Disfunción sexual en las mujeres con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Sexual dysfunction in women with chronic obstructive lung disease

Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia de la disfunción sexual en las mujeres con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) y los factores relacionados con su aparición. Métodos Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional transversal a lo largo del año 2021, con inclusión de mujeres con EPOC diagnosticadas por espirometría mediante muestreo por conveniencia. Se recogieron datos de edad, tabaquismo, espirométricos, comorbilidades y fármacos utilizados, Además, se realizó un cuestionario de salud sexual. Resultados Se incluyeron 101 mujeres con edad media 59,7 (11,3) años. Todas ellas habían experimentado un cambio en su actividad sexual y 44% lo atribuyeron a la EPOC. Tenía disnea durante el coito 51,5%. La prevalencia de disfunción sexual fue de 52,5%. Las pacientes que experimentaron esto eran de más edad y tenían un índice de Tiffeneau más bajo. Asimismo, con más frecuencia consumían alcohol, tenían hipertensión arterial y enfermedad cerebrovascular, y con menos tenían diabetes e insuficiencia cardiaca. Sin embargo, puntuaban más bajo en el índice de Charlson corregido por edad. Aquellas con disfunción sexual utilizaban con menos regularidad la triple terapia inhalada. Conclusiones La disfunción sexual es frecuente en las mujeres con EPOC. Son necesarios más estudios que investiguen las causas, mecanismos y posibles tratamientos de la misma. (AU)

Objective To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with COPD and the factors related to its presence. Methods Cross-sectional observational study during 2021, including women with COPD diagnosed by spirometry through convenience sampling. Data on age, smoking status, spirometric data, comorbidities and medications used were collected. A sexual health questionnaire was administered. Results The study included 101 women with a mean age of 59.7 (11.3) years. All had experienced a change in sexual activity, with 44% attributing it to COPD. Among them, 51.5% experienced dyspnea during coitus. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 52.5%. Women with sexual dysfunction were older and had a lower Tiffeneau index. Furthermore, they consumed alcohol more frequently and had hypertension and cerebrovascular disease, and less often, they had diabetes and heart failure. However, they scored lower on the Charlson index corrected for age. Patients with sexual dysfunction used inhaled triple therapy less frequently. Conclusions Sexual dysfunction is common in women with COPD. Further studies are needed to investigate its causes, mechanisms, and potential treatments. (AU)

Sexual dysfunction in women with chronic obstructive lung disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with COPD and the factors related to its presence. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study during 2021, including women with COPD diagnosed by spirometry through convenience sampling. Data on age, smoking status, spirometric data, comorbidities and medications used were collected. A sexual health questionnaire was administered. RESULTS: The study included 101 women with a mean age of 59.7 (11.3) years. All had experienced a change in sexual activity, with 44% attributing it to COPD. Among them, 51.5% experienced dyspnea during coitus. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 52.5%. Women with sexual dysfunction were older and had a lower Tiffeneau index. Furthermore, they consumed alcohol more frequently and had hypertension and cerebrovascular disease, and less often, they had diabetes and heart failure. However, they scored lower on the Charlson index corrected for age. Patients with sexual dysfunction used inhaled triple therapy less frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction is common in women with COPD. Further studies are needed to investigate its causes, mechanisms, and potential treatments.

Recommendations for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in nursing homes.

Nursing homes (NH) conceptually should look as much like a home as possible. However NH have unquestionable similarities with a nosocomium as they are places where many patients with underlying diseases and comorbidities accumulate. There is evidence of transmission of microorganisms between residents and between residents and caregivers. We have not found any recommendations specifically aimed at the prevention of nosocomial infections in NH by the major Public Health Agencies and, therefore, the Health Sciences Foundation (Fundación de Ciencias de la Salud) has convened a series of experts and 14 Spanish scientific societies to discuss recommendations that could guide NH personnel in establishing written programs for the control and reduction of these infections. The present document is the result of these deliberations and contains suggestions for establishing such control programs on a voluntary and flexible basis in NH. We also hope that the document can help the health authorities to encourage this control activity in the different territorial areas of Spain. In our opinion, it is necessary to draw up a written plan and establish the figure of a coordinator or person responsible for implementing these projects. The document includes measures to be implemented and ways of quantifying the reality of different problems and of monitoring the impact of the measures established.

