Correlations between the Frankfort Plane and the Presence of Myofascial Trigger Points in Posterior Cervical Musculature: An Exploratory Study.

Neck pain is a pathology with a high impact in terms of physical disability in modern society. The position of the head is related to neck pain. The Frankfort plane determines the position of the skull in space. The profile photograph of the subjects was used to determine the Frankfort plane and to study its degree of inclination. Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal pain. Trigger points are hyperirritable spots located in a palpable taut band of skeletal muscle that is painful on compression or stretch and causes a local twitch in response to snapping or palpation of the band. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the Frankfort plane and the presence of myofascial trigger points causing cervical myofascial pain. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive observational study. All subjects underwent a photographic study to determine the degree of Frankfort plane inclination, and the posterior cervical musculature was palpated to find myofascial trigger points that were measured with a pressure algometer in three cervical locations on the right and left sides. Results: Our study included 47 subjects who had suffered at least one episode of cervical pain in their lifetimes. The mean age was 22.3 ± 2.9 years. Statistically significant results were found in the first right location and sports practice (p = 0.007), in the second right location and gender (p = 0.0097), in the second right location and sports practice (p = 0.0486), in the third right location and gender (p = 0.0098), and in the first, second, and third left locations and gender (p = 0.0083; p = 0.024; p = 0.0016, respectively). In the correlation between the Frankfort plane and the presence of myofascial trigger points, all locations were positive, with the first right location being statistically significant (p = 0.048). Conclusions: A positive relationship was found between the Frankfort plane and the presence of myofascial trigger points. The greater the angle of the Frankfort plane, the less the myofascial pain.

Use of Virtual Reality and Videogames in the Physiotherapy Treatment of Stroke Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

A stroke is a neurological condition with a high impact in terms of physical disability in the adult population, requiring specific and effective rehabilitative approaches. Virtual reality (VR), a technological approach in constant evolution, has great applicability in many fields of rehabilitation, including strokes. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a traditional neurological physiotherapy-based approach combined with the implementation of a specific VR-based program in the treatment of patients following rehabilitation after a stroke. Participants (n = 24) diagnosed with a stroke in the last six months were randomly allocated into a control group (n = 12) and an experimental group (n = 12). Both groups received one-hour sessions of neurological physiotherapy over 6 weeks, whilst the experimental group was, in addition, supplemented with VR. Patients were assessed through the Daniels and Worthingham Scale, Modified Ashworth Scale, Motor Index, Trunk Control Test, Tinetti Balance Scale, Berg Balance Scale and the Functional Ambulation Classification of the Hospital of Sagunto. Statistically significant improvements were obtained in the experimental group with respect to the control group on the Motricity Index (p = 0.005), Trunk Control Test (p = 0.008), Tinetti Balance Scale (p = 0.004), Berg Balance Scale (p = 0.007) and the Functional Ambulation Classification of the Hospital of Sagunto (p = 0.038). The use of VR in addition to the traditional physiotherapy approach is a useful strategy in the treatment of strokes.

Domestic violence screening in a public mental health service: A qualitative examination of mental health clinician responses to DFV.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Mental health clients experience higher estimated rates of domestic violence, yet mental health services are less likely to screen for domestic violence. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This paper qualitatively explores the perspectives and experiences of mental health practitioners in inpatient and community teams in a publicly funded hospital and health service (i.e. public mental health service). Mental health practitioners described a lack of domestic violence training, as well as a lack of knowledge of domestic violence and support mechanisms for victims, when domestic violence is disclosed by clients. The paper highlights the unique difficulties and barriers experienced by clinicians in screening for domestic violence while also dealing with clients suffering a mental health crisis. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The paper sheds more light on the issue of domestic violence in mental health in terms of screening, and identifies avenues for improvement in mental health services; particularly the need for staff training and education. ABSTRACT: Introduction Domestic violence is particularly prevalent within mental health client groups, though screening for domestic violence within mental health services is often overlooked. Aim To investigate the experiences and opinions of domestic violence screening by mental health clinicians in a publicly funded hospital and health service. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve clinicians working in publicly funded mental health services in Queensland, Australia. Transcripts were thematically analysed. Results Four main themes emerged from the data: staff training and experience; prioritizing domestic violence screening; attitudes to domestic violence; and victim support. Participants discussed a lack of training for, or expectations of, domestic violence screening in mental health services. They also highlighted a lack of resources enabling them to appropriately respond when domestic violence was identified. Discussion Education, attitudes and resources relating to domestic violence are major factors that should be addressed for the successful screening and treatment of clients in mental health. Implications for Practice This paper informs services of the gaps in knowledge and care around domestic violence and mental health. A less medicalized approach to the treatment of mental health should be adopted, and domestic violence training introduced for all healthcare practitioners, to improve client outcomes.

