New model for diabetes primary health care based on patient empowerment and the right to preventive health: the MIDE program

Objective. To evaluate Mexico’s national Integrated Management of Diabetes in Stages (Manejo Integral de la Diabetes por Etapas, MIDE) program using three types of indicators: process, structure, and impact. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data for 97 452 people with diabetes (PWD) who participated in the MIDE patient empowerment program (PEP) at “MIDE modules” (standardized diabetes health care units) at Mexico’s Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers (Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, ISSSTE) hospital clinics and family medical clinics nationwide between 2007 and 2014. The program promotes diabetes patient empowerment and self-care through outpatient consultations with a multidisciplinary health care team supported by continuous training. Baseline data were compared with results post-program for the following indicators: process (metabolic control (MetC), based on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels); structure (number of MIDE modules installed at ISSSTE clinics and number of patients/health personnel accredited as diabetes experts/awarded diplomas); and impact (average number of patient illness days (IDs) and hospitalization episodes (HEs) per PWD over a 12-month period). Results. Over the seven-year study period, the proportion of patients with MetC (HbA1c < 7.0%, TG < 150 mg/dL, and TC < 200 mg/dL) increased significantly (from 35.4% to 60% (with a peak level of 62% in 2013); P < 0.001); average HbA1c, triglycerides, and total cholesterol per PWD dropped by 25%, 31%, and 11% respectively; average number of IDs and HEs per PWD over a 12-month period dropped by 38% and 41% respectively; a total of 140 MIDE modules were installed at ISSSTE clinics; and a total of 1 117 diplomas were awarded to 826 health professionals, and 2 613 PWD were accredited as “patient experts in diabetes.” Conclusions. The MIDE PEP is feasible, usable, and acceptable to PWD. The program improves MetC; reduces the frequency of IDs and HEs; and facilitates patient participation, the involvement of health personnel, and shared decision-making.

Objetivo: Evaluar el programa nacional mexicano “Manejo Integral de la Diabetes por Etapas” (MIDE) usando tres tipos de indicadores: proceso, estructura e impacto. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal con los datos de 97 452 personas con diabetes que participaron entre el 2007 y el 2014 en el programa de empoderamiento de pacientes de MIDE que se llevó a cabo en los “módulos del MIDE” (unidades estandarizadas de atención de salud de diabetes) en el Instituto de Servicios y de Seguridad Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE) de México, además de en consultorios de hospitales y centros de medicina familiar de todo el país. El programa promueve el empoderamiento y el autocuidado en los pacientes con diabetes mediante consultas ambulatorias con un equipo de atención de salud multidisciplinario complementadas con talleres de capacitación continua. Se compararon los datos iniciales y los resultados al final del programa con respecto a los siguientes indicadores: proceso (control metabólico basado en análisis de los niveles de glucohemoglobina [HbA1c], triglicéridos y colesterol total); estructura (número de módulos del MIDE instalados en clínicas del ISSSTE y número de pacientes y personal de salud acreditado como experto en diabetes o que ha obtenido un certificado); e impacto (número promedio de días enfermos de los pacientes y número de hospitalizaciones por persona con diabetes durante un período de 12 meses). Resultados. En el período de estudio de siete años, la proporción de pacientes con control metabólico (HbA1c < 7,0%, triglicéridos < 150 mg/dL y colesterol total < 200 mg/dL) aumentó significativamente (de 35,4% a 60%, con un nivel máximo de 62% en 2013; P < 0,001); el nivel promedio de HbA1c, triglicéridos y colesterol total por persona con diabetes descendió en 25%, 31% y 11% respectivamente; el número promedio de días enfermos y número de hospitalizaciones por persona con diabetes durante un período de 12 meses descendió en 38% y en 41% respectivamente; se instalaron un total de 140 módulos del MIDE en clínicas del ISSSTE, y se otorgaron un total de 1117 certificados a 826 profesionales de la salud y 2613 personas con diabetes fueron acreditados como “paciente experto en diabetes”. Conclusiones. El programa de empoderamiento de pacientes del MIDE es un programa factible y aceptable para utilizarse con las personas con diabetes. El programa mejora los valores del control metabólico; reduce la frecuencia de días enfermos y número de hospitalizaciones; y facilita la participación tanto de los pacientes como del personal de salud, así como la toma de decisiones compartida.