RECALMIN IV. Evolución de la actividad de las unidades de medicina interna del Sistema Nacional de Salud (2008-2021) / RECALMIN IV. Evolution in the activity of internal medicine units of the National Health System (2008-2021)

Objetivos Analizar la estructura, la actividad y los resultados de los servicios y unidades de medicina interna (UMI) del Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). Analizar los retos para la especialidad y realizar propuestas de políticas de mejora. Comparar los resultados de la encuesta RECALMIN 2021 con las anteriores oleadas de encuestas a las UMI (2008, 2015, 2017, 2019). Material y métodos Estudio descriptivo transversal entre las UMI en hospitales generales de agudos del SNS con datos referidos a 2020, comparándolos con los anteriores estudios. Las variables de estudio fueron recogidas mediante un cuestionario ad hoc. Resultados Entre 2014 y 2020 aumentó la frecuentación hospitalaria y las altas dadas por las UMI (promedio anual de 4 y 3,8%, respectivamente), así como las tasas interconsultas hospitalarias y primeras consultas (promedio anual: 2,1% en ambos casos). En 2020 aumentaron notablemente las consultas no presenciales. La mortalidad ajustada por riesgo y la estancia hospitalaria no mostraron cambios significativos en 2013-2020. Los progresos en la implantación de buenas prácticas y de una atención sistemática al paciente crónico complejo fueron escasos. Una constante en las encuestas RECALMIN es la variabilidad entre UMI en recursos y actividad, sin encontrarse diferencias estadísticamente significativas en relación con los resultados. Conclusiones Existe un notable margen de mejora en el funcionamiento de las UMI. La reducción de la variabilidad no justificada en la práctica clínica y las desigualdades en los resultados en salud deben ser un reto para los responsables de las UMI y para la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (AU)

Aims This work aims to analyze the structure, activity, and outcomes of internal medicine units and departments (IMU) of the Spanish National Health System (SNHS) and to analyze the challenges for the specialty and propose policies for improvement. It also aims to compare the results from the 2021 RECALMIN survey with IMU surveys from previous years (2008, 2015, 2017, 2019). Methods This work is a cross-sectional, descriptive study of IMUs in acute care general hospitals of the SNHS that compares data from 2020 with previous studies. The study variables were collected through an ad hoc questionnaire. Results Between 2014 and 2020, hospital occupancy and discharges by IMU increased (annual mean of 4% and 3.8%, respectively), as did hospital cross-consultation and initial consultation rates (2.1% in both cases). E-consultations increased notably in 2020. Risk-adjusted mortality and length of hospital stay did not show significant changes from 2013-2020. Progress in the implementation of good practices and systematic care for complex chronic patients was limited. A consistent finding in RECALMIN surveys was the variability among IMUs in terms of resources and activity, though no statistically significant differences were found in regard to outcomes. Conclusions There is considerable room for improvement in the operation of IMUs. The reduction in unjustified variability in clinical practice and inequities in health outcomes are a challenge for IMU managers and the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (AU)

