnología y el partido político provincial gobernante. Hubo heterogeneidad en resultados y procesos entre los Ministerios, y disputas en el interior de los mismos. La adherencia a recomendaciones oficiales fue baja, influyendo distintos criterios técnico-políticos (relaciones de poder, presión social, de los medios, académicos, poder Judicial y Legislativo). En algunos casos se observó una fuerte tensión entre oficialismo y oposición al partido gobernante a partir de la discusión sobre tecnologías. Cada provincia argentina definió sus políticas sobre tecnologías sanitarias para COVID-19 con autonomía, y la toma de decisiones en la administración pública en pandemia fue desordenada, compleja y no lineal.

Abstract: Argentina, as other countries, showed several public policies related to the health technologies implemented to fight and treat the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to analyze how articulation vs. cooperation and autonomy vs. division of powers between entities occurred in Argentina, exploring asymmetries between several entities in implementing public policies related to health technologies during the pandemic and the influences of other actors. For this, a documentary research was carried out related to 2020-2021 (technical reports published by the World Health Organization, national agencies and scientific societies, laws, court decisions, press, and research and in-depth interviews with members of the Argentine Ministries of Health). The processes and results of decision-making in the Ministries of Health were analyzed, outlining the coverage and orientations of each technology and the political party in power in the province. This study found heterogeneous results and processes between Ministries and disputes within them. It also observed the poor adherence to official guidelines due to technical-political criteria (power relations, social, media, academic, judiciary, and legislative pressure). Some cases showed a strong tension between the government and its opposition over the discussion of technologies. Each province in Argentina has autonomously defined its policies on health technologies for COVID-19, and decision-making in public administration was disorderly, complex, and non-linear during the pandemic.

Resumo: Na Argentina, assim como em outros países, houve uma variabilidade de políticas públicas relacionadas às tecnologias de saúde implementadas no combate e tratamento da COVID-19 durante a pandemia. Este estudo buscou analisar como ocorreram a articulação vs. cooperação, e a autonomia vs. divisão de poderes entre as entidades na Argentina, explorando assimetrias entre diferentes entidades na implementação de políticas públicas relacionadas a tecnologias de saúde na pandemia, bem como as influências de outros atores. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa documental para o período de 2020-2021 (relatórios técnicos publicados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, agências nacionais e sociedades científicas, leis, decisões judiciais, imprensa, pesquisas e entrevistas em profundidade com membros dos Ministérios da Saúde da Argentina). Os processos e os resultados da tomada de decisão nos Ministérios da Saúde foram analisados, traçando a cobertura e orientações de cada tecnologia e o partido político no poder na província. Observou-se uma heterogeneidade nos resultados e processos entre os Ministérios, e disputas em seu interior. Houve uma baixa adesão às orientações oficiais, influenciada por diferentes critérios técnico-políticos (relações de poder, pressão social, midiática, acadêmica, do poder Judiciário e do Legislativo). Em alguns casos, observou-se uma forte tensão entre governo e oposição a partir da discussão das tecnologias. Cada província da Argentina definiu suas políticas sobre tecnologias de saúde para a COVID-19 de forma autônoma, e a tomada de decisões na administração pública foi desordenada, complexa e não linear durante a pandemia.

Teste para avaliação do raciocínio clínico em Fonoaudiologia: validade de conteúdo / Test for clinical reasoning evaluation in Speech-Language Pathology: content validity

RESUMO Objetivo validar o conteúdo do Teste de Concordância de Scripts em Fonoaudiologia, denominado FonoTCS. Método Trata-se de estudo de validação de conteúdo de instrumento. Participaram da construção do FonoTCS cinco fonoaudiólogas, doutoras e docentes, com média de 24,8 anos de atuação profissional, que chegaram a um consenso durante o processo de construção do teste. Elaborou-se 30 questões e 120 itens contemplando as áreas de atuação fonoaudiológica. Em seguida, 15 fonoaudiólogas com titulação mínima de mestre, e com, no mínimo, 10 anos de atuação clínica generalista receberam eletronicamente o FonoTCS para validação de conteúdo por meio de questionário sobre critérios de clareza, ética e pertinência do conteúdo das questões. Para a análise das respostas calculou-se o Coeficiente de Validade de Conteúdo Corrigido de todas as afirmativas. Foram revisadas as questões com porcentagem de concordância igual ou inferior a 80%. Resultados 13 avaliadores responderam a análise, todos do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 39,07 anos, sendo oito mestres e cinco doutoras, com atuação clínica generalista média de 15,38 anos. Os valores médios do Coeficiente de Validade de Conteúdo Corrigido foram 0,93 e 0,95 para o critério de clareza; 0,98 e 0,92 para o critério de pertinência; e 0,99 para o critério de ética. Duas questões apresentaram notas de 0,78 e 0,80, sendo ambas da área de audiologia no domínio de avaliação/diagnóstico, para a questão relacionada ao critério de pertinência, sendo revisadas e reestruturadas pelos juízes. Conclusão O FonoTCS é um instrumento válido do ponto de vista do conteúdo.

