Setting up regional diagnostic reference levels for pediatric computed tomography in Latin America: preliminary results, challenges and the work ahead.

We established a framework for collecting radiation doses for head, chest and abdomen-pelvis computed tomography (CT) in children scanned at multiple imaging sites across Latin America with an aim towards establishing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) and achievable doses (ADs) in pediatric CT in Latin America. Our study included 12 Latin American sites (in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras and Panama) contributing data on the four most common pediatric CT examinations (non-contrast head, non-contrast chest, post-contrast chest and post-contrast abdomen-pelvis). Sites contributed data on patients' age, sex and weight, scan factors (tube current and potential), volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP). Data were verified, leading to the exclusion of two sites with missing or incorrect data entries. We estimated overall and site-specific 50th (AD) and 75th (diagnostic reference level [DRL]) percentile CTDIvol and DLP for each CT protocol. Non-normal data were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Sites contributed data from 3,934 children (1,834 females) for different CT exams (head CT 1,568/3,934, 40%; non-contrast chest CT 945/3,934, 24%; post-contrast chest CT 581/3,934, 15%; abdomen-pelvis CT 840/3,934, 21%). There were significant statistical differences in 50th and 75th percentile CTDIvol and DLP values across the participating sites (P<0.001). The 50th and 75th percentile doses for most CT protocols were substantially higher than the corresponding doses reported from the United States of America. Our study demonstrates substantial disparities and variations in pediatric CT examinations performed in multiple sites in Latin America. We will use the collected data to improve scan protocols and perform a follow-up CT study to establish DRLs and ADs based on clinical indications.

Establishing national clinical diagnostic reference levels and achievable doses for CT examinations in Brazil: A prospective study.

PURPOSE: Diagnostic reference levels (DRL) and achievable doses (AD) are important tools for radiation dose optimization. Therefore, a prospective study was performed which aimed to establish a multi-parametric, clinical indication based - DRL(DRLCI) and clinical indication - AD (ADCI) for adult CT in Brazil. METHODS: The prospective study included 4787 patients (50 ± 18 years old; male:female 2041:2746) at 13 Brazilian sites that have been submitted to head, paranasal sinus, cervical spine, chest, or abdomen-pelvis CT between January and October 2021 for 13 clinical indications. The sites provided the following information: patient age, gender, weight, height, body mass index[BMI], clinical indications, scanner information(vendor, model, detector configuration), scan parameters (number of scan phases, kV, mA, pitch) and dose-related quantities (CT dose index volume- CTDIvol, dose length product- DLP). Median(AD) and 75th(DRL) percentile CTDIvol and DLP values were estimated for each body region and clinical indications. Non-normal data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: In majority of Brazilian sites, body region and clinical indications based DRLs were at or lower than the corresponding DRLs in the US and higher than Europe. Although radiation doses varied significantly for patients in different body mass index groups (p < 0.001), within each body region, there were no differences in radiation doses for different clinical indications (p > 0.1). Radiation doses for 7/13 clinical indications were higher using iterative reconstruction technique than for the filtered back projection. CONCLUSIONS: There was substantial variation in Brazil DRLCI across different institutions with higher doses compared to the European standards. There was also a lack of clinical indication-based protocol and dose optimization based on different clinical indications for the same body region.