Improving domestic violence screening practices in the emergency department: an Australian perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Domestic violence (DV) is a major cause of morbidity worldwide. The ED is a location recommended for opportunistic screening. However, screening within EDs remains irregular. OBJECTIVE: To examine intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to routine screening in Australian EDs, while describing actions taken after identification of DV. METHODS: Emergency clinicians at nine public hospitals participated in an anonymous online survey. Factor analysis was performed to identify principal components around attitudes and beliefs towards screening. RESULTS: In total, 496 emergency clinicians participated. Universal screening was uncommon; less than 2% of respondents reported screening all adults or all women. Although willing, nearly half (45%) reported not knowing how to screen. High patient load and no single rooms were 'very or severely limiting' for 88% of respondents, respectively, while 24/7 social work and interpreter services, and online/written DV protocols were top enablers. Factor analysis identified four distinct intrinsic belief components: (1) screening is not futile and could be done in ED, (2) screening will not cause harm, (3) there is a duty to screen and (4) I am willing to screen. CONCLUSION: This study describes a culture of Queensland ED clinicians that believe DV screening in ED is important and interventions are effective. Most ED clinicians are willing to screen. In this setting, availability of social work and interpreter services are important mitigating resources. Clinician education focusing on duty to screen, coupled with a built-in screening tool, and e-links to a local management protocol may improve the uptake of screening and subsequently increase detection.

Obsessional intrusive thoughts in children: An interview based study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the experience of obsessional intrusive thoughts (OITs) in a sample of children aged 8 to 10 years old and to test the main tenets of the cognitive model of OCD. Specifically, we assessed: (1) the prevalence of OITs experienced by young children; (2) their frequency and content; (3) the emotions they evoke; (4) the reasons why they are upsetting; (5) how they are appraised (6) and what control strategies they use. METHODS: Forty-nine children (28 girls, 21 boys; mean age 9.1 years) from the community completed two self-report questionnaires assessing anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Children were interviewed using the Children's Anxious Thoughts Interview, which assessed their experiences of OITs. RESULTS: From the 49 participants, 71.43% reported having experienced at least one OIT. The most frequent contents related to harm and doubt. Of the total sample, 28.6% reported having experienced one OIT recently with at least moderate frequency; these participants reported higher anxiety and obsessive-compulsive interference, described feeling nervous and anxious when experiencing their OIT, and rated their OIT as highly important and distracting. The most frequently reported control strategies were cognitive - suppression, distraction and thought replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Almost two thirds of community children reported experiencing OITs. The findings from this study provide preliminary support for the application of the cognitive model of OCD in children. Subtle differences from previous research with adults are discussed.

Sestamibi Scintigraphy & Video-assisted Thoracoscopic (VATS) Resection of Mediastinal Parathyroid adenomatosis: Surgical Technique & Case Report

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Benchmarking en cirugía torácica. Tercera edición / Benchmarking in Thoracic Surgery. Third Edition