Objetivo. Avaliar o Programa de manejo integral de diabetes por etapas (MIDE) no México segundo três tipos de indicadores: processo, estrutura e impacto. Métodos. Estudo transversal realizado com dados de 97.452 pessoas com diabetes (PD) que participaram do Programa MIDE de empoderamento do paciente em “módulos” designados (unidades de saúde que prestam atenção padronizada à diabetes) de ambulatórios hospitalares e centros de medicina da família do Instituto de Serviços e Seguridade Social dos Trabalhadores do Estado (ISSSTE) entre 2007 e 2014. O programa promove o empoderamento e o autocuidado dos pacientes com diabetes realizando consultas ambulatoriais com uma equipe de saúde multidisciplinar que recebe capacitação contínua. Os dados de referência foram comparados aos resultados pós-programa para os seguintes indicadores: processo (controle metabólico segundo os níveis de hemoglobina glicada [HbA1c], triglicerídeos [TG] e colesterol total [CT]); estrutura (número de módulos do MIDE instalados nos ambulatórios do ISSSTE e número de pacientes/pessoal de saúde credenciados como especialistas/diplomados em diabetes) e impacto (número médio de dias de doença do paciente [DD] e internações hospitalares (IH) por PD por um período de 12 meses). Resultados. No período de estudo de sete anos, o percentual de pacientes com controle metabólico (HbA1c <7,0%, TG <150 mg/dl e CT <200 mg/dl) aumentou significativamente (de 35,4% a 60%, atingindo o ponto mais alto de 62% em 2013; P < 0,001). Houve redução dos níveis médios de HbA1c, TG e CT por PD de 25%, 31% e 11%, respectivamente. O número médio de DD e IH por PD em um período de 12 meses teve queda de 38% e 41%, respectivamente. Ao todo, foram instalados 140 módulos do Programa MIDE nos ambulatórios do ISSSTE, 1.117 diplomas foram concedidos a 826 profissionais da saúde e 2.613 PD foram credenciados como “pacientes especialistas em diabetes”. Conclusões. O programa MIDE de empoderamento do paciente é viável, utilizável e aceitável às PD. Promove melhor controle metabólico da diabetes, reduz o número de DD e IH e facilita a participação de pacientes, o envolvimento do pessoal da saúde e a tomada de decisão conjunta.

New model for diabetes primary health care based on patient empowerment and the right to preventive health: the MIDE program.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Mexico's national Integrated Management of Diabetes in Stages (Manejo Integral de la Diabetes por Etapas, MIDE) program using three types of indicators: process, structure, and impact. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data for 97 452 people with diabetes (PWD) who participated in the MIDE patient empowerment program (PEP) at "MIDE modules" (standardized diabetes health care units) at Mexico's Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers (Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, ISSSTE) hospital clinics and family medical clinics nationwide between 2007 and 2014. The program promotes diabetes patient empowerment and self-care through outpatient consultations with a multidisciplinary health care team supported by continuous training. Baseline data were compared with results post-program for the following indicators: process (metabolic control (MetC), based on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels); structure (number of MIDE modules installed at ISSSTE clinics and number of patients/health personnel accredited as diabetes experts/awarded diplomas); and impact (average number of patient illness days (IDs) and hospitalization episodes (HEs) per PWD over a 12-month period). RESULTS: Over the seven-year study period, the proportion of patients with MetC (HbA1c < 7.0%, TG < 150 mg/dL, and TC < 200 mg/dL) increased significantly (from 35.4% to 60% (with a peak level of 62% in 2013); P < 0.001); average HbA1c, triglycerides, and total cholesterol per PWD dropped by 25%, 31%, and 11% respectively; average number of IDs and HEs per PWD over a 12-month period dropped by 38% and 41% respectively; a total of 140 MIDE modules were installed at ISSSTE clinics; and a total of 1 117 diplomas were awarded to 826 health professionals, and 2 613 PWD were accredited as "patient experts in diabetes." CONCLUSIONS: The MIDE PEP is feasible, usable, and acceptable to PWD. The program improves MetC; reduces the frequency of IDs and HEs; and facilitates patient participation, the involvement of health personnel, and shared decision-making.

