Extended half-life recombinant factor VIII treatment of hemophilia A in Brazil: an expert consensus statement

Introduction Treatment of hemophilia A in Brazil is offered to all patients at no cost. However, several unmet medical needs exist. Method In this study, we applied the Delphi method to discuss with seven hemophilia A specialists the challenges that patients and the health system face regarding hemophilia A treatment and opportunities for improvement. Results A consensus was obtained regarding the number of weekly infusions and patient adherence to treatment. The bleeding profile, unfavourable pharmacokinetics (PKs), low adherence and high daily activity were patient profiles that would benefit from using the extended half-life (EHL) recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII). The advantages of treatment with the EHL rFVIII were the lower number of infusions per week, which could increase patient adherence and decrease the risk of bleeds, due to a more constant plasma level, a lower value. Additionally, the EHL rFVIII could improve quality of life, especially in patients with high daily activity, such as adolescents and young adults. The panelists mentioned that EHL rFVIII, if available, could be offered first to the priority group (adolescents between 12 and 19 years old), followed by adults (20 to 64 years old) and elderly people (over 65 years old). Conclusion In summary, the EHL rFVIII offers the optimal prophylaxis by decreasing the dose frequency, increasing the treatment adherence and improving the QoL, without compromising safety and efficacy.

Fortalecimiento del liderazgo para la gestión educativa en las Américas: una estrategia de investigación-acción / Strengthening leadership for educational management in the Americas: an action research strategy / Fortalecimento da liderança para a gestão educacional na Região das Américas: uma estratégia de pesquisa-ação

RESUMEN La formación de recursos humanos en salud es una preocupación recurrente. El Campus Virtual de Salud Pública (CVSP) es la plataforma educativa de la Organización Panamericana de Salud (OPS) que busca mejorar la accesibilidad a la educación en salud pública, con énfasis en la formación en liderazgo educativo orientado a planificar, implementar y evaluar políticas y acciones educativas. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar los resultados de una consulta a personas expertas sobre el curso virtual "Liderazgo para la Gestión Educativa en Organizaciones de Salud", como parte de una estrategia de fortalecimiento de las capacidades de liderazgo para la gestión educativa en las Américas propuesta por el CVPS/OPS. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo de investigación-acción, con una metodología Delphi de dos iteraciones de consultas, una virtual y una presencial, a expertos en gestión educativa en organizaciones de salud. Los resultados muestran la relevancia que adquieren ocho dimensiones de análisis: el perfil de los destinatarios, las competencias, el enfoque y los contenidos, las actividades, la evaluación del y para el aprendizaje, la adaptabilidad, la implementación y el seguimiento durante y poscurso. La participación de actores de diferentes ámbitos geopolíticos en el diseño e implementación de una propuesta educativa regional promueve la transformación del contexto de aplicación y mejora su potencial adopción. Se destaca el lugar estratégico del curso como catalizador en la conformación y la consolidación de una red integrada de organizaciones para fortalecer el liderazgo educativo en las Américas, y la conveniencia de la estrategia metodológica empleada para mejorar la calidad de la formación de recursos humanos en salud.

ABSTRACT The training of human resources for health (HRH) is a recurring concern. The Virtual Campus for Public Health (VCPH) - the educational platform of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) - seeks to improve access to public health education, emphasizing leadership training for teams that plan, implement, and evaluate policies and educational initiatives. The objective of this work is to present the results of a consultation with experts on the virtual course "Leadership for Educational Management in Health Organizations", as part of a PAHO/VCPH strategy to strengthen leadership capacities for educational management in the Americas. A qualitative action-research study was carried out using the Delphi method with two iterations of consultations (one virtual and one in person) with experts in educational management in health organizations. The results show the importance of eight dimensions of analysis: recipient profiles, competencies, approach and contents, activities, evaluation of and for learning, adaptability, implementation, and monitoring during and after the course. The participation of actors from different geopolitical spheres in the design and implementation of a regional educational initiative fosters adaptations in the context of its implementation and improves the likelihood it will be adopted. This course can play a strategic role as a catalyst in the formation and consolidation of an integrated network of organizations that strengthen educational leadership in the Americas. This study also highlights the value of the methodological strategy used to improve the quality of HRH training.

