Evaluación de un servicio telefónico de prevención y promoción de salud infantil antes de su puesta en funcionamiento / Evaluation of a child health prevention and promotion telephone service before its introduction

Objetivos. Evaluar, antes de su puesta en marcha, un servicio telefónico de información sobre temas de salud pediátricos. Conocer la valoración global del servicio y de la calidad de la información que oferta desde la perspectiva de la población potencialmente usuaria. Método. Diseño: simulación de una llamada telefónica al servicio y valoración posterior con técnicas cualitativas. Emplazamiento: atención primaria y especializada de la ciudad de Granada. Participantes: padres y madres de niños/as entre 0 y 14 años y residentes en Andalucía que no fuesen profesionales sanitarios, localizados a través de servicios de atención primaria y hospitalaria de la ciudad de Granada. Se estudió la valoración global del servicio y la calidad de la información ofertada mediante entrevistas y grupos focales. El número de participantes se estableció con base en dos criterios: evaluación de toda la batería de información elaborada para el servicio telefónico y saturación del discurso. Resultados. La valoración global del servicio fue positiva, destacándose el fácil y rápido acceso a la información, el ahorro de tiempo y la tranquilidad que infunde. La información recibida fue calificada de clara, de fácil comprensión y expresada en un tono respetuoso. Para mejorar el servicio se propone que las llamadas sean gratuitas y que se amplíen los temas sobre los que solicitar información. Conclusiones. La metodología usada es novedosa ya que la mayoría de los servicios telefónicos se evalúan una vez puestos en marcha y sin contar con la participación de los públicos potenciales(AU)

Objectives. To evaluate a telephone-information service on health issues for children before its implementation. To determine the overall assessment of the service and quality of the information available from the perspective of a potential user population. Methods. Design: Simulation of a telephone call to the telephone service and further evaluation using qualitative techniques. Setting: Primary and special care in the city of Granada. Participants: Parents, who were not health professionals, of children between 0 and 14years old, resident in Andalusia and recruited from both primary care and hospitals throughout the city of Granada. A comprehensive assessment of service and quality of information offered through interviews and focus groups. The number of participants was established on two criteria: evaluation of the whole range of information provided by the telephone service; response saturation. Results. The overall service assessment was positive, emphasising the quick and easy access to information, time saving and confidence building. The information received was described as clear, easily understood and expressed in a respectful tone. To improve the service it has been suggested that the calls be free and that the range of information topics available should be extended. Conclusions. The methodology used is novel, as most telephone services are evaluated after they have been put in place and without the participation of the future users(AU)

[Opinions and expectations of patients with health problems associated to asbestos exposure]. / Opiniones y expectativas de pacientes con enfermedades relacionadas con la exposición al amianto.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of diseases related to asbestos exposure requires the development of monitoring programs and specific health care protocols. The aim of this study is to determine the opinions and expectations of former workers of an asbestos factory, in order to adapt the care process to the needs of the affected population, and to learn about the activity of the association that represents them. METHODS: Qualitative study. Focus groups with former employees of a corrugated asbestos factory, members of the association AVIDA (Seville). Recording and transcription of interviews. Discourse analysis with Nudist Vivo 1.0. RESULTS: All respondents have health problems, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Through the association, they are involved in an ongoing process of negotiation with the public administration, to improve healthcare, achieve recognition as having an occupational disease and the payment of compensation. The lack of monitoring and continuity in care is designated as the major problem in the current care process. They welcome the creation of special care units, the good treatment received and the quality of technical instruments in the public health system. On the contrary, they criticize the difficulties in finding an accurate diagnosis, the lack of continuity of care, and the bureaucratic difficulties and lack of specific care directed to affected relatives. The participants' expectations highlight their intention to participate in the development of future programs and protocols. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the multifactor nature of diseases related to asbestos exposure and the importance of determining the needs and demands of the affected population in order to improve health care.