Disfunción eréctil en pacientes con EPOC. Una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / Erectile dysfunction in patients with COPD. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introducción Los estudios sobre sexualidad en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) son escasos y han arrojado resultados contradictorios. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia de disfunción eréctil (DE) y los factores asociados en pacientes con EPOC. Métodos Se buscaron artículos con datos sobre prevalencia de DE en pacientes diagnosticados de EPOC mediante espirometría en las bases de datos PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library y Biblioteca Virtual de Salud, desde el año desde su creación hasta el 31 de enero de 2021. La prevalencia de DE se valoró con una media ponderada de los estudios. Se realizó un metaanálisis con el modelo de efectos fijos de Peto para valorar la asociación de EPOC con DE. Resultados Se incluyeron finalmente 15 estudios. La prevalencia ponderada de DE fue de 74,6%. Un metaanálisis con cuatro estudios y 519 individuos mostró una asociación de EPOC con DE (odds ratio ponderado estimado de 2,89, IC 95% 1,93-4,32, p < 0,001), con un grado de heterogeneidad no desdeñable (I2 57%). En la revisión sistemática, la edad, el tabaquismo, el grado de obstrucción, la saturación de oxígeno y el estado de salud previo se asociaron con mayor prevalencia de DE. Concusiones La DE es frecuente en los pacientes con EPOC y su prevalencia es mayor que en la población general (AU)

Introduction Studies on sexuality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are scarce and have yielded conflicting results. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and associated factors in patients with COPD. Methods Articles with data on ED prevalence in patients diagnosed with COPD through spirometry were searched for in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Virtual Health Library databases from the year of their creation until January 31, 2021. The prevalence of ED was assessed with a weighted mean of the studies. A meta-analysis was performed using the Peto fixed-effect model to evaluate the association of COPD with ED. Results Fifteen studies were ultimately included. The weighted prevalence of ED was 74.6%. A meta-analysis with four studies and 519 individuals showed an association of COPD with ED (estimated weighted odds ratio 2.89, 95% CI 1.93-4.32, p < 0.001), with a non-negligible degree of heterogeneity (I2 57%). In the systematic review, age, smoking, degree of obstruction, oxygen saturation, and previous health status were associated with a higher prevalence of ED. Conclusions ED is common in patients with COPD and its prevalence is higher than in the general population (AU)

RECALMIN IV. Evolution in the activity of internal medicine units of the National Health System (2008-2021).

AIMS: This work aims to analyze the structure, activity, and outcomes of internal medicine units and departments (IMU) of the Spanish National Health System (SNHS) and to analyze the challenges for the specialty and propose policies for improvement. It also aims to compare the results from the 2021 RECALMIN survey with IMU surveys from previous years (2008, 2015, 2017, 2019). METHODS: This work is a cross-sectional, descriptive study of IMUs in acute care general hospitals of the SNHS that compares data from 2020 with previous studies. The study variables were collected through an ad hoc questionnaire. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2020, hospital occupancy and discharges by IMU increased (annual mean of 4% and 3.8%, respectively), as did hospital cross-consultation and initial consultation rates (2.1% in both cases). E-consultations increased notably in 2020. Risk-adjusted mortality and length of hospital stay did not show significant changes from 2013-2020. Progress in the implementation of good practices and systematic care for complex chronic patients was limited. A consistent finding in RECALMIN surveys was the variability among IMUs in terms of resources and activity, though no statistically significant differences were found in regard to outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There is considerable room for improvement in the operation of IMUs. The reduction in unjustified variability in clinical practice and inequities in health outcomes are a challenge for IMU managers and the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine.

Erectile dysfunction in patients with COPD. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Studies on sexuality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are scarce and have yielded conflicting results. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and associated factors in patients with COPD. METHODS: Articles with data on ED prevalence in patients diagnosed with COPD through spirometry were searched for in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Virtual Health Library databases from the year of their creation until January 31, 2021. The prevalence of ED was assessed with a weighted mean of the studies. A meta-analysis was performed using the Peto fixed-effect model to evaluate the association of COPD with ED. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were ultimately included. The weighted prevalence of ED was 74.6%. A meta-analysis with four studies and 519 individuals showed an association of COPD with ED (estimated weighted odds ratio 2.89, 95% CI 1.93-4.32, p<0.001), with a non-negligible degree of heterogeneity (I2 57%). In the systematic review, age, smoking, degree of obstruction, oxygen saturation, and previous health status were associated with a higher prevalence of ED. CONCLUSIONS: ED is common in patients with COPD and its prevalence is higher than in the general population.