RESUMO A formação de recursos humanos em saúde é uma preocupação recorrente. O Campus Virtual de Saúde Pública (CVSP) é a plataforma educacional da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), que busca melhorar a acessibilidade à educação em saúde pública, com ênfase na formação de lideranças educacionais voltadas para o planejamento, a implementação e a avaliação de políticas e ações educacionais. O objetivo deste documento é apresentar os resultados de uma consulta com especialistas sobre o curso virtual "Liderazgo para la Gestión Educativa en Organizaciones de Salud" [Liderança para a Gestão Educacional em Organizações de Saúde], como parte de uma estratégia para fortalecer as capacidades de liderança para gestão educacional na Região das Américas proposta pelo CVPS/OPAS. Foi realizado um estudo qualitativo de pesquisa-ação utilizando o método Delphi com duas rodadas de consultas, uma virtual e outra presencial, a especialistas em gestão educacional em organizações de saúde. Os resultados mostram a relevância de oito dimensões de análise: perfil do público-alvo; competências; abordagem e conteúdo; atividades; avaliação de e para as aprendizagens; adaptabilidade; implementação; e acompanhamento durante e após o curso. A participação de atores de diferentes esferas geopolíticas no delineamento e na implementação de uma proposta educacional regional promove a transformação do contexto de aplicação e aumenta seu potencial de adoção. Destaca-se o posicionamento estratégico do curso como catalisador na criação e consolidação de uma rede integrada de organizações para fortalecer a liderança educacional na Região das Américas e a adequação da estratégia metodológica empregada para melhorar a qualidade da formação de recursos humanos em saúde.

Construção e validação de conteúdo de instrumento de autoavaliação da qualidade do cuidado em instituição de longa permanência para pessoas idosas / Development and content validation for a self-assessment instrument of care quality in long-term care facilities for older adults

Resumo Objetivo Desenvolver e realizar a validação de conteúdo de um instrumento de autoavaliação da qualidade do cuidado em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI), denominado QualificaILPI. Método Estudo metodológico realizado entre março e dezembro de 2021. O instrumento foi desenvolvido com base em modelo multidimensional de qualidade, legislação brasileira e pesquisa bibliográfica e contém padrões de qualidade para autoavaliação das ILPI nas dimensões: ambiente, lar, cuidado, envolvimento familiar e da comunidade, equipe de trabalho e gestão. Cada padrão é descrito e seguido por uma escala, com parâmetros para classificar o nível de qualidade da ILPI em incipiente, intermediário, consolidado. A Técnica Delphi modificada foi empregada para validação por um comitê de 10 especialistas quanto a pertinência do padrão para avaliação da qualidade da ILPI, da adequação dos objetivos e da escala de avaliação, clareza, podendo fazer comentários. O padrão foi mantido quando houve 75% de concordância entre os especialistas. O instrumento foi também avaliado pelo público-alvo, constituído por coordenadores de 10 ILPI, selecionadas por conveniência. Resultados No primeiro ciclo de avaliação, foram excluídos três padrões e dois novos foram criados. No segundo, alterou-se a dimensão de um padrão e dois padrões foram unidos. Ao final, permaneceram 29 padrões divididos em seis dimensões. O público-alvo, gestores de ILPI, sugeriu alterações na redação de alguns padrões. Houve consenso de 80% ou superior em todos os padrões. Conclusão O QualificaILPI poderá contribuir para o monitoramento das ILPI favorecendo a melhoria do cuidado ofertado aos residentes.

Abstract Objective To develop and validate the content of a self-assessment instrument for the quality of care in Long-Term Care Facilities for Older Adults (Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos - ILPIs), named QualificaILPI. Method A methodological study conducted between March and December 2021. The instrument was developed based on a multidimensional quality model, Brazilian legislation, and literature research. It contains quality standards for self-assessment of ILPIs in the dimensions of environment, home, care, family and community involvement, work team, and management. Each standard is described and followed by a scale with parameters to classify the level of ILPI quality as incipient, intermediate, or consolidated. The modified Delphi Technique was employed for validation by a committee of 10 experts regarding the relevance of the standard for ILPI quality assessment, the appropriateness of objectives, the evaluation scale, and clarity, allowing for comments. The standard was retained when there was 75% agreement among the experts. The instrument was also evaluated by the target audience, consisting of coordinators from 10 ILPIs selected for convenience. Results In the first assessment cycle, three standards were excluded, and two new ones were created. In the second cycle, the dimension of one standard was changed, and two standards were combined. In the end, 29 standards remained, divided into six dimensions. The target audience, ILPI managers, suggested changes in the wording of some standards. There was a consensus of 80% or higher for all standards. Conclusion QualificaILPI has the potential to contribute to monitoring ILPIs, promoting the improvement of care offered to residents.