New model for diabetes primary health care based on patient empowerment and the right to preventive health: the MIDE program / El programa MIDE: un nuevo modelo de atención primaria para la diabetes basado en el empoderamiento de los pacientes y el derecho a la salud preventiva / Novo modelo de atenção primária à saúde de diabetes baseado no empoderamento e no direito à saúde preventiva do paciente: Programa MIDE

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate Mexico's national Integrated Management of Diabetes in Stages (Manejo Integral de la Diabetes por Etapas, MIDE) program using three types of indicators: process, structure, and impact. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data for 97 452 people with diabetes (PWD) who participated in the MIDE patient empowerment program (PEP) at "MIDE modules" (standardized diabetes health care units) at Mexico's Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers (Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, ISSSTE) hospital clinics and family medical clinics nationwide between 2007 and 2014. The program promotes diabetes patient empowerment and self-care through outpatient consultations with a multidisciplinary health care team supported by continuous training. Baseline data were compared with results post-program for the following indicators: process (metabolic control (MetC), based on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels); structure (number of MIDE modules installed at ISSSTE clinics and number of patients/health personnel accredited as diabetes experts/awarded diplomas); and impact (average number of patient illness days (IDs) and hospitalization episodes (HEs) per PWD over a 12-month period). Results Over the seven-year study period, the proportion of patients with MetC (HbA1c < 7.0%, TG < 150 mg/dL, and TC < 200 mg/dL) increased significantly (from 35.4% to 60% (with a peak level of 62% in 2013); P < 0.001); average HbA1c, triglycerides, and total cholesterol per PWD dropped by 25%, 31%, and 11% respectively; average number of IDs and HEs per PWD over a 12-month period dropped by 38% and 41% respectively; a total of 140 MIDE modules were installed at ISSSTE clinics; and a total of 1 117 diplomas were awarded to 826 health professionals, and 2 613 PWD were accredited as "patient experts in diabetes." Conclusions The MIDE PEP is feasible, usable, and acceptable to PWD. The program improves MetC; reduces the frequency of IDs and HEs; and facilitates patient participation, the involvement of health personnel, and shared decision-making.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar el programa nacional mexicano "Manejo Integral de la Diabetes por Etapas" (MIDE) usando tres tipos de indicadores: proceso, estructura e impacto. Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal con los datos de 97 452 personas con diabetes que participaron entre el 2007 y el 2014 en el programa de empoderamiento de pacientes de MIDE que se llevó a cabo en los "módulos del MIDE" (unidades estandarizadas de atención de salud de diabetes) en el Instituto de Servicios y de Seguridad Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE) de México, además de en consultorios de hospitales y centros de medicina familiar de todo el país. El programa promueve el empoderamiento y el autocuidado en los pacientes con diabetes mediante consultas ambulatorias con un equipo de atención de salud multidisciplinario complementadas con talleres de capacitación continua. Se compararon los datos iniciales y los resultados al final del programa con respecto a los siguientes indicadores: proceso (control metabólico basado en análisis de los niveles de glucohemoglobina [HbA1c], triglicéridos y colesterol total); estructura (número de módulos del MIDE instalados en clínicas del ISSSTE y número de pacientes y personal de salud acreditado como experto en diabetes o que ha obtenido un certificado); e impacto (número promedio de días enfermos de los pacientes y número de hospitalizaciones por persona con diabetes durante un período de 12 meses). Resultados En el período de estudio de siete años, la proporción de pacientes con control metabólico (HbA1c < 7,0%, triglicéridos < 