[From evidence to care sustainability: risk management by contrast agent in cancer patient. Experience in an italian teaching hospital]. / Dalle evidenze alla sostenibilità assistenziale: la gestione del rischio da mezzo di contrasto nel paziente oncologico. Esperienza in un centro universitario italiano.

The use of organo-iodinated contrast media (CM) in diagnostics and intervention has increased in the last 10 years. It is necessary to distinguish between the different types of contrast agent, primarily with respect to osmolarity: with low osmolarity the safety profile for the patient is higher. The risk of acute renal injury caused by contrast agent (PC-AKI) is however determined also by risk factors related to the patient. Particularly in main centers, it is advisable to have a standardized program in order to stratify patients with respect to risk, to define prevention strategies and the roles of the specialists involved. The experience described in this work consists in the application of an organizational model relating to CT, with a feasibility study of applying an evidence-based check-list in the clinical routine, as a tool to support clinical decisions (Clinical Decision Support System, CDSS) in the oncology field. A pilot evaluation was carried out on 54 patients belonging to the case series treated in a Teaching Hospital, in a day service regime with a diagnosis of solid tumor. The results of this evaluation led the working group to believe that the CDSS thus structured determines the possibility of overestimating the clinical risk of PC-AKI, and consequently to redefine the evaluation form. Experience has shown that it is not generally easy to immediately identify an algorithm useful for standardizing the management of clinically complex situations, such as PC-AKI prevention. The conduction of pilot evaluations can be a valid instrument of harmonization between the solidity of the references deriving from evidence based medicine and the tangibility of real world data. It is advisable to broaden the application of the CDSS more in a larger number of cases, as well as conduct a pre-post analysis relating to the clinical impact in terms of incidence from PC-AKI.

How to define a quadruple aim framework to assess value in critical pathway of the patients with Clostridioides difficile infection.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to define the set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) required to assess the Value delivered by managing patients with Clostridioides difficile infection through a Critical Pathway. We used the quadruple aim Value-Based approach, and we validated the set of KPIs with the Delphi method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study focuses on patients on board a Critical Pathway on Clostridioides difficile Infection and targeted towards a Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT). FMT has been used to successfully treat recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. A two-round e-Delphi survey collecting data was conducted in 2019-2020 to validate the Value-Based evaluation tool. The Value-Based criteria taken into account are Clinical Outcomes, Experience of Care, Per-capita cost, Physician's burnout. RESULTS: The two rounds led to the validation of 50 items, and four primary clinical outcomes (Mortality rate, length of stay, readmission and complications related to the illness). CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation tool included is validated in its totality and can provide a comprehensive overview of the Value created by the Critical pathway for patients with Clostridioides difficile. We can extend the approach illustrated in this study can also to evaluate other Critical pathways.

Major trauma critical pathway: preliminary results from the monitoring system in the regional network and in a hub center in Rome metropolitan area.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to collect the two years' data regarding the Integrated Trauma Management System (SIAT) by capturing the activity of its three Hubs in the Italian Lazio Region and test the performance of one of the Hubs' (Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, FPG -IRCCS) Major Trauma Clinical Pathway's (MTCP) monitoring system, introducing the preliminary results through volume, process and outcome indicators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis on SIAT was conducted on years 2016 to 2018, by collecting outcome and timeliness indicators through the Lazio Informative System whereas the MTCP was monitored through set of indicators from the FPG - IRCCS Informative System belonging to randomly selected clinical records of the established period. RESULTS: Hubs managed 11.3% of the 998,240 patients admitted in SIAT. All patients eligible for MTCP were "Flagged", and 83% underwent a CT within 2 hours; intra-hospital mortality was 13% whereas readmission rates 16.9%. CONCLUSIONS: SIAT converges the most severe patients to its Hubs. The MTCP monitoring system was able to measure a total of 9 out of 13 indicators from the original panel. This research may serve as a departing point to conduct a pre-post analysis on the performance of the MTCP.

The PRECEDE-PROCEED model as a tool in Public Health screening: a systematic review.

OBJETCTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the scientific literature concerning the use of the Precede-Proceed model (PPM) applied to educational programs and health screenings contextsV. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: The search process was based on a selection of publications listed in Medline and Scopus. The keywords used were "Precede-Proceed" AND ("screening" OR "educational programs"). Studies included in the systematic review were subdivided into those applying the model in a screening context, and those applying it within educational programs. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were retrieved, mostly performed in the USA and, generally, the promoting center was the University. In the context of cancer screening, the PPM model was most of all applied to Mammography Screening (5 of 13 studies in cancer screening), and Cervical Cancer Screening (5 of 13). Another three studies within the cancer field investigated Menopause-Inducing Cancer Treatments, Oral cancer prevention, and cancer screening in general. In the remaining studies, the model was applied in various screening areas, particularly chronic and degenerative diseases. There were many different study designs, most of which cross-sectional (8), though several RTCs (8) and focus groups (5) were also found. For the cross-sectional studies the methodological quality varied between 3/10 and 9/10, whilst for the RCTs it ranged from 2/5 to 3/5. CONCLUSIONS: The PPM provides an excellent framework for health intervention programs especially in screening contexts, and could improve the understanding of the relationship between variables such as knowledge and screening. Given the complexity of a behavioral change process, certain important predisposing factors could be measured in future studies, and during health intervention planning.

Quality and management care improvement of patients with chronic kidney disease: from data analysis to the definition of a targeted clinical pathway in an Italian Region.

BACKGROUND: Clinical Diagnostic Care Pathways (CDCP) are management tools widespread throughout the world to improve the quality of patient care through a well-organized care continuum and to enhance the patient's "risk-adjusted" outcomes; indeed they could optimize the management of resources. They are particularly effective in the management of patients with chronic degenerative diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, with increasingly incidence and prevalence, with an estimated 11-13% of the population being affected. The aim of this study is to apply the Health Services Research methods to estimate the relationship between need, demand and supply in patients with stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) for, then to describe the definition of a CDCP dedicated to patients in Lazio Region, so to allow an appropriate patient management, to reduce the likely complications and the patients' migration to facilities outside the region. METHODS: The study was conducted in 2017 in collaboration between the National Institute of Health, the University of Messina and the S. Giovanni Addolorata Hospital. RESULTS: We analyzed the data for the CKD in Roma and in the San Giovanni Addolorata Hospital Trust and we found a drop out in the patients' attendance towards other regions and/or hospitals. So we defined a CDCP to be adopted at the San Giovanni Addolorata hospital. CONCLUSIONS: To define management and care tools to provide adequate, efficient and patient centered care is a nowadays "must", to ensure the sustainability of the Italian NHS, which today is comparable to a "ship that is heading towards a perfect storm".

Emergency Department crowding and hospital bed shortage: is Lean a smart answer? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Emergency Departments (EDs) worldwide face the challenges of crowding, waiting times, and cost containment. This review aims to provide a synthesis of the current literature focused on how Lean Thinking Principles and tools can be applied in an ED to address overcrowding and hospital admissions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary studies showing Lean interventions and implementation in ED visits, not requiring additional resources measuring specific outcomes (i.e. length of stay, patient volume, patient satisfaction, waiting times for the first visit, waiting times for diagnostic results, left without being seen) were selected. PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, EconLit, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Business Sources Complete, and Health Technology Assessment were used to conduct searches. Full-text articles of all potentially relevant publications were reviewed for eligibility. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion by all reviewers. Quality assessment and critical appraisal of selected studies were also evaluated by applying the Quality Improvement Minimum Quality Criteria Set. RESULTS: Nine before-and-after studies met these eligibility criteria. Management of patient flow was the main intervention. Almost all studies showed EDs performance improvement: increased patient volume, decreased length of stay and number of patients left without being seen, reduced costs, and increased patient satisfaction. Only one case reported worse results after Lean intervention implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Though Lean Principals have been used in healthcare for many years conclusion of their effects could still not be drawn. Surely, human-centered approach, top management support, work standardization, resources allocation and adaptation to the local context seem to be crucial for success. Furthermore, higher quality studies are needed: specific research design, appropriate statistical tests and outcome measures are needed. Before large-scale implementation, further studies are needed to evaluate the true ability of Lean interventions to improve healthcare delivery.

Factors influencing quality of life for disabled and nondisabled elderly population: the results of a multiple correspondence analysis.

Objectives. The aim of our study is to examine the role of some factors (sociodemographic patterns, social relationship support, and trust in healthcare actors) on structure of quality of life among the Italian elderly population, by stratifying according to presence or absence of disability. Methods. Using data of the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) survey, we obtained a sample of 25,183 Italian people aged 65+ years. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was used to test such a relationship. Results. By applying the MCA between disabled and nondisabled elderly population, we identified three dimensions: "demographic structure and social contacts," "social relationships," "trust in the Italian National Health Services (INHS)." Furthermore, the difference in trust on the INHS and its actors was seen among disabled and non-disabled elderly population. Conclusions. Knowledge on the concept of quality of life and its application to the elderly population either with or without disability should make a difference in both people's life and policies and practices affecting life. New domains, such as information and trusting relationships both within and towards the care network's nodes, are likely to play an important role in this relationship.

[Availability and quality of vaccines information on the Web: a systematic review and implication in Public Health]. / Disponibilità e qualità delle informazioni presenti sul web riguardo alle vaccinazioni. Revisione sistematica e implica- zioni in Sanità Pubblica.

Adherence to vaccination campaigns can be negatively influenced by Web presence of unreliable information. Aim of study is qualitative and quantitative evaluation of Italian WebPages contents about vaccinations to address prevention strategies in countries that, like Italy, wouldn't like vaccination to be mandatory any longer In August 2011 two researchers conducted a Systematic Review in Italian WebPages about vaccination risks. First 100 results of 9 common search engines have been combined; pro and against pages were compared (CHI2, p <0,05). 144 WebPages were analysed: 67% of them, often on top positions, was against vaccinations and 24% of them was written by Medical Doctors. All institutional pages (12%) were pro vaccinations but they resulted in less important positions. Against WebPages were different from pro ones in terms of use of emotional images, personal negative experiences, advertising purposes (books or alternative medicine products). Main criticism was: inefficacy, low safety profile and stakeholder's interests. This study would like to represent a useful tool for parents and Medical Doctors, especially because many of them are progressively more sceptical about vaccination practises. The great number of anti-vaccination movements on Italian Web should improve public health strategies in terms of "Evidence-Based prevention".

Economic impact of childhood obesity on health systems: a systematic review.

The primary purpose of this study is to analyse the costs related to childhood obesity (CO) with reference to different models of healthcare systems. A systematic review of the economic impact of CO on healthcare systems was conducted by searching the main electronic scientific databases. Cost-of-illness (COI) analyses of children aged under 18 years who had been diagnosed as overweight or obese published up to July 2010 were considered. Short- and long-term consequences of CO were taken into account. In order to appraise the quality of the included studies, the British Medical Journal referees' checklist was used. About 3,844 COI analyses were initially found and 10 were finally considered in the current review: two studies referred to Beveridge and eight referred to Voluntary health insurance models. No studies have been conducted within a Bismarck model. Six studies considered in-patient costs, four studies estimated outpatient and primary care costs and seven studies considered pharmaceutical costs. The average quality of the included analyses was medium. The analysis confirmed the significance of CO related costs and the heterogeneity among available studies, which made it impossible to compare the different healthcare models.

[Patients' satisfaction for hospital care among the Italian Regions between 1997 and 2009]. / Soddisfazione dei cittadini per l'assistenza ospedaliera nelle regioni italiane tra il 1997 e il 2009.

Patients have a privileged perspective on health care quality, thus it is important to obtain from them judgments about offered services. Currently, there are no well developed quality monitoring systems related to the patient's perspective, though Istat data sources would b helpful on this issues. We performed a descriptive analysis relating to the satisfaction degree of Italian population for hospital admissions between 1997and 2009. Data were taken from the Istat Multipurpose analysis on some aspect of daylife. Our results show a positive appraisal for medical and nursing assistance; however the rating for the quality of food is lower Our analysis would give a contribution to the appraisal of an outstanding dimension of patients' appraisal of quality of care among the Regions, by considering the implementation of devolution in healthcare since 2001.

[Diffusion of clinical governance among the Italian Local Health Units (LHUs). Analysis of the Health Surveys, the Firm Acts and the Health Plans]. / Come sono diffusi gli strumenti della Clinical Governance nelle ASL Italiane? I risultati dell'analisi delle Relazioni Sanitarie, degli Atti Aziendali e dei Piani Sanitari.

The objective of our research is to report on the diffusion of Clinical Governance, as introduced with the National Health Plan 2006-2008, by analysing the planning instruments set up by each Region (Regional Health Plans and Emergency Plans in regions with budget deficit), the organizational frameworks (Atti Aziendali, firm acts), and the surveys on performance and quality of healthcare among the Italian Local Health Units (Health Surveys). Our research was realized on September-December 2007 and consisted of the collection of all retrieved documents available on the web and on the online public access catalog (OPAC SBN) of the National Library Service. Futhermore, each document has been classified and analysed according to Chambers' Clinical Governance definition. A descriptive statistical and inferential analysis by applying the Chi-2 Test was performed to test the correlation between the diffusion of such a classified documents and the geographical partition of each LHU. Our results show a scarce diffusion of Firm acts (43%) and Health Surveys (24.9% of the total). Any remind to Clinical Governance instruments and methods inside each document resulted even poorer among both the organizational and performance surveys and the regional health planning frameworks, respectively.

Can primary care professionals' adherence to Evidence Based Medicine tools improve quality of care in type 2 diabetes mellitus? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Our aim is to review the effectiveness of EBM tools available to primary care professionals to improve the quality of Type 2 diabetes disease management. METHODS: A systematic review of RCT was performed according to the Cochrane methods. RESULTS: Starting from an overall number of 1737 references found, a total of 13 studies met all the inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The adherence to EBM instruments is likely to improve process of care, rather than patient outcomes. In addition, our review outlines that feedback reports and use of ICT devices are likely to be effective in diabetes disease management.

Factors associated with health-related quality of life: the role of social relationships among the elderly in an Italian region.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the association between social relationships and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in the elderly in Lazio Region, Italy, a Mediterranean country where the shape and role of social links has dramatically changed. METHODS: Data were extracted from a national cross-sectional survey in Italy, representative of the non-institutionalised population aged 60 years and over resident in Lazio Region during 1999--2000. HRQL was measured with the Short Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-12). Data analysis was performed using multiple linear regression models using adjustment for the main confounders. RESULTS: Among the sample, 40.4% of the elderly were not married and 27.1 % were living alone. While being married and not living alone were associated with higher scores in the physical and mental quality-of-life components (P-value<0.001), more frequent visiting/seeing friends was likely to be associated with higher scores in both the physical and the mental health components (P-value<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that low physical health scores were associated with a low frequency of meeting with relatives and with living far from relatives. CONCLUSIONS: In a region covering 9.2% of the whole Italian population, only a small proportion of the elderly lack frequent social ties, yet low frequency of relationships with friends is associated with a decline in quality of life measured through mental and physical scores. Our findings will be useful for drawing up welfare strategies both at the national and at the Mediterranean level, in countries, like Italy, where the primacy of family support of the elderly has been decreasing in recent years.