Methodological Evaluation of Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Sjögren's Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Screening and evaluating the diseases responding specifically to traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） will help to highlight the advantages of TCM treatment， and the evaluation method should be standardized with consideration to the unique characteristics of the diseases. The incidence of Sjögren's Syndrome （SS） is increasing year by year， while the pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. Modern therapies for this disease include biological agents and immunosuppressants， which generally have unsatisfactory efficacy. The TCM treatment of SS focuses on the harmony of the physical and mental health. The Rheumatology Branch of the China Association of Chinese Medicine organizes experts in TCM， Western medicine， and evidence-based medicine to form working groups. Delphi method and bibliometric method were used for analysis， and SS was selected as a disease responding specifically to TCM. Furthermore， the evaluation system was established for this disease， and the consensus regarding this disease was reached after seminar discussion. This paper summarized the whole process of the evaluation of the advantages of TCM treatment of SS. First， because TCM atomization is widely used in clinical practice and enriches TCM administration methods， this therapy is included after other non-drug therapies were taken as characteristic therapies. Second， the evaluation indicators of therapeutic effect should be determined with consideration to international acceptance and the current research status. Third， the expression method should be accurate， standardized， and objective， highlight the natural advantages of TCM， and avoid arbitrary extension. This paper provides a reference for clinicians to explore other diseases responding specifically to TCM.

Construction of residents' healthy lifestyle cognitive index system in the context of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality / 环境与职业医学

Background Healthy lifestyle is one of the important factors affecting individual health. How to promote residents' cognition of healthy lifestyle has become an urgent practical problem for the whole society. However, there is no residents' healthy lifestyle cognitive indexes available with consideration of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Objective To construct a cognitive index system for providing effective assessment on residents' cognition of healthy lifestyle under the background of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Methods Based on the health belief model, a preliminary cognitive index system of residents' healthy lifestyle under the background of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality was proposed after literature study and relevant policy review. Then three rounds of indicator importance evaluation and screening by Delphi method were conducted before the index system was finally constructed. The weights of all levels of indicators were determined using analytic hierarchy process. In addition, a self-assessment questionnaire was developed based on the index system. The questionnaire was utilized to conduct a survey among 200 residents by convenience sampling in Shenyang, Liaoning Province from November to December 2021. The survey was used to examine the reliability and validity of the indicator system. Results The effective recovery rates of the three rounds of Delphi method were all 100%. The authority coefficient was 0.84. The Kendall's W consistency test showed good expert consistency (P<0.001). Finally, a cognitive index system of residents' healthy lifestyle under the background of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality was initially constructed, including 4 first-level indicators, 8 second-level indicators, and 35 third-level indicators. Among them, the weights of the first-level indicators were 0.4541 for practice cognition, 0.2248 for benefit and obstacle cognition, 0.1626 for action clue cognition, and 0.1585 for risk cognition, respectively. The correlation coefficients between each indicator were from 0.586 to 0.977 (P<0.01). The overall Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.95, indicating high reliability. Invited experts agreed that the entries were representative and the content validity of the constructed indicator system was good. The factor analysis also showed that the structure validity was good. Conclusion The proposed index system for residents' cognition of healthy lifestyle show good reliability and validity, which can be used as an effective assessment tool for residents' healthy lifestyle cognition under the background of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. It can provide a scientific and theoretical basis for promoting residents' cognition and practice of healthy lifestyle.

Construction of ESER Doctor-patient Communication Model from the Perspective of Cancer Patients / 中国医学伦理学

To construct a simple and two-way interactive doctor-patient communication mode, in order to provide guidance tools for doctor-patient communication, improve the effectiveness of doctor-patient communication for cancer patients, optimize medical experience, reduce doctor-patient disputes, and provide new perspectives and ideas for the study of doctor-patient communication. Literature review and qualitative research were used to construct the index framework of ESER doctor-patient communication model, and Delphi method was used to revise and improve the index content, and evaluate its reliability and validity. The results showed that after two rounds of expert letter consultation, the final ESER doctor-patient communication mode was established, including 4 primary-level indicators, 8 second-level indicators and 40 third-level indicators. The positive coefficient of experts was 100% in both rounds. The authority coefficient of experts was 0.85 in the first round and 0.91 in the second round, indicated a high degree of overall authority. Coefficient of variation (CV) were less than 0.25, and the Kendall’s W coefficient for significant χ2 test, P values were less than 0.05, which was statistically significant. It can be considered that the coordination degree of experts was high; Cronbach’s α coefficients in the first and second rounds of importance evaluation were 0.952 and 0.971, respectively, which indicated that the index framework had good reliability and validity. Based on the needs of cancer patients for doctor-patient communication, build a two-way interactive ESER doctor-patient communication mode, integrate medicine and humanities, which can be used as a guiding tool for medical staff to communicate with cancer patients, so as to enable doctors and patients to achieve mutual trust, cooperation and win-win results.