150 mg/dL y colesterol total < 200 mg/dL) aumentó significativamente (de 35,4% a 60%, con un nivel máximo de 62% en 2013; P < 0,001); el nivel promedio de HbA1c, triglicéridos y colesterol total por persona con diabetes descendió en 25%, 31% y 11% respectivamente; el número promedio de días enfermos y número de hospitalizaciones por persona con diabetes durante un período de 12 meses descendió en 38% y en 41% respectivamente; se instalaron un total de 140 módulos del MIDE en clínicas del ISSSTE, y se otorgaron un total de 1117 certificados a 826 profesionales de la salud y 2613 personas con diabetes fueron acreditados como "paciente experto en diabetes". Conclusiones El programa de empoderamiento de pacientes del MIDE es un programa factible y aceptable para utilizarse con las personas con diabetes. El programa mejora los valores del control metabólico; reduce la frecuencia de días enfermos y número de hospitalizaciones; y facilita la participación tanto de los pacientes como del personal de salud, así como la toma de decisiones compartida.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o Programa de manejo integral de diabetes por etapas (MIDE) no México segundo três tipos de indicadores: processo, estrutura e impacto. Métodos Estudo transversal realizado com dados de 97.452 pessoas com diabetes (PD) que participaram do Programa MIDE de empoderamento do paciente em "módulos" designados (unidades de saúde que prestam atenção padronizada à diabetes) de ambulatórios hospitalares e centros de medicina da família do Instituto de Serviços e Seguridade Social dos Trabalhadores do Estado (ISSSTE) entre 2007 e 2014. O programa promove o empoderamento e o autocuidado dos pacientes com diabetes realizando consultas ambulatoriais com uma equipe de saúde multidisciplinar que recebe capacitação contínua. Os dados de referência foram comparados aos resultados pós-programa para os seguintes indicadores: processo (controle metabólico segundo os níveis de hemoglobina glicada [HbA1c], triglicerídeos [TG] e colesterol total [CT]); estrutura (número de módulos do MIDE instalados nos ambulatórios do ISSSTE e número de pacientes/pessoal de saúde credenciados como especialistas/diplomados em diabetes) e impacto (número médio de dias de doença do paciente [DD] e internações hospitalares (IH) por PD por um período de 12 meses). Resultados No período de estudo de sete anos, o percentual de pacientes com controle metabólico (HbA1c <7,0%, TG <150 mg/dl e CT <200 mg/dl) aumentou significativamente (de 35,4% a 60%, atingindo o ponto mais alto de 62% em 2013; P < 0,001). Houve redução dos níveis médios de HbA1c, TG e CT por PD de 25%, 31% e 11%, respectivamente. O número médio de DD e IH por PD em um período de 12 meses teve queda de 38% e 41%, respectivamente. Ao todo, foram instalados 140 módulos do Programa MIDE nos ambulatórios do ISSSTE, 1.117 diplomas foram concedidos a 826 profissionais da saúde e 2.613 PD foram credenciados como "pacientes especialistas em diabetes". Conclusões O programa MIDE de empoderamento do paciente é viável, utilizável e aceitável às PD. Promove melhor controle metabólico da diabetes, reduz o número de DD e IH e facilita a participação de pacientes, o envolvimento do pessoal da saúde e a tomada de decisão conjunta.

[Adverse events identified in medical complaints]. / Eventos adversos identificables en las quejas médicas.

BACKGROUND: "To err is human" (Institute of Medicine, 1999) begun the Patients' Safety movement worldwide. We undertook this study to determine the frequency of patient complaints related to adverse events in the National Health Services. METHODS: The National Commission of Medical Arbitration and the Vice-Ministry for Innovation and Quality has the aim of determining the frequency of real adverse events as a reason for complaints by patients and relatives against healthcare professionals and health services. RESULTS: The Emergency Department registered the highest number of events. Negligence and absence of protocols account for more than half of the adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Management protocols in emergency departments are areas of opportunity for improvement that must be considered.