Impact of a radiological protection campaign in emergency paediatric radiology: a multicentric observational study in Brazil.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of a paediatric radiological protection campaign, implemented in the emergency units of a healthcare provider network in Brazil. This campaign aimed to promote awareness among emergency department physicians, regarding justification of paediatric X-ray referrals for paranasal sinus, chest and CT exams, as a strategy to reduce exposure to ionising radiation. METHOD: Frequency analysis of common paediatric imaging referrals from 19 emergency departments was performed for a 3-year period (2015-2018) to coincide with before, during and after the implementation of the radiation protection campaign. The campaign was multifaceted and involved dissemination of educational materials and imaging referral guidelines along with quarterly meetings with participating centres' leaderships. Additionally, patient dose cards were distributed to patients/carers. The Chi-Square test was used to examine the association between the type of examination and the patient's age group. Exact-Fisher test was performed to check for an association between participant engagement and the existence of the radiation protection committee. RESULTS: Referrals reduced by 25% following the campaign with no reports of misdiagnosis. Many referrals in the youngest age groups. In 15 units, a radiological protection committee was created to raise awareness and to create a multi professional team to communicate the risks and benefits of radiological procedure in children. CONCLUSION: The campaign resulted in a substantial reduction in radiological referrals while promoting a radiation protection culture. Simple education initiatives can contribute to savings in both finances and radiation doses, particularly important in radiosensitive cohorts.

Late pregnancy: impact on prematurity and newborn's weight.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of late pregnancies in Brazil, the age-specific fertility rate (ASFR) in the regions, the rate of prematurity, and the rate of low birth weight (LBW) and their association with advanced maternal age compared with 20-34-year-old women. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted by searching the Information System on Live Births (Sistema de Informações Sobre Nascidos Vivos [SINASC]). Data from 1995 to 2018 were collected, and pregnant women were divided into three categories based on their age range: 35-39, 40-44, and ≥45 years. The study calculated the frequency of deliveries of mothers of advanced age in Brazil, the ASFR, and the rates of prematurity and LBW in each group. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of deliveries and ASFR ≥35 years increased between 1995 and 2018. The chances of prematurity and LBW were higher with increased maternal age.

COVID-19 e os impactos do distanciamento físico os medos e outros sentimentos nas palavras de idosos / Covid-19 and the impacts of physical distance: fears and other feelings in the words of elderly

Objetivo: discutir aspectos psicossociais apresentados pelos idosos durante a pandemia da Covid-19, no período de maio a junho de 2020, com foco na questão do medo enquanto sentimento, experiências, articulações, ressonâncias. Apesar do início esperançoso de 2021 e o rápido desenvolvimento de vacinas, surgiram novas variantes do vírus com maior capacidade/velocidade de transmissão, casos de reinfecção e aumento acelerado de infecções e mortes. Método: pesquisa de natureza transversal com amostra não probabilística, por conveniência, com informantes, no Brasil, idosos pertencentes à rede de contato das entidades vinculadas ao NEPE da PUC-SP/Brasil; idosos com 65+ anos, respondendo a 417 questionários. Resultados e Discussão: a perspectiva psicogerontológica propôs uma reflexão sobre os aspectos psicológicos do envelhecimento, considerando: novas organizações subjetivas de um ser que envelhece; patologias que afetam sua saúde; imagem social do idoso; cultura que a determina e leis que regulamentam sua atuação e seus direitos de cidadania - um amplo leque de fatores bio-sócio-psico-políticos e culturais que contribuem para a construção histórica da subjetividade daquele ser envelhescente. Um diferencial foi o nível de escolaridade da amostra: 86,1% com grau superior completo ou mais; 13,4%, superior incompleto; 86%, classe média; 11%, alta, indicando acesso a recursos tecnológicos, evidenciados nesta grave crise sócio sanitária, em que os sentimentos de medo e correlatos configuram-se como formadores de um 'estar humano' ante o desconhecido. Conclusões: no caso de idosos mais fragilizados em saúde, sem vínculos, ou em insuficientes condições materiais, uma recuperação da Covid-19 mais lenta, com severos danos psicossociais, necessitando novas investigações.(AU)

Objective: To discuss the psychosocial aspects presented by the elderly during the Covid-19 pandemic, in the period related to data collection carried out from May to June 2020, focusing on the issue of fear as a feeling, experiences, articulations, resonances. Despite the hopeful start of 2021 and the rapid development of vaccines, new variants of the virus with greater transmission capacity/speed, cases of reinfection and accelerated increase in infections and deaths emerged. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a non-probabilistic sample, for convenience, which had as informants, here in Brazil, elderly belonging to the contact network of entities linked to the Aging Study and Research Center at PUC-SP/Brazil, the NEPE; aged 65+ years, answering 417 questionnaires. Results and Discussion: The psychogerontological perspective adopted here proposed a reflection on the psychological aspects of aging, considering: the new subjective organizations of an aging being; the main pathologies that affect your health; the social image of the elderly; the culture that determines it, and the laws that regulate its performance and protect or attack its citizenship rights ­ a wide range of bio-socio-psycho-political and cultural factors that contribute to the historical construction of the subjectivity of that aging being. A differential of this research was the level of education of the sample: 86.1% with a university degree or more; 13.4%, incomplete higher education; 86%, middle class; 11%, high, indicating the benefits of material comfort, education, and access to technological resources, evidenced in this serious socio-sanitary crisis, in which feelings of fear and correlates configure a "human being" in the face of the unknown. Conclusions: It was anticipated, in the case of elderly people who are more fragile in health, without bonds, or in insufficient material conditions, that the recovery of Covid-19 will be slower, causing them more severe psychosocial damage, which will require further investigations.(AU)

Tendências da mortalidade por câncer de colo no Brasil em 5 anos (2012-2016) / Trends in cervical cancer mortality in Brazil in 5 years (2012-2016)

RESUMO O câncer do colo uterino é uma importante causa de morte no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a mortalidade por esse câncer na população brasileira, entre 2012 e 2016, conhecendo a mortalidade nos grupos etários e nas diferentes regiões. Foi realizado um estudo de corte transversal descritivo. Os dados foram obtidos pelo Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade. Entre 2012 e 2016, o total de óbitos por câncer do colo do útero foi de 27.716 casos. A taxa de mortalidade específica para o Brasil passou de 6,86 para 7,18. O crescimento do coeficiente de mortalidade foi de 4,6%. Nas mulheres abaixo de 25 anos, observaram-se 189 mortes, o que equivale a 0,68% do total. Entre 25 e 64 anos, houve 18.574 óbitos (67,02%), e 8.950 mortes no grupo acima de 64 anos (32,29%). O maior percentual de óbitos ocorreu na faixa etária de 50-54 anos. A região Norte apresentou os maiores índices de óbitos e taxas de mortalidade, e o Sul o maior índice de crescimento. A mortalidade por câncer do colo uterino no Brasil apresentou crescimento durante os anos observados, com mais óbitos entre 50-54 anos. A região Sul apresentou o maior crescimento nas taxas de mortalidade.

ABSTRACT Cervical cancer is an important cause of death in Brazil. The aim of this study is to find out the mortality rate due to this cancer in the female population, between 2012 and 2016, knowing the mortality in the age groups and in the different regions. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. Data were obtained using the Mortality Information System. Between 2012 and 2016, the total number of deaths due to cervical cancer was 27.716 cases. The specific mortality rate for Brazil went from 6,86 to 7,18. The growth of the mortality coefficient was 4.6%. In women under 25 years of age, 189 deaths were observed, equivalent to 0.68% of the total. Between 25 and 64 years, there were 18.574 deaths (67.02%) and 8.950 deaths in the group over 64 years (32.29%). The highest percentage of deaths occurred in the 50-54 age group. The North region had the highest death rates, and the South, the highest growth rate. Cervical cancer mortality in Brazil increased during the years observed, with more deaths between 50-54 years. The South region showed the highest growth in mortality rates.

Radiological protection in the perspective of health professionals exposed to radiation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge of health professionals about radiological protection and to implement educational actions to promote a safe working environment for professionals, patients and companions. METHOD: An exploratory cross-sectional study, applying a questionnaire to 59 participants from different sectors of a teaching hospital. Open-ended questions were analyzed through the discourse of the collective subject and closed-ended questions were analyzed through quantitative analysis. RESULTS: In the opinion of the participants, their professional training did not offer radioprotection class or the training was insufficient for the practice. In addition, the work environment does not provide regulatory norms and training on radioprotection. Most participants do not have solid knowledge and do not present safe behavior in radioprotection. In the internal week for the prevention of work accidents, a lecture and a theatricalisation about the topic of radioprotection were conducted and a booklet was distributed. CONCLUSION: Radiation protection education is necessary in the curricula of the training courses for health professionals and in the work environment.

Radiological protection in the perspective of health professionals exposed to radiation / Protección radiológica en la perspectiva de los profesionales de la salud expuestos a la radiación / Proteção radiológica na perspectiva dos profissionais de saúde expostos à radiação

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of health professionals about radiological protection and to implement educational actions to promote a safe working environment for professionals, patients and companions. Method: An exploratory cross-sectional study, applying a questionnaire to 59 participants from different sectors of a teaching hospital. Open-ended questions were analyzed through the discourse of the collective subject and closed-ended questions were analyzed through quantitative analysis. Results: In the opinion of the participants, their professional training did not offer radioprotection class or the training was insufficient for the practice. In addition, the work environment does not provide regulatory norms and training on radioprotection. Most participants do not have solid knowledge and do not present safe behavior in radioprotection. In the internal week for the prevention of work accidents, a lecture and a theatricalisation about the topic of radioprotection were conducted and a booklet was distributed. Conclusion: Radiation protection education is necessary in the curricula of the training courses for health professionals and in the work environment.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar los conocimientos de los profesionales de la salud sobre la protección radiológica con el intuito de implementar acciones educativas para promover un ambiente de trabajo seguro para los profesionales, pacientes y acompañantes Método: Se trata de un estudio transversal exploratorio, desarrollado por medio de un cuestionario aplicado a 59 participantes de diferentes sectores de un hospital de enseñanza. Se analizaron las cuestiones abiertas mediante el discurso del sujeto colectivo, y las cerradas, mediante análisis cuantitativo. Resultados: Según la opinión de los participantes, el curso no sumó conocimiento sobre la radioprotección o fue insuficiente para la práctica. El ambiente de trabajo tampoco pone a disposición normas reguladoras y formación sobre el tema. La mayoría de los participantes no poseen conocimiento sólido y comportamiento seguro en radioprotección. Durante la semana interna de prevención de accidentes de trabajo, se realizaron conferencias y teatralización sobre el tema radioprotección y se distribuyeron cartillas. Conclusión: Es necesario la inclusión educativa sobre radioprotección en los planes de estudio de los cursos formadores de profesionales de la salud y en el ambiente de trabajo.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento que os profissionais de saúde têm sobre proteção radiológica e implementar ações educativas para promover um ambiente de trabalho seguro aos profissionais, pacientes e acompanhantes. Método: Estudo transversal exploratório, aplicando-se um questionário a 59 participantes de diferentes setores de um hospital de ensino. Questões abertas foram analisadas pelo discurso do sujeito coletivo. Questões fechadas tiveram análise quantitativa. Resultados: Na opinião dos participantes, o curso que fizeram não ofereceu formação sobre radioproteção ou foi insuficiente para a prática. O ambiente de trabalho também não disponibiliza normas regulatórias e formação sobre radioproteção. A maioria dos participantes não tem conhecimento sólido e comportamento seguro em radioproteção. Na semana interna de prevenção de acidentes de trabalho, foram feitas palestra e teatralização sobre o tema radioproteção e distribuída cartilha. Conclusões: São necessárias inserções educativas em radioproteção nas grades curriculares dos cursos formadores de profissionais de saúde e no ambiente de trabalho.

RADIOPROTECTION CAMPAIGN AND CARD: EDUCATIONAL STRATEGIES THAT REDUCE CHILDREN'S EXCESSIVE EXPOSURE TO RADIOLOGICAL EXAMS. / CAMPANHA E CARTEIRA DE RADIOPROTEÇÃO: ESTRATÉGIAS EDUCATIVAS QUE REDUZEM A EXPOSIÇÃO EXCESSIVA DE CRIANÇAS A EXAMES RADIOLÓGICOS.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the results of an initiative aimed at improving the reasonable use of radiological examinations, ensuring their technical quality, implementing a radioprotection campaign that includes training of the professional team, and introducing the radioprotection card for children under 12 years old as a tool for parents and doctors to control children's exposure to radiation. METHODS: The study was held in a health care insurance system covering 140,000 people. A radioprotection campaign was implemented according to Image Gently • protocols, ensuring the lowest dose of radiation and the quality of examinations, and the radioprotection card was implemented. To assess the effectiveness of these actions, the number of radiological examinations performed at the pediatric emergency room in a period of one year preceding the campaign was compared with the number of radiological examinations performed one year after the campaign. RESULTS: The campaign was well accepted by all professionals, families, and patients involved. In the year following the implementation of radioprotection strategies, there was a 22% reduction of radiological examinations performed at the pediatric emergency room. There was also a 29% reduction in the request of two or more radiological examinations for the same child or examinations with two or more incidences. CONCLUSIONS: The campaign and the radioprotection card for children under 12 years old proved to be feasible strategies and correlated with a reduction in radiological examinations requested and performed at the pediatric emergency room.

OBJETIVOS: Analisar resultados de iniciativa para racionalizar o uso de exames radiológicos, garantindo sua qualidade técnica, e implantar uma campanha de radioproteção que inclua a capacitação da equipe profissional e a Carteira de Radioproteção para crianças de até 12 anos como instrumento para que os pais e médicos controlem a exposição das crianças à radiação. MÉTODOS: Em um sistema de saúde suplementar com cobertura de 140 mil pessoas, foi implantada a campanha de radioproteção com base nos protocolos Image Gently •, garantindo a menor dose possível de exposição à radiação, com qualidade técnica, e implantando a Carteira de Radioproteção. Para aferir a eficácia dessas ações, comparou-se o número de exames radiológicos realizados no setor de urgência e emergência pediátrica no período de um ano anterior à campanha com o número de exames radiológicos realizados no período de um ano posterior à campanha. RESULTADOS: As ações foram bem-aceitas por todos os grupos envolvidos. No ano seguinte à implantação das estratégias de radioproteção, observou-se redução de 22% no número de exames radiológicos realizados no setor pediátrico de urgência e emergência. Houve ainda diminuição de 29% da solicitação de dois ou mais exames para a mesma criança ou de exames com duas ou mais incidências. CONCLUSÕES: A campanha de radioproteção e a implantação da Carteira de Radioproteção para crianças até 12 anos revelaram-se estratégias factíveis e associaram-se à redução dos exames radiológicos solicitados e realizados no setor de urgência e emergência pediátrica.

Campanha e carteira de radioproteção: estratégias educativas que reduzem a exposição excessiva de crianças a exames radiológicos / Radioprotection campaign and card: educational strategies that reduce children's excessive exposure to radiological exams

RESUMO Objetivos: Analisar resultados de iniciativa para racionalizar o uso de exames radiológicos, garantindo sua qualidade técnica, e implantar uma campanha de radioproteção que inclua a capacitação da equipe profissional e a Carteira de Radioproteção para crianças de até 12 anos como instrumento para que os pais e médicos controlem a exposição das crianças à radiação. Métodos: Em um sistema de saúde suplementar com cobertura de 140 mil pessoas, foi implantada a campanha de radioproteção com base nos protocolos Image Gently •, garantindo a menor dose possível de exposição à radiação, com qualidade técnica, e implantando a Carteira de Radioproteção. Para aferir a eficácia dessas ações, comparou-se o número de exames radiológicos realizados no setor de urgência e emergência pediátrica no período de um ano anterior à campanha com o número de exames radiológicos realizados no período de um ano posterior à campanha. Resultados: As ações foram bem-aceitas por todos os grupos envolvidos. No ano seguinte à implantação das estratégias de radioproteção, observou-se redução de 22% no número de exames radiológicos realizados no setor pediátrico de urgência e emergência. Houve ainda diminuição de 29% da solicitação de dois ou mais exames para a mesma criança ou de exames com duas ou mais incidências. Conclusões: A campanha de radioproteção e a implantação da Carteira de Radioproteção para crianças até 12 anos revelaram-se estratégias factíveis e associaram-se à redução dos exames radiológicos solicitados e realizados no setor de urgência e emergência pediátrica.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To analyze the results of an initiative aimed at improving the reasonable use of radiological examinations, ensuring their technical quality, implementing a radioprotection campaign that includes training of the professional team, and introducing the radioprotection card for children under 12 years old as a tool for parents and doctors to control children's exposure to radiation. Methods: The study was held in a health care insurance system covering 140,000 people. A radioprotection campaign was implemented according to Image Gently • protocols, ensuring the lowest dose of radiation and the quality of examinations, and the radioprotection card was implemented. To assess the effectiveness of these actions, the number of radiological examinations performed at the pediatric emergency room in a period of one year preceding the campaign was compared with the number of radiological examinations performed one year after the campaign. Results: The campaign was well accepted by all professionals, families, and patients involved. In the year following the implementation of radioprotection strategies, there was a 22% reduction of radiological examinations performed at the pediatric emergency room. There was also a 29% reduction in the request of two or more radiological examinations for the same child or examinations with two or more incidences. Conclusions: The campaign and the radioprotection card for children under 12 years old proved to be feasible strategies and correlated with a reduction in radiological examinations requested and performed at the pediatric emergency room.

Nível de satisfação dos profissionais médicos quanto ao seu ambiente de trabalho em organização social de saúde de assistência ao sistema único de saúde do Brasil / Satisfaction level of phisicians working in a social health organization of unified health system in Brazil

INTRODUCTION: The evaluation of a work system is based on the ability to adapt work to the man and the man to the work. One of the aspects that interfere in the capacity of adaptation is the satisfaction in the work as the integration, the autonomy, the motivation, the involvement and the utilization of the physical and mental capacities. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the level of satisfaction of medical professionals regar ding their work environment in a Social Health Organization of Brazilian Unified Health System. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional, exploratory and descriptive study. For data collection, we used a questionnaire mailed through the Google Docs platform, containing 36 questions about indicators: material, personnel, quality and socia.l RESULTS: A total of 51 physicians participated in the study. The findings showed significant associations between their satisfaction of work environment and relationship with their work team, unit manager and performance recognition CONCLUSION: The satisfaction in the work environment of the medical professional in the Social Health Organization is associated with internal factors, as well as the need for their performance recognition by the management policy. The external factors studied, such as multiple job sites.

INTRODUÇÃO: A avaliação de um sistema de trabalho se dá a partir da capacidade de adaptação do trabalho ao homem e do homem ao trabalho. Um dos aspectos que interferem na capacidade de adaptação é a satisfação no trabalho como a integração, a autonomia, a motivação, o envolvimento e a utilização das capacidades físicas e mentais. OBJETIVO: Analisar nível de satisfação dos profissionais médicos quanto ao seu ambiente de trabalho em Organização Social de Saúde de assistência ao sistema único de saúde do Brasil. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, exploratório e descritivo. Para coleta de dados, utilizou-se um instrumento contendo 36 questões acerca dos indicadores: material, pessoal, qualidade e social, enviado por meio da plataforma Google Docs. RESULTADOS: Participaram da pesquisa 51 médicos. Verificou-se a existência de associações significativas entre satisfação quanto ao ambiente do trabalho do médico e relacionamento com a equipe de trabalho, gerência da unidade e reconhecimento profissional. CONCLUSÃO: A satisfação no ambiente de trabalho do profissional médico na Organização Social de Saúde (OSS) esteve associada aos fatores internos, assim como a necessidade do seu reconhecimento profissional pela política de gestão da OSS.