Prevalencia e impacto en el pronóstico del bloqueo de rama derecha en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda: hallazgos del registro RICA / Prevalence and impact on prognosis of right-bundle branch block in patients with acute heart failure: Findings from the RICA registry

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia, las características y el impacto en el pronóstico del bloqueo de rama derecha (BRD) en una cohorte de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda (ICA). Métodos: Analizamos prospectivamente 3.638 pacientes con ICA incluidos en el Registro Nacional de Insuficiencia Cardíaca de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (RICA). Analizamos de forma independiente la relación entre las características basales y clínicas y la presencia de BRD, y el impacto potencial del BRD en la mortalidad por todas las causas a un año y el evento combinado de hospitalización o muerte a 90 días después del alta. Resultados: La prevalencia de BRD fue del 10,9%. Los pacientes con BRD eran de edad más avanzada, con mayor proporción de sexo masculino y comorbilidades pulmonares, valores más altos de fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo y peor estado funcional. No hubo diferencias en riesgo para los pacientes con BRD, con un cociente de riesgo ajustado (intervalo de confianza del 95%) para la mortalidad a un año de 1,05 (0,83-1,32) y para el evento combinado a 90 días después del alta de 0,97 (0,74-1,25). Estos resultados fueron consistentes en los análisis de sensibilidad. Conclusiones: Pocos pacientes con ICA presentan BRD, que se asocia consistentemente con la edad avanzada, el sexo masculino, las comorbilidades pulmonares, la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo preservada y el peor estado funcional. Sin embargo, después de tener en cuenta estos factores, el BRD en pacientes con ICA no se asocia a peores resultados (AU)

Objectives: This work aims to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and impact on prognosis of right bundle branch block (RBBB) in a cohort of acute heart failure (AHF) patients. Methods: We prospectively analyzed 3,638 AHF patients included in the RICA registry (National Heart Failure Registry of the Spanish Internal Medicine Society). We independently analyzed the relationship between baseline and clinical characteristics and the presence of RBBB as well as the potential impact of RBBB on 1-year all-cause mortality and a composite endpoint of 90-day post-discharge hospitalization or death. Results: The prevalence of RBBB was 10.9%. Patients with RBBB were older, a higher proportion were male, had more pulmonary comorbidities, had higher left ventricular ejection fraction values, and had worse functional status. There were no differences in risk for patients with RBBB, with an adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for 1-year mortality of 1.05 (0.83-1.32), and for the composite endpoint of 90-day post-discharge hospitalization or death of 0.97 (0.74-1.25). These results were consistent on the sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Few patients with AHF present with RBBB, which is consistently associated with advanced age, male sex, pulmonary comorbidities, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, and worse functional status. Nonetheless, after considering these factors, RBBB in AHF patients is not associated with worse outcomes (AU)

Prevalence and impact on prognosis of right-bundle branch block in patients with acute heart failure: Findings from the RICA registry.

OBJECTIVES: This work aims to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and impact on prognosis of right bundle branch block (RBBB) in a cohort of acute heart failure (AHF) patients. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 3,638 AHF patients included in the RICA registry (National Heart Failure Registry of the Spanish Internal Medicine Society). We independently analyzed the relationship between baseline and clinical characteristics and the presence of RBBB as well as the potential impact of RBBB on 1-year all-cause mortality and a composite endpoint of 90-day post-discharge hospitalization or death. RESULTS: The prevalence of RBBB was 10.9%. Patients with RBBB were older, a higher proportion were male, had more pulmonary comorbidities, had higher left ventricular ejection fraction values, and had worse functional status. There were no differences in risk for patients with RBBB, with an adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for 1-year mortality of 1.05 (0.83-1.32), and for the composite endpoint of 90-day post-discharge hospitalization or death of 0.97 (0.74-1.25). These results were consistent on the sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Few patients with AHF present with RBBB, which is consistently associated with advanced age, male sex, pulmonary comorbidities, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, and worse functional status. Nonetheless, after considering these factors, RBBB in AHF patients is not associated with worse outcomes.