Eventos adversos identificables en las quejas médicas / Adverse events identified in medical complaints

BACKGROUND: "To err is human" (Institute of Medicine, 1999) begun the Patients' Safety movement worldwide. We undertook this study to determine the frequency of patient complaints related to adverse events in the National Health Services. METHODS: The National Commission of Medical Arbitration and the Vice-Ministry for Innovation and Quality has the aim of determining the frequency of real adverse events as a reason for complaints by patients and relatives against healthcare professionals and health services. RESULTS: The Emergency Department registered the highest number of events. Negligence and absence of protocols account for more than half of the adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Management protocols in emergency departments are areas of opportunity for improvement that must be considered.

[Exploratory study of ethics, norms and communication skills in medical residents]. / Estudio exploratorio de los conocimientos sobre ética, normativa y comunicación en los aspirantes a residencias médicas.

Medical schools teach technical-scientific knowledge more than social abilities. Confidence in the doctor-patient relationship is obtained through appropriate communication. The predominant medical education model assumes that communication abilities are acquired by the experienced physician in clinical practice. The present study presents a first approach and exploration of three central subjects for the development of a suitable doctor-patient relationship. We observed that the integration of evaluated knowledge was low: communication 21.1%, ethics 40.5%, legal issues 0.1% and doctor-patient conflicts 1.5%. In the analysis of communication models by genre, we found that women were more paternalist and men were more deliberative; the predominant model of communication is paternalism (40.2%). Physicians between 21 and 25 years of age integrated the knowledge better (communication, ethics and doctor-patient conflicts) than at other ages. Physicians between 41 and 45 years of age integrated ethical concepts with significantly less frequency. Parental education was associated with models of communication and integration of knowledge (p <0.001). The results demonstrate the lack of knowledge related to these topics.

[Medical attitude regarding the negative of receiving blood transfusions by Jehovah's Witness patients]. / Actitud médica ante la negativa de recibir hemotransfusión por pacientes Testigos de Jehová.

BACKGROUND: Hemoderivative and blood transfusions without proper medical indication bring uncertain benefits, increase health risks and adverse effects. It is necessary to also consider the patient's values and preferences and the denial to receive transfusions. A deficient medical evaluation and an unnecessary transfusion can generate untoward effects regarding patients' health and safety. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational, and transverse study of 767 complaints for alleged denial of medical attention presented by Jehovah's Witness patients was undertaken, coupled with their denial to receive blood transfusions and their perception of the problem. RESULTS: It was established that 95.6% of cases studied involved adult patients, while 4.4% involved underage patients, with a mean of 43 years. The majority of complaints appeared at the secondary level of medical attention, 64.5% came from social security institutions and 19% from private institutions. The motive for medical consultation was surgical in 91.9% cases. 98.7% of the complaints were due to a perceived denial of medical attention, associated to religious conviction. 1.3% of complaints were filed after having received blood transfusions, without proper patient consent. The major health problems were solved in different medical units from the beginning in 500 cases (65.2%). Medical care was provided in 450 cases, in private clinics, while 50 cases were cared for in public institutions without the need for transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Several studies coincide on the high number of unnecessary or unjustified blood transfusions. To improve the quality of transfusion medicine steps should be taken to install specialized hospital committees, update the use of guidelines based on the best scientific evidence, as well as to respect patient autonomy.

[Defensive medicine in Mexico: an explorative survey of its characteristics]. / Medicina defensiva en México: una encuesta exploratoria para su caracterización.