Introducción: Benchmarking hace referencia a la comparación continuada de la eficiencia y la calidad entre productos y actividades con el objetivo fundamental de alcanzar la excelencia. Objetivo: Analizar los resultados del benchmarking realizado en 2013 con la actividad asistencial de Cirugía Torácica en el año 2012 en 17 servicios de Cirugía Torácica españoles participantes. Métodos: La fuente de información para el estudio ha sido el conjunto mínimo básico de datos de hospitalización correspondiente al año 2012. Los datos han sido proporcionados por los centros participantes, a partir de los informes de alta hospitalaria, sin intervención de los responsables de los correspondientes servicios asistenciales. Los casos objeto del estudio han sido todas las altas de hospitalización registradas en los centros participantes. Los episodios incluidos han sido los de enfermedad quirúrgica respiratoria (CDM4-Q) y los del servicio de Cirugía Torácica. La identificación de estos casos se realizó usando los códigos de la novena edición de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades, Modificación Clínica. Para valorar las diferencias en gravedad y complejidad de los casos se ha utilizado la clasificación de los grupos relacionados por el diagnóstico refinados. Resultados: Los diversos parámetros generales estudiados (casuística, estancia media, complicaciones, readmisiones, mortalidad y actividad) han tenido una gran variabilidad entre los participantes. El análisis concreto de intervenciones (lobectomía, neumonectomía, resecciones atípicas y neumotórax), también han oscilado considerablemente. Conclusiones: Se observa, al igual que en ediciones previas, una considerable variabilidad entre los grupos participantes. Existen áreas de mejora evidentes: estandarización de los procesos de admisión, evitando ingresos urgentes y mejorando la estancia preoperatoria; agilización de las altas hospitalarias y mejora de los informes de alta, reflejando toda la actividad y las complicaciones habidas. Algunas unidades de Cirugía Torácica deben hacer una revisión profunda de sus procesos porque pueden tener algunos parámetros con una desviación excesiva de la norma. También deben mejorarse los procesos de codificación de diagnósticos y comorbilidades

Introduction: Benchmarking entails continuous comparison of efficacy and quality among products and activities, with the primary objective of achieving excellence. Objective: To analyze the results of benchmarking performed in 2013 on clinical practices undertaken in 2012 in 17 Spanish thoracic surgery units. Methods: Study data were obtained from the basic minimum data set for hospitalization, registered in 2012. Data from hospital discharge reports were submitted by the participating groups, but staff from the corresponding departments did not intervene in data collection. Study cases all involved hospital discharges recorded in the participating sites. Episodes included were respiratory surgery (Major Diagnostic Category 04, Surgery), and those of the thoracic surgery unit. Cases were labelled using codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification. The refined diagnosis-related groups classification was used to evaluate differences in severity and complexity of cases. Results: General parameters (number of cases, mean stay, complications, readmissions, mortality, and activity) varied widely among the participating groups. Specific interventions (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, atypical resections, and treatment of pneumothorax) also varied widely. Conclusions: As in previous editions, practices among participating groups varied considerably. Some areas for improvement emerge: admission processes need to be standardized to avoid urgent admissions and to improve pre-operative care; hospital discharges should be streamlined and discharge reports improved by including all procedures and complications. Some units have parameters which deviate excessively from the norm, and these sites need to review their processes in depth. Coding of diagnoses and comorbidities is another area where improvement is needed

Incompleteness and not just right experiences in the explanation of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

In the past decade, not just right experiences (NJRE) and incompleteness (INC) have attracted renewed interest as putative motivators of symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), beyond harm avoidance (HA). This study examines, in 267 non-clinical undergraduates and 47 OCD patients, the differential contributions of HA, INC, and NJRE to the different OCD symptom dimensions and the propensity to have the disorder. The results indicate that although both the NJRE and INC range from normality to OCD, their number and intensity significantly increase as the obsessional tendencies increase, which suggests that they are vulnerability markers for OCD. Although they cannot be considered fully specific to OCD, they are more important in explaining OCD symptoms than general distress and harm-related beliefs, and they are also better indicators of OCD severity than HA. In light of the operationalization of both NJRE and INC across the items on their respective questionnaires, the two constructs seem to capture different aspects of the same complex underlying construct: whereas INC might refer to a relatively stable disposition or trait of engaging in compulsive rituals, NJRE resemble obsessions more, and the appraisals that individuals ascribe to the experience would motivate the compulsions.

Benchmarking in Thoracic Surgery. Third Edition.

INTRODUCTION: Benchmarking entails continuous comparison of efficacy and quality among products and activities, with the primary objective of achieving excellence. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of benchmarking performed in 2013 on clinical practices undertaken in 2012 in 17 Spanish thoracic surgery units. METHODS: Study data were obtained from the basic minimum data set for hospitalization, registered in 2012. Data from hospital discharge reports were submitted by the participating groups, but staff from the corresponding departments did not intervene in data collection. Study cases all involved hospital discharges recorded in the participating sites. Episodes included were respiratory surgery (Major Diagnostic Category 04, Surgery), and those of the thoracic surgery unit. Cases were labelled using codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification. The refined diagnosis-related groups classification was used to evaluate differences in severity and complexity of cases. RESULTS: General parameters (number of cases, mean stay, complications, readmissions, mortality, and activity) varied widely among the participating groups. Specific interventions (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, atypical resections, and treatment of pneumothorax) also varied widely. CONCLUSIONS: As in previous editions, practices among participating groups varied considerably. Some areas for improvement emerge: admission processes need to be standardized to avoid urgent admissions and to improve pre-operative care; hospital discharges should be streamlined and discharge reports improved by including all procedures and complications. Some units have parameters which deviate excessively from the norm, and these sites need to review their processes in depth. Coding of diagnoses and comorbidities is another area where improvement is needed.

Informe sobre la introducción de la vacuna antineumocócica conjugada 13valente (VNC13) para la prevención de la enfermedad neumocócica y neumonía en la cohorte de 60 años en la Comunidad de Madrid / No disponible

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Algo no está bien: una nueva lectura de la duda obsesiva / Not just right: obsessional doubt revisited

Recientes desarrollos de la explicación cognitivo conductual del trastorno obsesivo compulsivo incorporan constructos clásicos, como la duda, en un intento por comprender mejor la génesis del trastorno. La duda obsesiva se explica apelando a sensaciones de que hay “algo que no está bien del todo”, de que las propias acciones están “inacabadas” o se operacionaliza como tendencia crónica a la indecisión. Se han desarrollado cuestionarios específicos para evaluar estos constructos: el “Cuestionario de dimensiones obsesivo compulsivas centrales-rasgo” (OC-TCDQ), el “Cuestionario de experiencias no del todo correctas” (NJRE-Q) y la “Escala de indecisión” (IS). Un grupo de 253 participantes no clínicos completó estos instrumentos junto con medidas de síntomas obsesivo compulsivos, de ansiedad y de depresión. Los resultados muestran que los tres cuestionarios, en su versión en español, tienen buenas propiedades psicométricas. Los constructos que evalúan correlacionan entre sí y con las medidas de psicopatología de forma moderada. Las experiencias y la sensación de inacabado mantienen correlaciones moderadas con los síntomas obsesivo compulsivos que van más allá de lo explicable por su asociación con los síntomas ansiosos no obsesivos y con los depresivos

In an effort to better understand the causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder, recent developments in cognitive-behavioral models have incorporated classical constructs such as doubt. Obsessional doubt is explained by incompleteness and “not just right” experiences or operationalized as chronic indecisiveness. Specific instruments have been developed to assess these constructs: Obsessive Compulsive Trait Core Dimensions Questionnaire (OC-TCDQ), Not Just Right Experiences Questionnaire (NJRE-Q), and Indecisiveness Scale (IS). A sample of non-clinical participants (N= 253) completed the aforementioned questionnaires together with other measures of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, anxiety and depression. Results showed that the Spanish version of the three questionnaires have good psychometric properties. Moderate correlations were found between the constructs under study and with the psychopathological measures. Not just right experiences and feelings of incompleteness (OC-TCDQ), correlated moderately with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, a result which cannot be entirely explained by their association with anxious and depressive symptoms

Desarrollo multidisciplinario de la cirugía robótica en un hospital universitario de tercer nivel: organización y resultados / Multidisciplinary development of robotic surgery in a University Tertiary Hospital: Organization and outcomes

Introducción El sistema Da Vinci (Intuitive Surgical®) es un telemanipulador quirúrgico que proporciona numerosas ventajas técnicas al abordaje laparoscópico convencional (visión tridimensional, posición ergonómica, precisión en los movimientos, instrumental multiarticular, etc.) y que se viene utilizando en diversas especialidades en todo el mundo desde el año 2000. El primer hospital público español que incorporó esta tecnología robótica fue el Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC) de Madrid en julio de 2006.IntroducciónPresentamos la organización multidisciplinaria y los resultados asistenciales, docentes e investigadores del programa de cirugía robótica (PCR) desarrollado en el HCSC. Material y método Con una dirección común y un equipo común de instrumentistas, se incorporaron progresivamente al PCR los servicios de Cirugía General, Urología y Ginecología, con procedimientos variados y de complejidad creciente. Se programaron numerosas actividades docentes y de difusión tanto intrahospitalarias como extrahospitalarias para dar a conocer el PCR. Resultados Entre julio de 2006 y julio de 2008 se intervinieron 306 pacientes en el ámbito del PCR-HCSC: 169 en Cirugía General, 107 en Urología y 30 en Ginecología. Los resultados demostraron la factibilidad de los procedimientos y su corta curva de aprendizaje. La actividad docente realizada incluyó a residentes y especialistas interesados en la tecnología robótica. Conclusión La incorporación estructurada y gradual de la cirugía robótica mediante el PCR-HCSC ha permitido facilitar el aprendizaje, compartir la infraestructura diseñada, coordinar las actividades de difusión y la colaboración multidisciplinaria. Esta experiencia inicial ha demostrado la eficacia de una organización adecuada y un equipo motivado (AU)

Background Da Vinci system (Intuitive Surgical®) is a surgical telemanipulator providing many technical advantages over conventional laparoscopic approach (3-D vision, ergonomics, highly precise movements, endowrist instrumentation…) and it is currently applied to several specialties throughout the world since 2000. The first Spanish public hospital incorporating this robotic technology was Hospital Clinico San Carlos (HCSC) in Madrid, in July 2006.BackgroundWe present the multidisciplinary organization and clinical, research and training outcomes of the Robotic Surgery Plan developed in the HCSC. Material and methods Starting from joint management and joint scrub nurses team, General and Digestive Surgery, Urology and Gynaecology Departments were progressively incorporated into the Robotic Surgery Plan, with several procedures increasing in complexity. A number of intra and extra-hospital teaching and information activities were planned to report on the Robotic Surgery Plan. Results Between July 2006 and July 2008, 306 patients were operated on: 169 by General Surgery, 107 by Urology and 30 by Gynaecology teams. The outcomes showed feasibility and a short learning curve. The educational plan included residents and staff interested in robotic technology application. Conclusion The structured and gradual incorporation of robotic surgery throughout the PCR-HCSC has made it easier to learn, to share designed infrastructure, to coordinate information activities and multidisciplinary collaboration. This preliminary experience has shown the efficiency of an adequate organization and motivated team (AU)

[Multidisciplinary development of robotic surgery in a University Tertiary Hospital: Organization and outcomes]. / Desarrollo multidisciplinario de la cirugía robótica en un hospital universitario de tercer nivel: organización y resultados.

BACKGROUND: Da Vinci system (Intuitive Surgical) is a surgical telemanipulator providing many technical advantages over conventional laparoscopic approach (3-D vision, ergonomics, highly precise movements, endowrist instrumentation...) and it is currently applied to several specialties throughout the world since 2000. The first Spanish public hospital incorporating this robotic technology was Hospital Clinico San Carlos (HCSC) in Madrid, in July 2006. We present the multidisciplinary organization and clinical, research and training outcomes of the Robotic Surgery Plan developed in the HCSC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Starting from joint management and joint scrub nurses team, General and Digestive Surgery, Urology and Gynaecology Departments were progressively incorporated into the Robotic Surgery Plan, with several procedures increasing in complexity. A number of intra and extra-hospital teaching and information activities were planned to report on the Robotic Surgery Plan. RESULTS: Between July 2006 and July 2008, 306 patients were operated on: 169 by General Surgery, 107 by Urology and 30 by Gynaecology teams. The outcomes showed feasibility and a short learning curve. The educational plan included residents and staff interested in robotic technology application. CONCLUSION: The structured and gradual incorporation of robotic surgery throughout the PCR-HCSC has made it easier to learn, to share designed infrastructure, to coordinate information activities and multidisciplinary collaboration. This preliminary experience has shown the efficiency of an adequate organization and motivated team.