[Evaluation of a child health prevention and promotion telephone service before its introduction]. / Evaluación de un servicio telefónico de prevención y promoción de salud infantil antes de su puesta en funcionamiento.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a telephone-information service on health issues for children before its implementation. To determine the overall assessment of the service and quality of the information available from the perspective of a potential user population. DESIGN: Simulation of a telephone call to the telephone service and further evaluation using qualitative techniques. SETTING: Primary and special care in the city of Granada. PARTICIPANTS: Parents, who were not health professionals, of children between 0 and 14 years old, resident in Andalusia and recruited from both primary care and hospitals throughout the city of Granada. A comprehensive assessment of service and quality of information offered through interviews and focus groups. The number of participants was established on two criteria: evaluation of the whole range of information provided by the telephone service; response saturation. RESULTS: The overall service assessment was positive, emphasising the quick and easy access to information, time saving and confidence building. The information received was described as clear, easily understood and expressed in a respectful tone. To improve the service it has been suggested that the calls be free and that the range of information topics available should be extended. CONCLUSIONS: The methodology used is novel, as most telephone services are evaluated after they have been put in place and without the participation of the future users.

Opiniones y expectativas de pacientes con enfermedades relacionadas con la exposición al amianto / Opinions and expectations of patients with health problems associated to asbestos exposure

Fundamento. La prevalencia de enfermedades relacionadas con la exposición al amianto requiere el desarrollo de programas de vigilancia y protocolos de atención sanitaria específicas. El objetivo del estudio es conocer las opiniones y expectativas de los ex trabajadores de una fábrica de uralita, con el fin de adecuar el proceso asistencial a las necesidades de la población afectada, así como conocer la actividad de la asociación que les representa. Métodos. Estudio cualitativo desarrollado con grupos focales con extrabajadores de una fábrica de uralita, miembros de la asociación AVIDA (Sevilla). Grabación y trascripción de las entrevistas. Análisis de discurso, con ayuda del programa Nudist Vivo 1.0.Resultados. Todas las personas entrevistadas presentan problemas de salud, entre ellos asbestosis, cáncer de pulmón y mesotelioma. A través de la asociación, están en un proceso continuado de negociación con la administración pública para mejorar la atención sanitaria, lograr el reconocimiento como enfermedad laboral y el pago de indemnizaciones. Señalan como mayor problema del proceso asistencial actual la falta de seguimiento y continuidad en la atención. Valoran positivamente la creación de unidades de atención específicas, el trato humano recibido y la calidad de los instrumentos técnicos en el Sistema de Salud Público. En cambio, critican las dificultades de un diagnóstico acertado, la falta de continuidad asistencial, así como las dificultades burocráticas y la escasez de atención sanitaria específica a familiares afectados. Como expectativa de futuro, resaltan su interés en seguir participando en la elaboración de programas y protocolos. Conclusiones. El estudio confirma el carácter multifactorial de las enfermedades relacionadas con la exposición al amianto, así como la relevancia de conocer las necesidades y demandas de la población afectada para mejorar la atención sanitaria específica(AU)

Background. The prevalence of diseases related to asbestos exposure requires the development of monitoring programs and specific health care protocols. The aim of this study is to determine the opinions and expectations of former workers of an asbestos factory, in order to adapt the care process to the needs of the affected population, and to learn about the activity of the association that represents them. Methods. Qualitative study. Focus groups with former employees of a corrugated asbestos factory, members of the association AVIDA (Seville). Recording and transcription of interviews. Discourse analysis with Nudist Vivo 1.0.Results. All respondents have health problems, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Through the association, they are involved in an ongoing process of negotiation with the public administration, to improve healthcare, achieve recognition as having an occupational disease and the payment of compensation. The lack of monitoring and continuity in care is designated as the major problem in the current care process. They welcome the creation of special care units, the good treatment received and the quality of technical instruments in the public health system. On the contrary, they criticize the difficulties in finding an accurate diagnosis, the lack of continuity of care, and the bureaucratic difficulties and lack of specific care directed to affected relatives. The participants´ expectations highlight their intention to participate in the development of future programs and protocols. Conclusions. This study confirms the multifactor nature of diseases related to asbestos exposure and the importance of determining the needs and demands of the affected population in order to improve health care(AU)

Biostimulation of micro-organisms from sugarcane bagasse pith for the removal of weathered hydrocarbon from soil.