ABSTRACT Purpose To validate the content of the Speech-Language Pathology Concordance Test called FonoTCS. Methods This is a content validation study of the instrument. Five speech-language pathologists, all with doctoral degrees and teaching experience, averaging 24.8 years of professional practice, participated in the development of FonoTCS and reached a consensus during the process. Thirty questions and 120 items were created, covering seven areas of speech-language pathology expertise across three domains. For content validation, FonoTCS was electronically sent to 15 evaluators to respond to a questionnaire with five questions, rated on a five-point scale, regarding the criteria of clarity, ethics, and relevance of the questions. The Corrected Content Validity Coefficient was calculated for all statements to analyze the responses. Questions with agreement percentages equal to or less than 80% were revised. Results Thirteen evaluators, all female, with an average age of 39.07 years, including eight with master's degrees and five with doctoral degrees, and an average clinical practice experience of 15.38 years, participated in the analysis. The average Corrected Content Validity Coefficient values for the clarity criterion were 0.93 and 0.95, for the relevance criterion 0.98 and 0.92, and for the ethics criterion 0.99. Two questions received scores of 0.78 and 0.80, both related to the audiology area in the assessment/diagnosis domain, specifically question 2 regarding the relevance criterion. These questions were reviewed and restructured by the judges. Conclusion FonoTCS is a valid instrument from a content perspective.

Lessons from the pandemic and the value of a structured system of ultrasonographic findings in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pulmonary manifestations

ABSTRACT Objective We aimed to share our experience in implementing a structured system for COVID-19 lung findings, elucidating key aspects of the lung ultrasound score to facilitate its standardized clinical use beyond the pandemic scenario. Methods Using a scoring system to classify the extent of lung involvement, we retrospectively analyzed the ultrasound reports performed in our institution according to COVID-RADS standardization. Results The study included 69 thoracic ultrasound exams, with 27 following the protocol. The majority of patients were female (52%), with ages ranging from 1 to 96 years and an average of 56 years. Classification according to COVID-RADS was as follows: 11.1% in category 0, 37% in category 1, 44.4% in category 2, and 7.4% in category 3. Ground-glass opacities on tomography correlated with higher COVID-RADS scores (categories 2 and 3) in 82% of cases. Ventilatory assessment revealed that 50% of cases in higher COVID-RADS categories (2 and 3) required second-line oxygen supplementation, while none of the cases in lower categories (0 and 1) utilized this support. Conclusion Lung ultrasound has been widely utilized as a diagnostic tool owing to its availability and simplicity of application. In the context of the pandemic emergency, a pressing need for a focused and easily applicable assessment arose. The structured reporting system, incorporating ultrasound findings for stratification, demonstrated ease of replicability. This system stands as a crucial tool for screening, predicting severity, and aiding in medical decisions, even in a non-pandemic context.

"Existe o espaço, mas ao mesmo tempo não existe": análise do processo de cuidado no tratamento psicofarmacológico na saúde mental / "Existe el espacio, pero al mismo tiempo no existe": análisis del proceso de cuidado en el tratamiento psicofarmacéutico en la salud mental / "There is space, but at the same time there isn't": the care process analysis in psychopharmacological treatment in mental health

Considerando os desafios à reabilitação psicossocial, objetivou-se compreender a perspectiva de usuários e trabalhadores no tratamento psicofarmacológico. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo que entrevistou seis profissionais e dez usuários do Centro de Atenção Psicossocial de um município da região norte de Minas Gerais. As transcrições foram tratadas em Ciclos de Codificação e examinadas pela Análise de Discurso. Definiram-se três categorias relativas à dimensão micropolítica do cuidado: o fluxograma institucional, os espaços intercessores e a produção subjetiva dos agentes. Revelaram-se dissonâncias entre enunciados alusivos à política da atenção psicossocial, com a concorrência de concepções e tecnologias de cuidado emancipatórias e restritivas. Constatou-se a importância da análise micropolítica do cuidado no tratamento psicofarmacológico, favorecendo os processos de contratualidade, protagonismo e autonomia do usuário.

