ABSTRACT
Introduction: It has been proposed that primary care diagnose and treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, a care circuit between primary and specialized care based on electronic consultation (EC) can be just as efficient in the micro-elimination of HCV. It is proposed to study characteristics and predictive factors of continuity of care in a circuit between primary and specialized care. Methods: From February/2018 to December/2019, all EC between primary and specialized care were evaluated and those due to HCV were identified. Variables for regression analysis and to identify predictors of completing the care cascade were recorded. Results: From 8098 EC, 138 were performed by 89 (29%) general practitioners over 118 patients (median 50.8 years; 74.6% men) and were related to HCV (1.9%). Ninety-two patients (78%) were diagnosed>6 months ago, and 26.3% met criteria for late presentation. Overall, 105 patients required assessment by the hepatologist, 82% (n=86) presented for the appointment, of which 67.6% (n=71) were viraemic, 98.6% of known. Finally, 61.9% (n=65) started treatment. Late-presenting status was identified as an independent predictor to complete the care cascade (OR 1.93, CI 1.711.99, p<0.001). Conclusion: Communication pathway between Primary and Specialized Care based on EC is effective in avoiding significant losses of viraemic patients. However, the referral rate is very low, high in late-stage diagnoses, heterogeneous, and low in new diagnoses. Therefore, early detection strategies for HCV infection in primary care are urgently needed.(AU)
Introducción: Se ha propuesto que atención primaria diagnostique y trate la infección por virus de la hepatitis C (VHC). Sin embargo, un circuito asistencial entre atención primaria y especializada basado en la consulta electrónica (CE) puede ser igual de eficiente en la microeliminación del VHC. Se propone estudiar características y factores predictivos de la continuidad asistencial en un circuito entre atención primaria y especializada. Métodos: Desde febrero/2018 y diciembre/2019 se evaluaron todas las CE entre atención primaria y especializada, y se identificaron aquellas por VHC. Se registraron variables para análisis de regresión e identificar factores predictores de completar cascada de atención. Resultados: De un total de 8.098 CE, 138 realizadas por 89 (29%) médicos generales de 118 pacientes (mediana de 50,8 años; 74,6% varones) fueron por VHC (1,9%). Noventa y dos pacientes (78%) fueron diagnosticados hace más de 6 meses), y el 26,3% cumplía criterios de presentación tardía. En total, 105 pacientes requirieron valoración por el hepatólogo. El 82% (n=86) se presentaron a la cita, de los cuales el 67,6% (n=71) eran virémicos, el 98,6% de los conocidos. Finalmente, el 61,9% (n=65) inició tratamiento. El estado de presentación tardía se identificó como un factor predictivo independiente para completar la cascada de atención (OR: 1,93; IC 95%: 1,71-1,99; p<0,001). Conclusión: La comunicación entre atención primaria y especializada basada en la CE es eficaz para evitar pérdidas significativas de pacientes virémicos. Sin embargo, la tasa de derivación es muy baja, elevada en diagnósticos en fase tardía, heterogénea y escasa en nuevos diagnósticos. Por tanto, se necesitan con urgencia, estrategias de detección precoz de infección por VHC en atención primaria.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Remote Consultation , Hepatitis C , Primary Health Care , Referral and Consultation , Continuity of Patient Care , Gastroenterology , TelemedicineABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: It has been proposed that primary care diagnose and treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, a care circuit between primary and specialized care based on electronic consultation (EC) can be just as efficient in the micro-elimination of HCV. It is proposed to study characteristics and predictive factors of continuity of care in a circuit between primary and specialized care. METHODS: From February/2018 to December/2019, all EC between primary and specialized care were evaluated and those due to HCV were identified. Variables for regression analysis and to identify predictors of completing the care cascade were recorded. RESULTS: From 8098 EC, 138 were performed by 89 (29%) general practitioners over 118 patients (median 50.8 years; 74.6% men) and were related to HCV (1.9%). Ninety-two patients (78%) were diagnosed>6 months ago, and 26.3% met criteria for late presentation. Overall, 105 patients required assessment by the hepatologist, 82% (n=86) presented for the appointment, of which 67.6% (n=71) were viraemic, 98.6% of known. Finally, 61.9% (n=65) started treatment. Late-presenting status was identified as an independent predictor to complete the care cascade (OR 1.93, CI 1.71-1.99, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Communication pathway between Primary and Specialized Care based on EC is effective in avoiding significant losses of viraemic patients. However, the referral rate is very low, high in late-stage diagnoses, heterogeneous, and low in new diagnoses. Therefore, early detection strategies for HCV infection in primary care are urgently needed.