AIMS: In this study we studied the biostimulation of micro-organisms associated with sugarcane bagasse pith for the removal of total petroleum hydrocarbon from a soil contaminated with weathered hydrocarbon. METHODS AND RESULTS: Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus were added at a ratio of 100 : 10 : 1, water content of 40%, and soil : bagasse ratio of 49 : 1. A significant positive difference (P < 0.05) was observed in total petroleum hydrocarbon removal (38 and 48%) by micro-organisms associated with bagasse and native soil micro-organisms, respectively. In addition, total petroleum hydrocarbon removal increased to 60% in a system where both autochthonous soil and bagasse micro-organisms were present. CONCLUSIONS: Micro-organisms from sugarcane bagasse pith can be stimulated for removal of weathered hydrocarbon from contaminated tropical soils, without they being inhibited by indigenous soil micro-organisms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Soil of with hydrocarbons can be diminished by stimulation of autochthonous microflora present in soil and agricultural residues. This work contributes to the microbiology of composting, as low amounts of bulking agents for hydrocarbon removal from soil, can be used.

Non-librarian health professionals becoming librarians and information specialists: results of an Internet survey.

OBJECTIVES: To obtain basic information about non-librarian health professionals who become librarians and information specialists. METHODS: The survey was a Web-based questionnaire. A non-random sample of persons was obtained by posting messages to several large Internet electronic discussion groups. Individuals who met the selection criteria and were willing to participate filled out a Web-based form designed using common gateway interface (CGI) programming. RESULTS: 118 forms were analyzed. Three subgroups of participants were identified and statistical comparisons among these groups were carried out for many of the quantitative questions. Information concerning reasons they left their original field; factors influencing their choice of the field of library and information science; reactions of family, friends, and colleagues; and interactions with patrons and other information about this group was obtained and summarized. A health sciences background was seen as helpful in the new career as information specialist. Most people were happy with their new profession despite negative reactions from colleagues, relatives, and, occasionally, patrons. Feelings of regret and abandonment of their patients were noted by some. Many persons did not know that peers had made similar career changes. CONCLUSIONS: A health sciences background imparts an expertise in both the vocabulary and subject matter of medicine that non-biomedical individuals would not ordinarily have. Although becoming a librarian may be perceived as a very positive career change for an individual, societal opinion and pressure can make such a career change difficult. Nevertheless, participants in this survey demonstrate a high level of satisfaction with their new careers and are quite happy with their work.

The central nervous system and infection by Candida species.

In this paper we have reviewed the main clinico-pathologic disease groups of neurocandidiasis: the microabscesses, the macroabscesses, and the meningitis. Special attention has been paid to the predisposing conditions for the appearance of neurocandidiasis, the neuroimaging techniques, and the study of the cerebrospinal fluid, needed for diagnosis. We have also discussed the differential diagnosis with other illnesses. Treatment should be given with amphotericin-B and 5-fluorocytosine. The use of other antifungal drugs for neurocandidiasis is also discussed.

Wound-care resources on the Internet.

The Internet offers many resources in the area of wound and ulcer care that are of potential interest to podiatric physicians and students. This article provides an overview of World Wide Web sites that contain factual information, management guidelines, and illustrations pertaining to various aspects of wound and ulcer care. Web sites that emphasize preventive care are also reviewed. Because the prudent use of antimicrobial therapy is an important part of wound care, a few sites that offer antibiotic information are described.

[Bacteremia by Staphylococcus aureus: analysis of 311 episodes]. / Bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus: análisis de 311 episodios.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to set up the differences between nosocomial and community acquired S. aureus bacteremia, to identify the features of the patients at high risk of endocarditis and to define the characteristics of the patients with methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). METHODS: We prospectively studied 311 cases of S. aureus bacteremia detected at our hospital during a four-year period. RESULTS: Nosocomial acquisition of bacteremia was found in 63% of the cases, 45% of which were caused by MRSA. Nosocomial bacteria generally presented in older patients with more severe underlying conditions and a higher prevalence of invasive procedures than patients with the community-acquired disease. Likewise, the primary focus of infection was identifiable in most of the nosocomial episodes and mortality was also higher. Endocarditis presented in 19% of the bacteremia episodes and almost 90% of patients with endocarditis were intravenous drug users (IDU). The risk of endocarditis in this group was 64% whereas it was only 3% in non-IDU patients. Overall mortality was 33% and mortality directly due to the bacteremia was 22%. CONCLUSIONS: IDU patients were at high risk of endocarditis but most had a favourable outcome. Bacteremia was community-acquired in these patients and they rarely presented MRSA bacteremia. Patients with previous valvular diseases were at high risk of endocarditis and had a high mortality. Non-IDU patients with community-acquired bacteremia were at a low risk of endocarditis, regardless of whether a primary focus of infection had been identified or not. Mortality was lower in this group than in patients with nosocomial bacteremia and there were no cases of MRSA bacteremia. Mortality was higher in patients treated with vancomycin than in patients treated with other antibiotics active against S. aureus.