Considerando los desafíos para la rehabilitación psicosocial, el objetivo fue comprender la perspectiva de usuarios y trabajadores en el tratamiento psicofarmacéutico. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo que entrevistó a seis profesionales y a diez usuarios del Centro de Atención Psicosocial de un municipio de la región norte de Minas Gerais. Las transcripciones fueron tratadas en Ciclos de Codificación y examinadas por el Análisis del Discurso. Se definieron tres categorías relativas a la dimensión micropolítica del cuidado: el diagrama de flujo institucional, los espacios intercesores y la producción subjetiva de los agentes. Se revelaron disonancias entre enunciados alusivos a la política de la atención psicosocial, con la concurrencia de concepciones y tecnologías de cuidado emancipatorias y restrictivas. Se constató la importancia del análisis micropolítico del cuidado en el tratamiento psicofarmacéutico, favoreciendo los procesos de contractualidad, protagonismo y autonomía del usuario.

Considering the challenges to psychosocial rehabilitation, this study was aimed at understanding the perspective of users and workers regarding psychopharmacological treatment. This is a qualitative study, which interviewed six providers and ten users of the Psychosocial Care Center of a municipality in the north of Minas Gerais. The transcripts were treated in Coding Cycles and examined by Discourse Analysis. Three categories related to the micropolitical dimension of care were defined: the institutional flowchart; the intercessory spaces; and the subjective production of the agents. Dissonances were revealed between statements alluding to the psychosocial care policy, with the competition of emancipatory and restrictive conceptions and technologies of care. The importance of the micropolitical analysis of care in psychopharmacological treatment was verified, favoring the processes of contractuality, protagonism, and user autonomy.

Structure of treatment goals set by expert voice-specialized speech-language pathologists for patients with vocal needs / Estructura de los objetivos terapéuticos formulados por fonoaudiólogos/as en la intervención de usuarios/as con necesidades vocales

ABSTRACT Purpose: to determine the structure of treatment goals set by expert voice-specialized speech-language pathologists in treatment plans for patients with vocal needs. Methods: a cross-sectional documentary research was conducted to analyze 129 treatment goals proposed in treatment plans by 30 expert voice-specialized speech-language pathologists. These goals were thematically analyzed and organized according to the therapeutic content addressed. The goals including the notion of patient in their wording, the statement of a specific purpose, the method for achieving it, and the presence of outcome criteria, were evaluated. Results: most treatment goals analyzed correspond to those aimed at modifying vocal parameters (67.4%). The contents referring to muscle tone (13.8%), vocal hygiene and education (10%), breathing (7.75%), and posture (1.55%) are represented to a lesser extent. From the total number of treatment goals analyzed, 82.17% include the notion of patient, 88.37% indicate the method, 100% indicate the purpose, 52.71% state the outcome criteria used, and 17.05% include other components in their structure. Conclusions: diversity in goal setting shows different visions by the professionals involved in the therapeutic process.

RESUMEN Objetivo: determinar la estructura de los objetivos operacionales formulados por los/las fonoaudiólogos/as en las planificaciones terapéuticas para usuarios con necesidades vocales. Métodos: investigación documental transversal en que se analizaron 129 objetivos operacionales propuestos en las planificaciones terapéuticas de 30 fonoaudiólogos/as. Estos objetivos se sometieron a un proceso de análisis temático y se organizaron según el contenido terapéutico abordado. Se examinó la inclusión de la noción de usuario en la redacción, la declaración de una finalidad específica, el método para alcanzarla y la presencia de criterios de logro. Resultados: de la totalidad de objetivos analizados, la mayoría corresponde a aquellos que están orientados a la modificación de parámetros vocales (67.4%). En menor medida, están representados los contenidos referentes a tonicidad muscular (13.8%), educación e higiene vocal (10%), respiración (7.75%) y postura (1.55%). Del total, un 82.17% incluye la noción de usuario, un 88.37% señala el método, el 100% indica la finalidad y un 52.71% declara los criterios de logro utilizados. Un 17.05% incluye otros componentes en su estructura. Conclusiones: la diversidad en la formulación de los objetivos evidencia distintas visiones acerca del proceso terapéutico por parte de los profesionales involucrados.

Systematic documentation of the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines in Latin America and the Caribbean / Documentación sistemática de la introducción de vacunas contra la COVID-19 en América Latina y el Caribe / Documentação sistemática da introdução das vacinas contra a COVID-19 na América Latina e no Caribe

ABSTRACT Objective. To document the process of introducing COVID-19 vaccines in a selection of Latin American and Caribbean countries, including the lessons learned and the strengths and weaknesses, and similarities and differences among programs. Methods. This descriptive study is based on a systematic evaluation of the process of introducing COVID-19 vaccines in Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama and Peru. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to key stakeholders. Six informants from each of the included countries participated in this study. The period of the study was from December 2021 through September 2022. Results. The main strengths reported by countries were health workers' commitment to delivering vaccinations, evidence-based decision-making, the development of plans for vaccine introduction, the participation of national immunization technical advisory groups, the availability of economic resources and positive actions from the respective Ministry of Health. The main challenges were the actions of antivaccination groups, problems with electronic immunization registries, a lack of vaccines, delays in the delivery of vaccines and the scarcity of health personnel at the local level. Conclusions. Commitment, the participation of multiple sectors, the availability of resources and preparedness planning were some of the many strengths shown by countries introducing COVID-19 vaccines. Weaknesses included third parties' interests, the lack of information systems and difficulty in accessing vaccines and vaccine services. There is a window of opportunity for countries to maintain the good practices that allowed for the processes' strengths and to assess the identified weaknesses to invigorate immunization programs and prepare for future health crises.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Documentar el proceso de introducción de las vacunas contra la COVID-19 en un algunos países de América Latina y el Caribe, incluidas las enseñanzas extraídas y sus puntos fuertes y débiles, así como las similitudes y diferencias entre los distintos programas. Métodos. Este estudio descriptivo se basa en una evaluación sistemática del proceso de introducción de las vacunas contra la COVID-19 en Argentina, Belice, Brasil, Costa Rica, Panamá y Perú. Los datos se recopilaron mediante un cuestionario distribuido a las principales partes interesadas. El estudio contó con la participación de un informante de cada uno de los seis países incluidos. El período de estudio fue de diciembre del 2021 a septiembre del 2022. Resultados. Los países indicaron como puntos fuertes principales el compromiso del personal de atención de salud con la vacunación, la toma de decisiones basada en la evidencia, la formulación de planes para la introducción de las vacunas, la participación de grupos técnicos asesores nacionales sobre inmunización, la disponibilidad de recursos económicos y las medidas favorables adoptadas por respectivos los Ministerios de Salud. Los retos más importantes fueron las acciones de los grupos contrarios a las vacunas, los problemas con los registros electrónicos de vacunación, la falta de vacunas, los retrasos en la entrega de vacunas y la escasez de personal de atención de salud a nivel local. Conclusiones. Se observó que el compromiso, la participación de múltiples sectores, la disponibilidad de recursos y la planificación de la preparación eran algunos de los puntos fuertes de los países que introdujeron las vacunas contra la COVID-19. Los puntos débiles fueron los intereses de terceros, la falta de sistemas de información y las dificultades para acceder a las vacunas y a los servicios de vacunación. Los países disponen ahora de una oportunidad para mantener las buenas prácticas que propiciaron los puntos fuertes de los procesos y evaluar los puntos débiles identificados a fin de fortalecer los programas de inmunización y prepararse para futuras crisis de salud.

RESUMO Objetivo. Documentar o processo de introdução da vacina contra a COVID-19 em alguns países da América Latina e do Caribe, incluindo as lições aprendidas e os pontos fortes e fracos, bem como semelhanças e diferenças entre os programas. Métodos. Este estudo descritivo baseia-se em uma avaliação sistemática do processo de introdução das vacinas contra a COVID-19 na Argentina, em Belize, no Brasil, na Costa Rica, no Panamá e no Peru. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário distribuído às principais partes interessadas. Seis informantes de cada um dos países incluídos participaram do estudo, que foi realizado entre dezembro de 2021 e setembro de 2022. Resultados. Os principais pontos fortes relatados pelos países foram o comprometimento dos profissionais de saúde com a vacinação, a tomada de decisões baseadas em evidências, o desenvolvimento de planos para a introdução de vacinas, a participação de grupos técnicos assessores nacionais sobre imunização, a disponibilidade de recursos econômicos e ações positivas dos respectivos ministérios da Saúde. Os principais desafios foram as ações de grupos antivacina, problemas com os registros eletrônicos de imunização, a falta de vacinas, atrasos na entrega das vacinas e a escassez de pessoal de saúde em nível local. Conclusões. O comprometimento, a participação de vários setores, a disponibilidade de recursos e o planejamento de preparação foram alguns dos muitos pontos fortes demonstrados pelos países ao introduzirem as vacinas contra a COVID-19. Entre os pontos fracos estavam os interesses de terceiros, a falta de sistemas de informação e a dificuldade de acesso às vacinas e aos serviços de vacinação. Há uma janela de oportunidade para que os países mantenham as boas práticas que viabilizaram os pontos fortes dos processos e avaliem os pontos fracos identificados a fim de revigorar os programas de imunização e preparar-se para futuras crises sanitárias.

A tomada de decisão no tratamento de crianças com indicadores de TDAH / Toma de decisiones en el tratamiento de niños con indicadores de TDAH / Decision making in the treatment of children with ADHD indicators

RESUMO O diagnóstico de Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade - TDAH é bastante complexo, podendo ser influenciado por fatores contextuais, e seu tratamento pode envolver diferentes intervenções. A participação dos usuários nas decisões a respeito do tratamento vem sendo promovida por instituições de diversos países e, no Brasil, é prevista pelas legislações do Sistema Único de Saúde. Este estudo investigou o processo de tomada de decisão no tratamento de crianças com indicadores de TDAH a partir da percepção de oito profissionais de serviços públicos de saúde mental, que foram entrevistados individualmente. Os dados foram examinados através da análise temática, revelando desafios relativos ao excesso de demanda nos serviços e à complexidade do processo diagnóstico. O envolvimento de usuários e familiares nas decisões foi percebido como parcial, ocorrendo geralmente após a elaboração do plano terapêutico pelas equipes, e envolvendo dificuldades na comunicação entre profissionais e pacientes e divergências de interesses entre as crianças e seus familiares. Esses aspectos poderão ser abordados em futuros estudos e intervenções a fim de facilitar e melhorar a qualidade da tomada de decisão nesse contexto.

RESUMEN El diagnóstico del trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad - TDAH es bastante complejo y puede verse influenciado por factores contextuales, y su tratamiento puede implicar diferentes intervenciones. La participación de los usuarios en las decisiones sobre tratamiento ha sido promovida por instituciones de diferentes países y, en Brasil, está prevista por las leyes del Sistema Único de Salud. Este estudio investigó el proceso de toma de decisiones en el tratamiento de niños con indicadores TDAH desde la percepción de 8 profesionales de la salud mental pública, que fueron entrevistados individualmente. Los datos fueron examinados a través del análisis temático, revelando desafíos relacionados con el exceso de demanda en los servicios y la complejidad del proceso de diagnóstico. La implicación de los usuarios y familiares en las decisiones se percibió como parcial, ocurriendo generalmente después de la elaboración del plan terapéutico por los equipos, y implicando dificultades en la comunicación entre profesionales y pacientes y divergencias de intereses entre los niños y sus familias. Estos aspectos pueden abordarse en futuros estudios e intervenciones con el fin de facilitar y mejorar la calidad de la toma de decisiones en este contexto.

ABSTRACT The diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHD is quite complex. Contextual factors may influence it, and its treatment may involve different interventions. Institutions in several countries have promoted the participation of users in treatment decisions. In Brazil, it is provided by the Unified Health System. This study investigated the decision-making process in treating children with ADHD indicators from the perception of 8 public mental health services professionals interviewed individually. Data were examined through thematic analysis, revealing challenges related to excessive demand for services and the complexity of the diagnostic process. The involvement of users and family members in the decisions was perceived as partial, generally occurring after elaborating the therapeutic plan by the teams, and involving difficulties in communication between professionals and patients and differences of interests between children and their families. These aspects may be addressed in future studies and interventions to facilitate and improve the quality of the decision-making process in this context.