Subject(s)
Hepatitis C, Chronic , Hepatitis C , Remote Consultation , Male , Humans , Female , Hepacivirus , Hepatitis C, Chronic/therapy , Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy , Hepatitis C/therapy , Hepatitis C/drug therapy , Viremia/drug therapy , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Continuity of Patient Care , Primary Health CareABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) diagnosis on clinical decision-making regarding treatment choice and maintenance of treatment over time in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: A cohort of patients who underwent MRE for IBD assessment between 2011 and 2014 was analyzed. From clinical records, we retrospectively retrieved their demographic data and clinical data on their IBD at the time of MRE, the results of MRE and the patient's clinical course. Medical management decisions made during the three months following MRE and at the 15-month follow-up were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 474 MREs were reviewed. In the first three-month period, MRE results led to changes in the medical management of 266 patients (56.1%). Of those, maintenance therapy was altered in 140 patients (68.3%) (90.7% step-up and 9.3% top-down strategy), 65 (24.4%) were prescribed a course of steroids and 61 (22.9%) underwent surgery. MRE confirmed a CD diagnosis in 14/41 patients (34.1%) previously diagnosed with indeterminate colitis or ulcerative colitis and in 4/18 patients (22.2%) with suspected IBD. At the 15-month follow-up, treatment remained unchanged in 289 patients (65.8%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MRE is a diagnostic tool that provides valid information for the clinical-decision making process for patients with CD
OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto del diagnóstico de la enterografía por resonancia magnética (ERM) en la toma de decisiones clínicas con respecto a la elección del tratamiento y el mantenimiento del mismo a lo largo del tiempo en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII). MÉTODOS: Se analizó una cohorte de pacientes que se sometieron a ERM para la evaluación de EII entre 2011 y 2014. De los registros clínicos recuperamos retrospectivamente sus datos demográficos y datos clínicos sobre su EII en el momento de la ERM, los resultados de la ERM y la evolución clínica del paciente. Se evaluaron las decisiones de manejo médico tomadas durante los 3 meses posteriores a la ERM y a los 15 meses de seguimiento. RESULTADOS: Se revisaron 474 ERM. En el primer período de 3 meses, los resultados de la ERM llevaron a cambios en el manejo médico en 266 pacientes (56,1%). De ellos, se modificó el tratamiento de mantenimiento en 140 (68,3%) pacientes (se escaló en el 90,7% y top-down en el 9,3%), 65 (24,4%) recibieron un curso de esteroides y 61 (22,9%) se sometieron a cirugía. La ERM confirmó un diagnóstico de enfermedad de Crohn (EC) en 14/41 pacientes (34,1%) diagnosticados previamente con colitis indeterminada o colitis ulcerosa y en 4/18 pacientes (22,2%) con sospecha de EII. A los 15 meses de seguimiento, el tratamiento se mantuvo sin cambios en 289 (65,8%) pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: Estos resultados sugieren que la ERM es una herramienta de diagnóstico que proporciona información válida para el proceso de toma de decisiones clínicas para pacientes con EC
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Decision Making , Cohort Studies , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/drug therapy , Severity of Illness Index , Crohn Disease/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methodsABSTRACT
La tasa de no adherencia al tratamiento médico en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) está en torno al 50%, empeorando así los resultados de los tratamientos, la morbilidad y el coste. OBJETIVOS: Determinar mediante una encuesta online entre gastroenterólogos con especial dedicación a la EII el conocimiento sobre la adherencia al tratamiento de sus pacientes y los métodos utilizados para mejorarla. MÉTODOS: Desde la secretaría técnica de GETECCU se envió un correo a los socios con un enlace a la encuesta a través de un sistema online. RESULTADOS: Se invitó a 760 socios. Se obtuvieron 184 encuestas (28,5%). El 68% de los encuestados tenía publicaciones sobre EII indexadas, solo el 13% eran sobre adherencia. A pesar de que casi el 99% consideraban la adherencia como muy importante/importante, el 25% de los médicos no la medía. Pese a que el 100% consideraba que mejorar la adherencia implicaría un mejor pronóstico, el 47% no utilizaba sistemas para mejorarla. Los factores asociados con la medición y mejora de la adherencia fueron: hospital universitario (81,4%), que el paciente recibiera tratamiento combinado con tiopurínicos y biológicos (44,6%), médico de sexo femenino (63,1%), dedicar ≥ 6 h semanalmente a la EII (71,6%), que el médico tenga publicaciones indexadas sobre EII (68,5%) y sobre adherencia en EII (12,5%) y que el médico considere la adherencia importante o muy importante (98,9%). CONCLUSIONES: Aunque el conocimiento sobre la relevancia de la adherencia al tratamiento médico en EII está generalizado, entre los gastroenterólogos con dedicación especial a la EII que fueron encuestados casi la mitad no utiliza ningún sistema objetivo para cuantificarla. Se debe hacer un esfuerzo para cuantificar y mejorar la adherencia al tratamiento de estos pacientes