[Community-acquired respiratory infections]. / Estudio de las infecciones respiratorias extrahospitalarias.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory infections are the most frequent reason for primary health care consultation. Although generally not severe, they are responsible for a large number of days of laboral and scholar absenteeism and an excessive use of antibiotics. METHODS: The clinical and epidemiologic data of extrahospitalary infections in primary health care centers throughout Spain were collected according to the one day cut off system repeated trimestrally over one year. RESULTS: Data of 3,732 days of consultation were collected in which a total of 144,608 patients were attended. Of these, 20,614 had respiratory infections and 11,684 extrarespiratory infections. The most frequent processes were pharyngitis (33.7%), common cold (31.7%) followed by bronchitis (18.7%), otitis (11%), influenza (4.6%), laryngitis (4%), sinusitis (3.6%) and pneumonia (1.8%). Antibiotic treatment was prescribed in 13,488 patients (65%). The type of antibiotic was analyzed in the 11,977 patients treated for only one infection. Penicillins were the antibiotics most used followed by cephalosporins. The antibiotic prescribed was considered adequate in 70% of the 8,484 patients treated for potentially bacterial infection. A total of 3,493 patients had infection considered to be of viral etiology. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-two percent of the patients attending a primary health care center presented infection and of these two out of three cases had respiratory infection. Pharyngitis and common cold were the most frequent processes observed. Two thirds of the patients consulting for respiratory infection received antibiotic treatment, with 29.2% being diagnosed with infections considered to be of viral etiology. The empiric treatment chosen for the two thirds of the potentially bacterial infections was considered as adequate.

Nosocomial outbreak of Burkholderia pickettii infection due to a manufactured intravenous product used in three hospitals.

Forty-six cases of nosocomial infection caused by Burkholderia pickettii were reported between June and November 1993 in three metropolitan hospitals in Madrid. A case-control study of the outbreak was conducted to identify its cause. Seventy-four percent of the patients were males; the mean age +/- SD of the patients was 54 +/- 20 years. Sixty-five percent of the patients presented with some gastrointestinal disorder, and 80% had a peripheral catheter; 98% were treated with intravenous fluids, and 96% were treated with intravenous ranitidine. On the basis of results of a descriptive study and knowledge of the epidemiologic features of B. pickettii, a provisional causal hypothesis was formulated: intravenous ranitidine was the source of the outbreak. As a control measure, it was advised to stop treatment with this drug. On the basis of results of logistic regression and the microbiological isolation of B. pickettii in an ampule of the drug, we concluded that intravenous ranitidine was the cause of the outbreak.

Comparison of ThinPrep preparations with conventional cervicovaginal smears. Practical considerations.

This study compared cytologic quality, diagnostic accuracy, detection of endocervical and endometrial cells and yeast, screening times and costs for 128 ThinPrep preparations (TP) to the corresponding conventional cervicovaginal cytologic smears (CCVS). Final diagnoses agreed in 114 (89%) cases. There were four discrepancies between atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. The number of abnormal cells was lower in TP than in CCVS. Endocervical and endometrial cells were detected less frequently in TP than in CCVS. Yeast forms were seen rarely but were identified in both CCVS and TP. Inflammation and blood were less prominent on TP. While some CCVS showed artifacts related to fixation, cell preservation was optimal in all TP. Screening times were significantly shorter for TP than for CCVS. The combined cost of reagents, preparation and screening for an average TP was $1.78 higher than for a CCVS. We conclude that the use of TP for cervicovaginal smears reduces screening time and produces better cytologic preparations. However, cost-benefit analyses, readjustments in criteria for diagnosis of dysplasia and improvements in the recovery of glandular cells may be necessary before this method is used instead of CCVS.