INTRODUCTION: defensive medicine, has been recognized as a problem for health services in several countries of the world. It is defined as the application of treatments, tests and procedures with the main intention to defend the doctor of critic's and to avoid controversies, regarding diagnosis or patient's treatment. There are multiple causes of the defensive medicine: the fundamental is patient doctor relationship without the necessary trust. MATERIAL AND METHODS: the present reports it is a observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study of exploratory nature, with the objective to consider the dimension of the defensive medicine (MD) in Mexico. A survey was designed to pilot an application with Likert scale in a representative sample. 613 doctors participated to national level, with index of confidence of 95% and maximum error of 5% (p < 0.05). The questions explore the level in agreement or disagreement with perceptions, specific attitudes and conducts that are related to the MD practice. RESULTS: categories and degrees in the defensive practices of the interviewed doctors settled down, 38,7% were nondefensive, whereas 61,3% presented association with some MD degree (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The defensive attitude of the participant doctors is high, it emphasizes the importance of establishing measures that stimulate their containment and fights, which will allow to improve the quality of the medical practice and the doctor-patient relationship. The instrument maintained a degree of confidence and sensitivity (p < 0.05), that its future use allows.

[Assertive medicine: a proposal against defensive medicine]. / Medicina asertiva: una propuesta contra la medicina defensiva.

More than ever the physician-patient relationship is deteriorated by diverse factors, among these liability complaints stand out, and have propitiated the practice of defensive medicine, an attitude considered in many countries as inappropriate, expensive and unethical. Defensive medicine widens the distance between a physician and his patient. To revert this vice and its noxious effects which corrupt the patient-physician relationship in our country, we propose that physicians put to practice actions which permit the renewal of the essence of humanistic medicine in their daily practice and the restoration of the relationship. These changes in attitude sum up to a proposition of professional practice which we have denominated assertive medicine. This offer is resumed in four points: 1) Maintain a proper verbal and non verbal communication with each patient, 2) Keep continuously up to date skills, knowledge and abilities, 3) Respect the patient's rights and 4) Defend their own rights as physicians.

Recomendaciones para mejorar la práctica odontológica / Recommendations to improve dental practice

Introducción: las alteraciones estomatológicas tienen una alta incidencia de acuerdo con la Organización Mundial de la Salud, en México se estima que el 90 por ciento de la población padece caries. Objetivo: identificar los principales conflictos por atención odontológica, manifestados en las quejas recibidas en la CONAMED, identificar sus principales características y emitir recomendaciones dirigidas a mejorar la calidad de la práctica odontológica. Metodología: se obtuvo información sobre las quejas recibidas en la CONAMED del área de odontología (enero de 2001 a octubre de 2002); una vez elaboradas las recomendaciones fueron sometidas a un grupo de validación externa integrado por expertos en le área. Resultados: se analizaron 177 quejas; 63,3 por ciento correspondientes a mujeres y 36,7 por ciento a hombres. El grupo de edad más afectado fue el de 25-44 años con 35 por ciento; 91 por ciento de quejas fueron de servicios privados. Los motivos de queja más frecuentes estaban relacionados con el tratamiento en 75.7 por ciento de los casos. Los principales procedimientos realizados fueron: 25.6 por ciento de ortodoncia, 24,4 por ciento prótesis y 13,3 por ciento endodoncia; el resto sin datos significativos. La principal modalidad de conclusión de las quejas fue la conciliación (53.1 por ciento). En un subanálisis de (n=100) se idenetificó mala práctica en 43 por ciento de casos. Asimismo, se identificaron problemas cuyo origen se encuentra en la falta de comunicación o problemas de comunicación en la relación del profesional de la salud bucal-paciente. Conclusiones: los factores identificados en las quejas, tales como la falta de comunicación ante el profesional y el paciente, falsas expectativas de los pacientes y el incumplimiento de las recomendaciones elaboradas

[Clinical guides in Mexico, emission of the Academia Mexicana de Cirugia]. / Guías clínicas en México, emisión de la Academia Mexicana de Cirugía.

Today, these exist worldwide organizations related with the practice of medicine that are interested in marking recommendations and in formulating guidelines for better performance of physicians and health professionals. These organizations are headed by universities, associations, colleges, research center, and work groups and are made up of well-known physicians with academic prestige from the private and public sectors. This report presents a brief overview concerning the development of three clinical guides related with illnesses frequently observed in the physician's office: rhinosinusitis gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD), and prostate benign hyperplasia. These guides are issued by one of the most important academic institutions in the country. In the above-mentioned works, the efforts of specialist who are opinion leaders in these topics form different states of the country converge. Likewise, critical points to consider for producing clinical guides are provided mechanisms of diffusion, consultation, feedback and updating of these documents, have already been provided and focus on national medical practice quality of services, and the manner in which to carry out diagnosis and therapy at the different levels of medical care, with emphasis on preventing complications.

[An exploratory approach on teaching for prevention of medical error]. / Estudio exploratorio sobre la enseñanza de la comunicación humana asociado a la práctica médica.

INTRODUCTION: Medical error is prevalent in the contemporary practice of medicine. Prevention and solution of the majority of medical errors can be focused upon from the early stages of physician formation by improving knowledge and abilities with regard to human communication. Despite its importance, information systematized with empirical bases on the teaching of human communication in Mexico is non-existent. PURPOSE: Our purpose was to highlight the experience of an exploratory nature on the educative intervention on human communication in medicine in medical residents of different medical specialties. METHODS: A study of educational intervention was presented 216 medical residents of the National Institutes of Health in Mexico City on the topic of human communication in medical practice. Chi square distribution was employed to find associations among variables. RESULTS: Eighty percent of students presented deficiencies in knowledge and thinking abilities for clinical communication. As a result of the educational intervention, 70 percent of medical resident students reached acceptable significant learning on the topic. There were no appreciable differences between the men and women in response patterns. Data indicated necessity of incorporating this topic pre-and postgraduate studies, to achieve improvement of quality of medical care and prevention of conflicts in medicine.

[Recommendations to improve quality of obstetrics care]. / Recomendaciones generales para mejorar la calidad de la atención obstétrica.

The maternal care represents 50 percent of surgical and medical interventions in México. Around 80% of the maternal deaths are foreseeable with actions as risk-managed prenatal care. Prevention of these complications are difficult and require of a competent obstetrician to handle them appropriate. Some assays calculate about 46.4% of maternal deaths, as related to professional responsibility, and 9.7% with hospital responsibility. In México, obstetric malpractice complaints are the most frequent, and reached 14.5% of total matters received by the National Commission of Medical Arbitration (CONAMED) between 1996 and 2001. We analyzed 121 cases concluded, specifically obstetrics-related, requested to the Commission between 1996 and 2001, to identify moments and factors of the medical attention, linked to obstetric claims. Most prominent finds were: high risk pregnancies in 57%, prior cesarean section 22%, hospital income by labor in 28%. Complications were fetal death 25%, obstetric trauma and perinatal asphyxia 12% each one. Births ocurred by cesarean in 37%. Perinatal mortality was 39% and maternal mortality in 33%. The principal deviation was deficient care of labor. They were observed medical patient communication deficiencies in 76%, incomplete expedients in 45%, ethics deviations in 30%, and malpractice in 55%. Whole this information was presented to gynaecologist leaders of opinion: speciality Council, medical associations, public and private hospitals representatives. The conclusion were Nine recommendations to improve the patients care during the pregnancy, labor and postpartum: 1) Pregnancy, labor and postpartum should be attended by personnel qualified and properly authorized; 2) Value integrally each case during the prenatal care and identify high risk patients; 3) Tighten the prenatal care during the third quarter of the gestation; 4) Provide the best obstetric care; 5) Establish best way for each birth; 6) Reduce unnecessary risks; 7) Watch narrowly all patients during the immediate postpartum; 8) Document all the process of attention; 9) Promote and facilitate health education to pregnant patients and their relatives on the gestation inherent risks.