The rate of non-adherence to medical treatment in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is around 50%, with the consequent negative impact on treatment results, morbidity and cost. OBJECTIVES: To determine through an online survey among gastroenterologists with special dedication to IBD, their knowledge about the adherence to treatment of their patients and the methods used to improve it. METHODS: An email was sent to gastroenterologists from the technical office of the Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis Spanish working group (GETECCU), with a link to the online survey. RESULTS: 760 physicians were invited. One hundred eighty-four surveys were obtained (28.5%). A total of 68% of respondents had indexed IBD publications, 13% of which were on adherence. Although almost 99% considered adherence as very important/important, 25% of physicians did not assess it. Even though 100% considered that improving adherence would imply a better prognosis, 47% did not use any system to improve it. The factors associated with the assessment and improvement of adherence were: university hospital (81.4%), combined treatment with thiopurines and biological drugs (44.6%), physician gender (female) (63.1%), dedicating ≥ 6 hours weekly to IBD (71.6%), previous published indexed papers on IBD (68.5%) and on adherence in IBD (12.5%), and considering adherence as important/very important (98.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Although knowledge about the relevance of adherence to medical treatment in IBD is widespread, among the gastroenterologists with special dedication to IBD who were surveyed, almost half do not use any objective system to quantify it. An effort must be made to quantify and improve adherence to the treatment of these patients
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Treatment Adherence and Compliance/statistics & numerical data , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/epidemiology , Treatment Outcome , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/economics , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) diagnosis on clinical decision-making regarding treatment choice and maintenance of treatment over time in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: A cohort of patients who underwent MRE for IBD assessment between 2011 and 2014 was analyzed. From clinical records, we retrospectively retrieved their demographic data and clinical data on their IBD at the time of MRE, the results of MRE and the patient's clinical course. Medical management decisions made during the three months following MRE and at the 15-month follow-up were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 474 MREs were reviewed. In the first three-month period, MRE results led to changes in the medical management of 266 patients (56.1%). Of those, maintenance therapy was altered in 140 patients (68.3%) (90.7% step-up and 9.3% top-down strategy), 65 (24.4%) were prescribed a course of steroids and 61 (22.9%) underwent surgery. MRE confirmed a CD diagnosis in 14/41 patients (34.1%) previously diagnosed with indeterminate colitis or ulcerative colitis and in 4/18 patients (22.2%) with suspected IBD. At the 15-month follow-up, treatment remained unchanged in 289 patients (65.8%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MRE is a diagnostic tool that provides valid information for the clinical-decision making process for patients with CD.
Subject(s)
Clinical Decision-Making/methods , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
The rate of non-adherence to medical treatment in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is around 50%, with the consequent negative impact on treatment results, morbidity and cost. OBJECTIVES: To determine through an online survey among gastroenterologists with special dedication to IBD, their knowledge about the adherence to treatment of their patients and the methods used to improve it. METHODS: An email was sent to gastroenterologists from the technical office of the Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis Spanish working group (GETECCU), with a link to the online survey. RESULTS: 760 physicians were invited. One hundred eighty-four surveys were obtained (28.5%). A total of 68% of respondents had indexed IBD publications, 13% of which were on adherence. Although almost 99% considered adherence as very important/important, 25% of physicians did not assess it. Even though 100% considered that improving adherence would imply a better prognosis, 47% did not use any system to improve it. The factors associated with the assessment and improvement of adherence were: university hospital (81.4%), combined treatment with thiopurines and biological drugs (44.6%), physician gender (female) (63.1%), dedicating≥6hours weekly to IBD (71.6%), previous published indexed papers on IBD (68.5%) and on adherence in IBD (12.5%), and considering adherence as important/very important (98.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Although knowledge about the relevance of adherence to medical treatment in IBD is widespread, among the gastroenterologists with special dedication to IBD who were surveyed, almost half do not use any objective system to quantify it. An effort must be made to quantify and improve adherence to the treatment of these patients.