Utilidad pronóstica de las cifras ambulatorias de presión arterial en pacientes de edad avanzada con insuficiencia cardíaca. Resultados del estudio DICUMAP / Prognostic value of ambulatory blood pressure values in elderly patients with heart failure. Results of the DICUMAP study

Introducción La monitorización ambulatoria de la presión arterial (MAPA) ha demostrado la utilidad en la evaluación pronóstica de los pacientes hipertensos con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) con o sin otras enfermedades cardiovasculares. El objetivo de este estudio consistió en determinar si la MAPA puede identificar a pacientes con IC con un peor pronóstico. Métodos y resultados Estudio multicéntrico prospectivo en el que se incluyeron pacientes ambulatorios y clínicamente estables con IC. Todos los pacientes se sometieron a una MAPA. Se incluyó un total de 154 pacientes de 17 centros. La edad media fue de 76,8 años (±8,3) y el 55,2% eran mujeres. En total, el 23,7% presentaba IC con fracción de eyección reducida (IC-FEr), el 68,2% se encontraba en la clase funcional II de la NYHA y el 19,5%, en la clase funcional III de la NYHA. Al cabo de un año de seguimiento se produjeron 13 (8,4%) muertes, 10 de ellas atribuidas a la IC. En 19 de los 29 pacientes que precisaron hospitalización, esta se debió a la IC. La presencia de un patrón no dipper de PA se asoció a un mayor riesgo de reingreso o muerte al año de seguimiento (25% frente al 5%; p=0,024). Según un análisis de regresión de Cox, una clase funcional más avanzada de la NYHA (razón de riesgos instantáneos, 3,51; IC del 95%, 1,70-7,26; p=0,001; comparación entre las clases III y II de la NYHA) y una mayor reducción nocturna proporcional de la PA diastólica (razón de riesgos instantáneos, 0,961; IC del 95%, 0,926-0,997; p=0,032 por cada reducción del 1% de la PA diastólica) se asociaron a muerte o reingreso al cabo de un año de manera independiente. Conclusiones En los pacientes de edad avanzada con IC crónica, un patrón no dipper de PA determinado mediante MAPA se asoció a un mayor riesgo de hospitalización y muerte por IC (AU)

Introduction Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) has demonstrated value in the prognostic assessment of hypertensive patients with heart failure (HF) with or without other cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether ABPM can identify subjects with HF with a worse prognosis. Methods and results Prospective multicenter study that included clinically stable outpatients with HF. All patients underwent ABPM. A total of 154 patients from 17 centers were included. Their mean age was 76.8 years (±8.3) and 55.2% were female. In total, 23.7% had HF with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), 68.2% were in NYHA functional class II, and 19.5% were in NYHA functional class III. At one year of follow up, there were 13 (8.4%) deaths, of which 10 were attributed to HF. Twenty-nine patients required hospitalization, of which 19 were due to HF. The presence of a non-dipper BP pattern was associated with an increased risk for readmission or death at one year of follow-up (25% vs. 5%; p=.024). According to a Cox regression analysis, more advanced NYHA functional class (hazard ratio 3.51; 95%CI 1.70-7.26; p=.001; for NYHA class III vs. II) and a higher proportional nocturnal reduction in diastolic BP (hazard ratio 0.961; 95%CI 0.926-0.997; p=.032 per 1% diastolic BP reduction) were independently associated with death or readmission at one year. Conclusion In older patients with chronic HF, a non-dipper BP pattern measured by ABPM was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization and death due to HF (AU)

Recomendaciones sobre la valoración integral y multidimensional del anciano hospitalizado. Posicionamiento de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna / Recommendations on the comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of hospitalized elderly people. Position of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine

Este documento de posicionamiento describe los aspectos más relevantes e imprescindibles sobre la valoración integral y multidimensional del anciano hospitalizado. El cambio del patrón demográfico y del perfil epidemiológico de las enfermedades requiere una adaptación de los Servicios de Medicina Interna, que tengan en cuenta las vulnerabilidades de las personas ancianas en este contexto. Una valoración integral y multidimensional y la elaboración multidisciplinar de un plan de atención durante el ingreso pueden tener un impacto para evitar mortalidad, discapacidad e institucionalización al alta. Es necesario que todos los internistas adquiramos competencias para mejorar la experiencia de la hospitalización en la persona mayor y obtengamos mejores resultados en salud en nuestros pacientes. Este documento lo ha desarrollado el Grupo Focal de Envejecimiento y el Grupo de Trabajo de Pluripatología y Edad Avanzada, y está avalado por la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (AU)

This position paper describes the most relevant and essential aspects of a comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of hospitalized elderly people. The change in demographic patterns and the epidemiological profiles of diseases makes it necessary for internal medicine departments to adapt in order to take into account the vulnerabilities of the elderly in this context. A comprehensive, multidimensional assessment and the multidisciplinary development of a care plan during hospitalization can have an impact in terms of preventing mortality, disability, and institutionalization at discharge. It is necessary for all internists to acquire skills to improve the hospitalization experience in the elderly and obtain better health outcomes in our patients. This document has been developed by the Focus Group on Aging and the Polypathological and Advanced Age Working Group and endorsed by the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (AU)

Recommendations on the comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of hospitalized elderly people. Position of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine.

This position paper describes the most relevant and essential aspects of a comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of hospitalized elderly people. The change in demographic patterns and the epidemiological profiles of diseases makes it necessary for internal medicine departments to adapt in order to take into account the vulnerabilities of the elderly in this context. A comprehensive, multidimensional assessment and the multidisciplinary development of a care plan during hospitalization can have an impact in terms of preventing mortality, disability, and institutionalization at discharge. It is necessary for all internists to acquire skills to improve the hospitalization experience in the elderly and obtain better health outcomes in our patients. This document has been developed by the Focus Group on Aging and the Polypathological and Advanced Age Working Group and endorsed by the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine.

Prognostic value of ambulatory blood pressure values in elderly patients with heart failure. Results of the DICUMAP study.

INTRODUCTION: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) has demonstrated value in the prognostic assessment of hypertensive patients with heart failure (HF) with or without other cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether ABPM can identify subjects with HF with a worse prognosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prospective multicenter study that included clinically stable outpatients with HF. All patients underwent ABPM. A total of 154 patients from 17 centers were included. Their mean age was 76.8 years (± 8.3) and 55.2% were female. In total, 23.7% had HF with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), 68.2% were in NYHA functional class II, and 19.5% were in NYHA functional class III. At one year of follow up, there were 13 (8.4%) deaths, of which 10 were attributed to HF. Twenty-nine patients required hospitalization, of which 19 were due to HF. The presence of a non-dipper BP pattern was associated with an increased risk for readmission or death at one year of follow-up (25% vs. 5%; p=.024). According to a Cox regression analysis, more advanced NYHA functional class (hazard ratio 3.51; 95% CI 1.70-7.26; p=.001; for NYHA class III vs. II) and a higher proportional nocturnal reduction in diastolic BP (hazard ratio 0.961; 95%CI 0.926-0.997; p=.032 per 1% diastolic BP reduction) were independently associated with death or readmission at one year. CONCLUSION: In older patients with chronic HF, a non-dipper BP pattern measured by ABPM was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization and death due to HF.

Spanish and Portuguese Societies of Internal Medicine consensus guideline about best practice in end-of-life care.