Resource utilization and costs related to the management of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy under the Brazilian supplementary healthcare system´s perspective: results from a modified Delphi panel / Utilização de recursos e custos relacionados ao manejo da cardiomiopatia hipertrófica obstrutiva sob a perspectiva do sistema de saúde suplementar brasileiro: resultados de um painel Delphi modificado

Objective: To generate data on the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive ypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) from the perspective of the private health system in Brazil. Methods: A modified Delphi panel including seven different specialists (three clinical cardiologists with experience in obstructive HCM, two hemodynamicists with experience in septal ablation and two cardiac surgeons with expertise in myectomy), from two Brazilian states (São Paulo and Pernambuco), was conducted between August and November 2022. Two rounds of questions about the use of healthcare resources according to the functional class (NYHA I-IV) and a panel in a virtual platform were conducted to obtain the final consensus. Micro-costing defined costs and unit values were determined based on official price lists. Results: The total diagnosis cost per patient was estimated at BRL 11,486.81. The obstructive HCM management costs analysis showed average annual costs per patient of BRL 17,026.74, BRL 19,401.46, BRL 73,310.07, and BRL 94,885.75 for the functional classes NYHA I, NYHA II, NYHA III, and NYHA IV, respectively. The average costs per patient related to procedures in a year were BRL 12,698.53, BRL 13,462.30, BRL 58,841.67, and BRL 75,595.90 for the functional classes NYHA I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Conclusions: The annual costs of HCM management increased according to the functional class, highlighting the need for safe and effective strategies to improve patient's NYHA functional class while promoting a decrease in the need for invasive therapies.

Objetivo: Gerar dados acerca dos custos associados ao diagnóstico e tratamento da cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) obstrutiva, sob a perspectiva do sistema de saúde privado no Brasil. Métodos: Um painel Delphi modificado incluindo sete especialistas (três cardiologistas clínicos com experiência em CMH obstrutiva, dois hemodinamicistas com experiência em ablação de septo e dois cirurgiões cardíacos com experiência em miectomia) de dois estados brasileiros (São Paulo e Pernambuco) foi conduzido entre agosto e novembro de 2022. Foram realizadas duas rodadas de perguntas acerca da utilização de recursos de acordo com a classe funcional (NYHA I-IV) e uma reunião virtual para obtenção do consenso final. Os custos foram definidos por meio de microcusteio, e os valores unitários foram definidos com base em listas de preço oficiais. Resultados: O custo total do diagnóstico por paciente foi estimado em R$ 11.486,81. A análise de custos de manejo da CMH obstrutiva mostrou custos médios anuais por paciente de R$ 17.026,74, R$ 19.401,46, R$ 73.310,07 e R$ 94.885,75 para as classes funcionais NYHA I, NYHA II, NYHA III e NYHA IV, respectivamente. Os custos médios por paciente relacionados a procedimentos em um ano foram de R$ 12.698,53, R$ 13.462,30, R$ 58.841,67 e R$ 75.595,90 para as classes NYHA I, II, III e IV, respectivamente. Conclusões: Os custos anuais com o manejo da CMH aumentam de acordo com a classe funcional, destacando a necessidade de estratégias seguras e eficazes capazes de melhorar a classe funcional NYHA do paciente, ao mesmo tempo que promove diminuição da necessidade de terapias invasivas.

Evidence gaps in orthognathic surgery, a Delphi study protocol

Aim: To assess the research gaps identified in a recent mapping review of orthognathic surgery through their evaluation by clinical experts, leading to a clinically relevant list of research gaps. This will guide future investigations of the topic, focusing on the outcomes of blood loss, infection, and relapse. Methods: The Delphi technique will be used to appraise the identified research gaps. The expert panel will include maxillofacial surgeons who regularly perform orthognathic surgery. Potential participants will be identified through various methods, including contact information from articles in the mapping review, nominations from peers, and social media platforms. Two rounds of surveys will be undertaken with Likert-type and open-ended questions to assess the clinical relevance of research gaps. For the second round, participants will receive a report of the results of the first round. Questions will be modified depending on the answers obtained in the first round. A consensus of 60% will be considered valid. Conclusions: Through this Delphi study, in a collaborative effort between researchers and clinical experts, a comprehensive understanding of the clinical relevance of research gaps in orthognathic surgery will be achieved. The outcomes will guide future investigations, ultimately improving the outcomes and practices in this field.

Recomendaciones de expertos acerca del uso de teduglutide en pacientes pediátricos con sindrome de intestino corto / Expert recommendations on the use of teduglutide in pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome

Resumen El síndrome de intestino corto es una entidad de baja incidencia en los pacientes pediátricos, pero se asocia con elevadas tasas de morbimortalidad. El abordaje de estos pacientes por un equipo interdisciplinario de expertos enfocados en la rehabilitación intestinal mejora los resultados a corto y a largo plazo. Entre los recursos disponibles para el tratamiento se incluye el teduglutide, un análogo del péptido similar al glucagón tipo 2 (GLP-2) elaborado mediante técnicas recombinantes. Por medio de la aplicación del método Delphi, a partir de la evidencia disponible y de la experiencia de los autores, se proponen recomendaciones para el uso de teduglutide, dirigidas a los profesionales de la salud que tratan a los pacientes pediátricos con síndrome de intestino corto, así como a las autoridades sanitarias.

Abstract Short bowel syndrome is a low-incidence disorder among pediatric patients, but it is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Management of these patients by an interdisciplinary team of experts focused on intestinal rehabilitation improves short- and long-term outcomes. Available resources for treatment include teduglutide, a glucagon-like peptide type 2 (GLP-2) analog made by recombinant techniques. Considering the available evi dence and the authors' experience, Delphi-based recommendations for the use of teduglutide are suggested for healthcare professionals who treat pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome, as well as for health authorities.

Validación de intervención psicoeducativa para mejorar el afrontamiento y adaptación de familiares en la UCI / Psychoeducational Intervention Validation to Improve Relatives in the ICU Coping and Adaptation / Validação de uma intervenção psicoeducativa para melhorar o enfrentamento e adaptação de familiares na UTI

Introducción: la hospitalización de una paciente afecta directamente el estado de salud de sus familiares, por lo tanto, se requiere de una intervención psicoeducativa que reduzca el efecto ocasionado en las familias para favorecer el afrontamiento y la adaptación. Objetivo: determinar los componentes con mayor consenso entre profesionales expertos para validar una intervención psicoeducativa que mejore el afrontamiento y la adaptación en familiares de pacientes hospitalizados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Método: estudio cuantitativo y descriptivo realizado con la técnica Delphi, por medio de una única ronda entre profesionales de la salud con experiencia mayor a 2 años en atención a pacientes críticos o investigación en esta área. Resultados: se obtuvieron 14 ítems distribuidos de la siguiente manera: matriz de componentes (3 ítems) y protocolo de la intervención (11 ítems). El 7,14 % de los ítems logró un consenso total, el 85,7 % aceptable y solo el 7,14 % de los ítems no alcanzó un consenso. Conclusiones: los componentes, actividades y acciones propuestas en la intervención psicoeducativa a través de la matriz de componentes como el protocolo de intervención, según el consenso de expertos, es pertinente, congruente, factible y genera impacto, lo cual permite mejorar el afrontamiento y adaptación de familiares de pacientes hospitalizados en UCI. La intervención requiere ser validada por medio de una prueba piloto y un estudio cuasi-experimental que permita medir el impacto de estos resultados.

Introduction: A patient's hospitalization directly affects the health status of their relatives, therefore, a psychoeducational intervention is required to reduce the effect on families, favoring coping and adaptation. Objective: Determine the components with the highest consensus among experts to operationalize psychoeducational intervention that improves coping and adaptation in relatives of hospitalized patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Methodology: Primary quantitative and descriptive study, carried out using the Delphi technique, through a single round among health professionals with more than 2 years of experience in critical patient care or research in this area. Results: 14 items were obtained, distributed as follows: component matrix (3 items) and intervention protocol (11 items). 7.14 % of the items reached a total consensus, 85.7 % acceptable and only 7.14 % of the items did not reach a consensus. Conclusions: The components, activities and actions proposed in the psychoeducational intervention through the matrix of components, such as the intervention protocol, according to the consensus of experts proves to be pertinent, congruent, feasible, and generates impact. This allows to improve coping and adaptation of hospitalized patients in ICU's relatives. The intervention needs to be validated by means of a pilot test and a quasi-experimental study that allow measuring the impact of these results.

Introdução: A hospitalização de um paciente afeta diretamente o estado de saúde de seus familiares, portanto, é necessária uma intervenção psicoeducacional que reduza o efeito causado nas famílias, favorecendo o enfrentamento e a adaptação. Objetivo: Determinar os componentes de maior consenso entre os especialistas para operacionalizar a intervenção psicoeducacional que melhora o enfrentamento e a adaptação em familiares de pacientes internados em UTI. Metodologia: Estudo primário, quantitativo e descritivo, realizado pela técnica Delphi, por meio de rodada única, entre profissionais de saúde com mais de 2 anos de familia na assistência ao paciente crítico ou em pesquisa na área. Resultados: foram obtidos 14 itens, assim distribuídos: matriz de componentes (3 itens) e protocolo de intervenção (11 itens). 7,14 % dos itens alcançaram consenso total, 85,7 % aceitáveis e apenas 7,14 % dos itens não alcançaram consenso. Conclusões: Os componentes, atividades e ações propostas na intervenção psicoeducacional através da matriz de componentes como o protocolo de intervenção, segundo o consenso dos especialistas é pertinente, congruente, factível e gera impacto, o que permite melhorar o enfrentamento e adaptação dos familiares de pacientes internados em UTI. A intervenção familia ser validada por meio de um teste piloto e um estudo quase-experimental que permita mensurar o impacto desses resultados.

Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis ‒ Brazilian Society of Dermatology: an update on phototherapy and systemic therapy using e-Delphi technique

Abstract This publication is an update of the "Consensus on the therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis - Brazilian Society of Dermatology" published in 2019, considering the novel, targeted-oriented systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis. The initial recommendations of the current consensus for systemic treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis were based on a recent review of scientific published data and a consensus was reached after voting. The Brazilian Society of Dermatology invited 31 experts from all regions of Brazil and 2 international experts on atopic dermatitis who fully contributed to the process. The methods included an e-Delphi study to avoid bias, a literature search and a final consensus meeting. The authors added novel approved drugs in Brazil and the indication for phototherapy and systemic therapy for AD. The therapeutical response to systemic treatment is hereby reported in a suitable form for clinical practice and is also part of this updated manuscript.

Assessment of mouth breathing by Speech-Language Pathologists: an international Delphi consensus

ABSTRACT Purpose mouth breathing (MB) has detrimental effects on children's growth. Diagnosis of MB is possible through a multidisciplinary approach including Speech-Language Pathologist's (SLP) assessment; however, SLPs currently have little to no defined selection criteria to determine the awake and habitual breathing pattern. This study aims at identifying relevant criteria for the assessment of the habitual and awake breathing pattern of preschool children, and developing a grid that would help SLPs diagnose MB in their clinical practice. Methods A three-rounded online international Delphi process was conducted to achieve a consensus on the relevant items and their interpretation. Agreement was established through a Content Validity Ratio calculation. Based on the agreed items, we developed a grid through a scoring function. Results Observing the child at rest (i.e., time spent with an open/closed mouth and position of the tongue/lips) was considered the most important criterion. The experts also considered that observing the breathing pattern while chewing (open/closed mouth) and after swallowing (i.e., air intake and open/ closed mouth just after swallowing) should provide relevant but secondary information in decision-making. We were able to establish a clinical grid based on those criteria. Conclusion The Delphi procedure provided content-valid criteria and conditions of observation for the myofunctional SLP assessment of the awake and habitual breathing pattern in preschoolers. A clinical validation of the developed prototype grid should be conducted in preschool children to explore its effectiveness in the diagnosis of MB.

Construction of a nutritional assessment tool for the pediatric cancer population (ANPEDCancer): content validation using the Delphi method / Construção de um instrumento de avaliação nutricional para a população pediátrica com câncer (ANPEDCancer): validação de conteúdo pelo método Delphi

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop and establish content validation of a nutritional assessment tool for pediatric cancer patients using the Delphi method. Methods: A literature review was performed and the nutritional assessment in pediatrics and cancer construct was discussed with experts. Forty-six nutrition experts from Brazil with experience in oncology participated in the panel. Rounds were held to discuss and judge the items that should be included in this tool. With the aid of an algorithm, it was possible to simultaneously consider the adequacy, relevance and measurement of the items. The consensus was reached with an agreement equal to or greater than 80% among the experts. Results: From the 7 domains suggested by the literature, the first round generated 81 items, which were assessed for adequacy, relevance and the possibility of being measured in the routine of nutritional assessment, by specialists in the following two rounds. The percentage of specialists who responded to each round was high (above 90%) and the dropout rate between the stages was relatively low. After applying the algorithm, the ANPEDCancer tool had 36 items considered appropriate by specialists from the five different geographical regions of Brazil. Conclusions: The Delphi method allowed the construction and content validation of the nutritional assessment tool for children and adolescents with cancer, providing the first stage for use in the Brazilian hospital setting.

RESUMO Objetivo: Desenvolver e estabelecer a construção, a validação de conteúdo e a elaboração de um plano de ação para cada diagnóstico nutricional de um instrumento de avaliação nutricional para pacientes pediátricos com câncer por meio do método Delphi. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura e discutido com especialistas o constructo avaliação nutricional em pediatria em câncer. Participaram do painel 46 especialistas nutricionistas do Brasil com experiência em oncologia. Rodadas ocorreram, para discutir e julgar os itens que deveriam constar do instrumento. Com o auxílio de um algoritmo, foi possível ponderar simultaneamente a adequação, relevância e mensuração dos itens. O consenso foi atingido com concordância igual ou superior a 80% entre os especialistas. Resultados: Com base nos sete domínios sugeridos pela literatura científica, a primeira rodada gerou 81 itens, que foram avaliados quanto à adequação, relevância e possibilidade de ser medido na rotina de avaliação nutricional pelos especialistas nas duas rodadas seguintes. O percentual de especialistas que responderam a cada rodada foi alto (acima de 90%), e a desistência entre as etapas, relativamente baixa. Após aplicação do algoritmo, o instrumento ANPEDCancer contou com 36 itens considerados apropriados pelos especialistas das cinco distintas regiões geográficas do Brasil. Conclusões: O método Delphi permitiu a construção e validação de conteúdo do instrumento de avaliação nutricional para crianças e adolescentes com câncer, fornecendo uma primeira versão a ser aplicada e avaliada no cenário hospitalar brasileiro.

Construction of post competency model of human organ donation coordinators based on onion model / 器官移植

Objective To construct a scientific and rational post competency model of human organ donation coordinators. Methods Based on the onion model, the index pool was initially constructed by literature research and behavioral event interview. The index system was screened, modified and improved using Delphi method. The weight of indexes at all levels was determined by analytic hierarchy process. Results The effective response rates of two rounds of Delphi expert inquiries were both 100%, indicating that the expert opinions were highly dependable. The experts' judgment coefficient (Ca), familiarity (Cs) and authoritative coefficient (Cr) were all above 0.7, indicating that the experts' opinions were highly reliable. The expert coordination coefficients (W) were 0.294 and 0.342 (both P<0.001), indicating that experts delivered coordinated opinions and yielded slight difference in understanding the importance of indexes. Finally, according to the "onion model" theory and experts' opinions, a set of coordinator's post competency model including 6 first-level and 55 second-level indexes was established, which comprised an index surface layer, a middle layer and a core layer. Among them, the core layer represented core professional values, the middle layer was personal quality and professional ethics and quality, and the surface layer was interpersonal communication capability, organizational cooperation capability and professional knowledge and lifelong learning capability. Conclusions The post competency model of organ donation coordinators established in this study consists of 6 first-level and 55 second-level indexes, which is highly effective and reliable.

Development of a self-assessment questionnaire of abnormal menstruation and evaluation of its reliability and validity / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo develop a self-assessment questionnaire for menstrual abnormalities and test its reliability and validity. To provide an assessment tool for self-identification of abnormal menstruation in young women and to investigate the health seeking situation of abnormal menstruation in the population. MethodsFifteen physicians with clinical experience were invited to participate in the Delphi expert consultations. Medical indications for menstrual abnormalities were constructed and questionnaires were formed based on domestic and international literature， expert meetings and 2 rounds of Delphi expert consultations. A whole-group sampling was used to select 923 female college students from a medical school in Shanghai for the survey， and 306 of them were retested. The internal consistency， retest correlation， researcher-investigator evaluation correlation， and structural and response validity of the questionnaire were examined. ResultsThe questionnaire formed 6 dimensions with 17 indications. The positive coefficients for the two rounds of consulting experts were >90%. The mean authority coefficient was 0.857. The Kendall W coordination coefficient was 0.465 and 0.455， respectively （P<0.001）. The questionnaire Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.622. The retest correlation coefficient was 0.459. The correlation coefficient between the researcher's score and the respondents' self-assessment was 0.562. The five common factors extracted by factor analysis were consistent with the structure of the questionnaire， and the cumulative contribution of variance was 54.4%. Total questionnaire scores were moderately to highly correlated with each dimension score （0.409 to 0.699）. There was low correlation between the dimensions （-0.002 to 0.203）. Girls who had sought medical care had higher scores on the total questionnaire， category A， category B， cycle dimension， menstrual dimension， and dysmenorrhea/PMS dimension than girls who had not sought medical care （P<0.01）， and the difference between the two groups in menstrual volume dimension scores was not statistically significant. ConclusionThe self-assessment questionnaire for menstrual abnormalities developed in this study has acceptable reliability， good structure validity and response validity. It can provide a self-examination tool and medical consultation guidance for young women with abnormal menstruation.

Interpretation of the first edition of definition, diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic oesophagogastric cancer: A Delphi consensus study in Europe / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Local treatment improves the outcomes for oligometastatic disease, an intermediate state between locoregional and widespread disease. However, consensus about the definition, diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic oesophagogastric cancer is lacking. The first edition "Definition, diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic oesophagogastric cancer: A Delphi consensus study in Europe" was published on February 15, 2023 by 65 European medical specialists. In this article, the consensus will be interpreted to provide new idea for the diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic oesophagogastric cancer for Chinese clinicians.

Optimization of nursing services for percutaneous coronary interventional therapy based on clinical nursing pathway / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To optimize the clinical nursing pathway, service program and evaluation parameters of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI), for references for the cost accounting and compensation mechanism of nursing program in public hospitals.Methods:After literature analysis and group discussion, the initial templates were constructed for the PCI clinical nursing pathway, nursing service projects, and their evaluation parameters. 15 experts were consulted by two rounds of Delphi method to optimize PCI nursing path, nursing service items and their evaluation parameters (basic labor consumption, basic time consumption, technical difficulty and risk degree).Results:Two rounds of Delphi method finally determined the PCI clinical nursing path and 27 nursing service items, and adjusted the evaluation parameters of 10 nursing service items. The new projects for PCI clinical nursing services included adjustment and review of dual antiplatelet therapy plans, postoperative rehabilitation nursing, and key project verification. The three nursing service projects with the highest level of technical difficulty and risk were intravenous blood transfusion, gastric catheterization, and gastrointestinal decompression. The two items with the highest importance assigned were high pump assisted arterial/venous infusion (blood) and invasive continuous arterial blood pressure monitoring.Conclusions:The PCI clinical nursing pathway and nursing service project constructed in this study could closely integrate with clinical practice, highlight the integrated nursing service model, and reflect the labor value of nurses.

Construction and application of the homogenous evaluation index system for public hospital branches / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To construct the homogenous evaluation index system for public hospital branches under the background of high-quality development, providing reference for improving the homogenization level of public hospital branches.Methods:By analyzing literature, relevant policies and the management practices of the public hospital branches, a preliminary screening index system for homogenization evaluation of public hospital branches was constructed. Two rounds of Delphi method were used to screen homogenization evaluation indicators for public hospital branches and determine the weights of the indicators. Taking the branches of a tertiary hospital as an example, the indicator system was empirically applied.Results:The homogenization evaluation index system for public hospital branches included 4 first level indicators, 8 second level indicators and 21 third level indicators. The weights of the first level indicators of medical homogeneity, management homogeneity, emergency conversion and satisfaction were 51.33%, 23.16%, 9.00% and 16.51%, respectively. Through empirical application, the homogenization coefficient of the public hospital branche was 0.833 5.Conclusions:The homogenization evaluation index system for public hospital branches was in line with the goals of the construction and development of multiple campuses of one hospital for public hospital. Indicators with low homogenization coefficients were the shortcomings of homogenization in hospital branches. This indicator system provided measurement standards and improvement directions for the homogenization of medical and management in hospital branches.

A phased swallowing training program after partial laryngectomy / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To construct an evidence-based phased swallowing training program for patients after partial laryngectomy applying the Delphi method.Methods:Evidence was screened systematically applying evidence-basing principles to construct a first draft of a phased swallowing training program for patients after partial laryngectomy. After two rounds of Delphi expert consultation a final draft was formed.Results:The protocol was composed of 27 items covering 5 aspects of the gastrointestinal decompression period, the first- and second-stage continuous tube feeding periods, trial feeding of the intermittent tube feeding period and the oral feeding stage.Conclusion:The phased swallowing training program is scientifically sound and feasible in clinical practice. It can provide references for clinic staff to improve swallowing management.

Development of an assessment scale of knowledge, attitude and practice on diabetic microangiopathy for primary care general practitioners using Delphi method / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To develop an assessment scale for measuring knowledge, attitude and practice of general practitioners in primary care towards diabetic microangiopathy.Methods:The knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) theory was used as a framework to draw up the initial item pool based on related literature and guidelines during March to October 2022. Two rounds of Delphi consultation were conducted among 15 experts from general medicine and related fields. The positive coefficient, authority coefficient and coordination coefficient of experts were calculated, and the threshold table of indexes was screened, and the final assessment scale of KAP was developed after the two rounds of consultation.Results:The developed primary care general practitioners′ KAP assessment scale for diabetic microangiopathy consists of 3 primary indexes and 52 secondary indexes(25 of knowledge scale, 13 of attitude scale, 14 of practice scale). The positive coefficient of experts was 100.0% and the authority coefficient of experts was 0.89 in both rounds of consultation; and the coordination coefficient of experts was 0.319 and 0.322 for the first and second consultations, respectively (both P<0.05). Conclusion:A KAP assessment scale of diabetic microangiopathy for primary care general practitioners has been developed in this study. The expert positive coefficient, authority coefficient and expert coordination coefficient meet the requirements, which provides reference for evaluating the management ability of diabetic microangiopathy of primary care general practitioners.