AIM: To develop consensus recommendations about good clinical practice rules for caring end-of-life patients. METHODS: A steering committee of 12 Spanish and Portuguese experts proposed 37 recommendations. A two rounds Delphi method was performed, with participation of 105 panelists including internists, other clinicians, nurses, patients, lawyers, bioethicians, health managers, politicians and journalists. We sent a questionnaire with 5 Likert-type answers for each recommendation. Strong consensus was defined when >95% answers were completely agree or >90% were agree or completely agree; and weak consensus when >90% answers were completely agree or >80% were agree or completely agree. RESULTS: The panel addressed 7 specific areas for 37 recommendations spanning: identification of patients; knowledge of the disease, values and preferences of the patient; information; patient's needs; support and care; palliative sedation, and after death care. CONCLUSIONS: The panel formulated and provided the rationale for recommendations on good clinical practice rules for caring end-of-life patients.

Guía de práctica clínica de consenso sobre buenas prácticas en los cuidados al final de la vida de las Sociedades Española y Portuguesa de Medicina Interna / Spanish and Portuguese Societies of Internal Medicine consensus guideline about best practice in end-of-life care

Objetivo Establecer recomendaciones de consenso sobre normas de buena práctica clínica en la atención a los pacientes al final de la vida. Métodos Un comité de 12 expertos españoles y portugueses propuso 37 recomendaciones. Se realizó un Proceso Delphi a dos rondas, con participación de 105 panelistas incluyendo internistas, otros médicos clínicos, enfermeras, enfermos, juristas, expertos en bioética, gestores sanitarios, políticos y periodistas. Para cada recomendación se envió un cuestionario con cinco respuestas tipo Likert. Se definió consenso fuerte cuando > 95% de las respuestas estaban totalmente de acuerdo o > 90% estaban de acuerdo y totalmente de acuerdo; consenso débil cuando > 90% estaban totalmente de acuerdo o > 80% estaban de acuerdo y totalmente de acuerdo. Resultados El panel abordó siete áreas específicas con 37 recomendaciones que abarcaban: Identificación de los pacientes; Conocimiento, valores y preferencias del paciente; Información; Necesidades del paciente; Atención y cuidados; Sedación paliativa y Atención tras la muerte. Conclusiones Un Proceso Delphi con participación multidisciplinar ha permitido establecer normas de buena práctica clínica en la atención al final de la vida con consenso de enfermos, agentes sociales y profesionales sanitarios (AU)

Aim To develop consensus recommendations about good clinical practice rules for caring end-of-life patients. Methods A steering committee of 12 Spanish and Portuguese experts proposed 37 recommendations. A two rounds Delphi method was performed, with participation of 105 panelists including internists, other clinicians, nurses, patients, lawyers, bioethicians, health managers, politicians and journalists. We sent a questionnaire with 5 Likert-type answers for each recommendation. Strong consensus was defined when > 95% answers were completely agree or > 90% were agree or completely agree; and weak consensus when > 90% answers were completely agree or > 80% were agree or completely agree. Results The panel addressed 7 specific areas for 37 recommendations spanning: identification of patients; knowledge of the disease, values and preferences of the patient; information; patient's needs; support and care; palliative sedation, and after death care Conclusions The panel formulated and provided the rationale for recommendations on good clinical practice rules for caring end-of-life patients (AU)

Recommendations on the comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of hospitalized elderly people. Position of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine. / Recomendaciones sobre la valoración integral y multidimensional del anciano hospitalizado. Posicionamiento de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna.

This position paper describes the most relevant and essential aspects of a comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of hospitalized elderly people. The change in demographic patterns and the epidemiological profiles of diseases makes it necessary for internal medicine departments to adapt in order to take into account the vulnerabilities of the elderly in this context. A comprehensive, multidimensional assessment and the multidisciplinary development of a care plan during hospitalization can have an impact in terms of preventing mortality, disability, and institutionalization at discharge. It is necessary for all internists to acquire skills to improve the hospitalization experience in the elderly and obtain better health outcomes in our patients. This document has been developed by the Focus Group on Aging and the Polypathological and Advanced Age Working Group and endorsed by the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine.