Integrating neuroscience and humanities in healthcare evolution: a multidisciplinary perspective / Integração das neurociências e das ciências humanas na evolução dos cuidados de saúde: uma perspetiva multidisciplinar

The trajectory of healthcare has evolved from ancient holistic practices to the present biomedical model, reflecting the dynamic interplay between scientific progress, technological advancements, and the integration of humanistic values. While biomedical advancements have revolutionized medical treatments, there is an emerging recognition of the importance of integrating neuroscience and humanities to foster holistic patient care and understanding. This paper aims to explore the historical development of medicine, emphasizing the convergence of neuroscience, psychiatry, and neurology within the biomedical framework. Additionally, it investigates the resurgence of humanities in healthcare and its role in promoting patientcentered care. Through a comprehensive review of literature, this study traces the historical roots of medicine and examines the interdisciplinary intersections of neuroscience, psychiatry, neurology, and medical humanities. The exploration reveals the significant contributions of interdisciplinary approaches in enhancing patient-centered care, fostering a comprehensive understanding of health and well-being, and shaping modern healthcare practices. The integration of neuroscience and humanities offers valuable insights into the complexities of human health, bridging legacy practices with innovative approaches. Embracing this interdisciplinary perspective is crucial for promoting holistic healthcare, emphasizing patient-centered care, and enriching the understanding of health and well-being in contemporary healthcare settings.

A trajetória dos cuidados de saúde evoluiu das antigas práticas holísticas para o atual modelo biomédico, reflectindo a interação dinâmica entre o progresso científico, os avanços tecnológicos e a integração de valores humanísticos. Embora os avanços biomédicos tenham revolucionado os tratamentos médicos, há um reconhecimento emergente da importância de integrar as neurociências e as humanidades para promover a compreensão e os cuidados holísticos dos doentes. Este artigo tem como objetivo explorar o desenvolvimento histórico da medicina, salientando a convergência da neurociência, da psiquiatria e da neurologia no quadro biomédico. Além disso, investiga o ressurgimento das humanidades nos cuidados de saúde e o seu papel na promoção de cuidados centrados no doente. Através de uma revisão exaustiva da literatura, este estudo traça as raízes históricas da medicina e examina as intersecções interdisciplinares da neurociência, psiquiatria, neurologia e humanidades médicas. A exploração revela os contributos significativos das abordagens interdisciplinares para melhorar os cuidados centrados no doente, promover uma compreensão abrangente da saúde e do bem-estar e moldar as práticas modernas de cuidados de saúde. A integração das neurociências e das humanidades oferece conhecimentos valiosos sobre as complexidades da saúde humana, fazendo a ponte entre práticas antigas e abordagens inovadoras. A adoção desta perspetiva interdisciplinar é crucial para promover cuidados de saúde holísticos, enfatizando os cuidados centrados no doente e enriquecendo a compreensão da saúde e do bem-estar nos contextos de cuidados de saúde contemporâneos.

Enhancing equity in access to automated insulin delivery systems in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse group of children with type 1 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Manufacturer-supported didactic teaching programmes offer effective automated insulin delivery (AID) systems onboarding in children and young people (CYP) with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, this approach has limited flexibility to accommodate the needs of families requiring additional support. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Evaluate the efficacy of an inperson manufacturer-supported didactic teaching programme (Group A), in comparison to a flexible flipped learning approach delivered virtually or inperson (Group B). Retrospective analysis of CYP with T1D using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), who were initiated on AID systems between 2021 and 2023. Compare CGM metrics from baseline to 90 days for both groups A and B. Additionally, compare the two groups for change in CGM metrics over the 90-day period (∆), patient demographics and onboarding time. RESULTS: Group A consisted of 74 CYP (53% male) with median age of 13.9 years and Group B 91 CYP (54% male) with median age of 12.7 years. From baseline to 90 days, Group A lowered mean (±SD) time above range (TAR, >10.0 mmol/L) from 47.6% (±15.0) to 33.2% (±15.0) (p<0.001), increased time in range (TIR, 3.9-10.0 mmol/L) from 50.4% (±14.0) to 64.7% (±10.2) (p<0.001). From baseline to 90 days, Group B lowered TAR from 51.3% (±15.1) to 34.5% (±11.3) (p<0.001) and increased TIR from 46.5% (±14.5) to 63.7% (±11.0) (p<0.001). There was no difference from baseline to 90 days for time below range (TBR, <3.9 mmol/L) for Group A and Group B. ∆ TAR, TIR and TBR for both groups were comparable. Group B consisted of CYP with higher socioeconomic deprivation, greater ethnic diversity and lower carer education achievement (p<0.05). The majority of Group B (n=79, 87%) chose virtual flipped learning, halving diabetes educator time and increasing onboarding cadence by fivefold. CONCLUSIONS: A flexible virtual flipped learning programme increases onboarding cadence and capacity to offer equitable AID system onboarding.

Enabling nurses' engagement in the design of healthcare technology - Core competencies and requirements: A qualitative study.

Background: Due to the globally increasing demand for care, innovation is important to maintain quality, safety, effectiveness, patient sensitivity, and outcome orientation. Health care technologies could be a solution to innovate, maintain, or improve the quality of care and simultaneously decrease nurses' workload. Currently, nurses are rarely involved in the design of health care technologies, mostly due to time constraints with clinical nursing responsibilities and limited exposure to technology and design disciplines. To ensure that health care technologies fit into nurses' core and routine practice, nurses should be actively involved in the design process. Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore the main requirements for nurses' active participation in the design of health care technologies. Design: An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was used which helps to both understand and describe a phenomenon. Participants: Twelve nurses from three academic hospitals in the Netherlands participated in this study. Method: Data were collected from semistructured interviews with hospital nurses experienced in design programs and thematically analysed. Results: Four themes were identified concerning the main requirements for nurses to participate in the design of health care technologies: (1) nurses' motivations to participate, (2) the process of technology development, (3) required competence to participate (such as assertiveness, creative thinking, problem solving skills), and (4) facilitating and organizing nurses' participation. Conclusion: Nurses experience their involvement in the design process as essential, distinctive, and meaningful but experience few possibilities to combine this work with their current workload, flows, routines, and requirements. To participate in the design of health care technologies nurses need motivation and specific competencies. Organizations should facilitate time for nurses to acquire the required competencies and to be intentionally involved in technology design and development activities.

Feasibility of continuous non-invasive delivery of oxygen monitoring in cardiac surgical patients: a proof-of-concept preliminary study.

PURPOSE: Oxygen delivery (DO2) and its monitoring are highlighted to aid postoperative goal directed therapy (GDT) to improve perioperative outcomes such as acute kidney injury (AKI) after high-risk cardiac surgeries associated with multiple morbidities and mortality. However, DO2 monitoring is neither routine nor done postoperatively, and current methods are invasive and only produce intermittent DO2 trends. Hence, we proposed a novel algorithm that simultaneously integrates cardiac output (CO), hemoglobin (Hb) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) from the Edwards Life Sciences ClearSight System® and Masimo SET Pulse CO-Oximetry® to produce a continuous, real-time DO2 trend. METHODS: Our algorithm was built systematically with 4 components - machine interface to draw data with PuTTY, data extraction with parsing, data synchronization, and real-time DO2 presentation using a graphic-user interface. Hb readings were validated. RESULTS: Our algorithm was implemented successfully in 93% (n = 57 out of 61) of our recruited cardiac surgical patients. DO2 trends and AKI were studied. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated a novel proof-of-concept and feasibility of continuous, real-time, non-invasive DO2 monitoring, with each patient serving as their own control. Our study also lays the foundation for future investigations aimed at identifying personalized critical DO2 thresholds and optimizing DO2 as an integral part of GDT to enhance outcomes in perioperative cardiac surgery.

Barriers and facilitators of implementation of new antibacterial technologies in patient care: an interview study with orthopedic healthcare professionals at a university hospital.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health threat. Therefore, promising new antibacterial technologies that could minimize our dependence on antibiotics should be widely adopted. This study aims to identify the barriers and facilitators of the adoption of new antibacterial technologies in hospital patient care. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews, based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, were conducted with healthcare professionals related to the orthopedics department of an academic hospital in The Netherlands. RESULTS: In total, 11 healthcare professionals were interviewed. Scientific evidence for the effectiveness of the technology was the most explicitly mentioned facilitator of adoption, but other (often contextual) factors were also considered to be important. At the level of the inner and outer setting, high costs and lacking coverage, competition from other firms, and problems with ordering and availability were the most explicit perceived barriers to adoption. Participants did not collectively feel the need for new antibacterial technologies. CONCLUSIONS: Barriers and facilitators of the adoption of new antibacterial technologies were identified related to the technology, the hospital, and external factors. The implementation climate might have an indirect influence on adoption. New antibacterial technologies that are scientifically proven effective, affordable, and easily obtainable will most likely be adopted.

New approaches to recovery after stroke.

After a stroke, several mechanisms of neural plasticity can be activated, which may lead to significant recovery. Rehabilitation therapies aim to restore surviving tissue over time and reorganize neural connections. With more patients surviving stroke with varying degrees of neurological impairment, new technologies have emerged as a promising option for better functional outcomes. This review explores restorative therapies based on brain-computer interfaces, robot-assisted and virtual reality, brain stimulation, and cell therapies. Brain-computer interfaces allow for the translation of brain signals into motor patterns. Robot-assisted and virtual reality therapies provide interactive interfaces that simulate real-life situations and physical support to compensate for lost motor function. Brain stimulation can modify the electrical activity of neurons in the affected cortex. Cell therapy may promote regeneration in damaged brain tissue. Taken together, these new approaches could substantially benefit specific deficits such as arm-motor control and cognitive impairment after stroke, and even the chronic phase of recovery, where traditional rehabilitation methods may be limited, and the window for repair is narrow.

Labelling of intravenous drug delivery devices in critically ill patients: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Labelling is a strategy that contributes to the correct and faster identification of drugs, minimizing misidentification. There is a gap in knowledge on optimal labelling standards for intravenous (IV) devices applied to the care of critically ill patients. AIM: The goal of this article was to map existing knowledge on the labelling of IV drug delivery devices in critically ill patients for the prevention of medication errors. STUDY DESIGN: This was a scoping review conducted according to the JBI methodology in the LILACS, MEDLINE, CINAHL, IBECS, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases, and on the websites of specialized institutions. Searches were conducted up to December 2022 for scientific articles and grey literature that addressed the labelling of IV devices in intensive care units, emergency departments, and anaesthesia units. The data were collected using a structured form and were later classified, summarized, and aggregated to map the knowledge related to the review question. RESULTS: Twenty-one documents were included, which demonstrated variability in label use with IV drug delivery devices. The following features of structure and design stood out: printed format, colour coding, letter size differentiation, and the use of sturdy material. In terms of information, the name of the drug, dose, date and time of preparation, identification of the patient, and who prepared it were found. CONCLUSIONS: The identified patterns contributed to the reduction of drug misidentification and the development of timelier drug labelling and administration. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The evidence supports the development of standardized labels for the prevention of medication errors.

Desenvolvimento e validação de software web de apoio à gestão da assistência pré-natal / Desarrollo y validación de software web de apoyo a la gestión de la atención prenatal / Development and validation of web software to support prenatal care management

Resumo Objetivo Descrever o processo de desenvolvimento e validação de um software web de apoio à gestão da assistência pré-natal. Métodos Pesquisa de produção tecnológica, realizada entre março e agosto de 2022, com base em princípios e técnicas do método Scrum. As funcionalidades do software web, com acesso e funções específicas a três diferentes usuários (Administrador, Gestor e Visitante), foram desenvolvidas de forma colegiada entre desenvolvedores, pesquisadores, gestores e profissionais da saúde, a partir de necessidades práticas relacionadas à gestão da assistência pré-natal. Resultados O software web é uma ferramenta de apoio à gestão da assistência pré-natal, com potencial para gerar infográficos que denotem intercorrências gestacionais e que permitem, de forma ágil e segura, à tomada de decisões estratégicas loco-regionais. Conclusão O processo de desenvolvimento e validação do software web de apoio à gestão da assistência pré-natal deu-se de forma colegiada entre desenvolvedores, pesquisadores, gestores e profissionais da saúde, a partir de necessidades práticas relacionadas à gestão da assistência pré-natal. A ferramenta foi desenvolvida de modo a possibilitar acesso e funções específicas a três diferentes usuários (Administrador, Gestor e Visitante), com vistas à tomada de decisões rápidas e seguras.

Resumen Objetivo Describir el proceso de desarrollo y validación de un software web de apoyo a la gestión de la atención prenatal. Métodos Investigación de producción tecnológica, realizada entre marzo y agosto de 2022, con base en principios y técnicas de la metodología Scrum. Las funcionalidades del software web, con acceso y funciones específicas para tres usuarios (administrador, gestor y visitante), se desarrollaron de forma colegiada entre desarrolladores, investigadores, gestores y profesionales de la salud, a partir de necesidades prácticas relacionadas con la gestión de la atención prenatal. Resultados El software web es una herramienta de apoyo a la gestión de la atención prenatal, con potencial para generar infográficos que indiquen complicaciones gestacionales y que permitan tomar decisiones estratégicas locorregionales de forma ágil y segura. Conclusión El proceso de desarrollo y validación del software web de apoyo a la gestión de la atención prenatal se realizó de forma colegiada entre desarrolladores, investigadores, gestores y profesionales de la salud, a partir de necesidades prácticas relacionadas con la gestión de la atención prenatal. La herramienta se desarrolló a fin de permitir el acceso y funciones específicas para tres diferentes usuarios (administrador, gestor y visitante), con el objetivo de tomar decisiones rápidas y seguras.

Abstract Objective To describe the development and validation process of a web software to support the management of prenatal care. Methods Technological development research, carried out between March and August 2022, based on principles and techniques of the Scrum method. The functionalities of the web software, with access and specific functions for three different users (Administrator, Manager and Visitor), were developed jointly by developers, researchers, managers and health professionals, based on practical needs related to the management of prenatal care. Results The web software is a tool to support the management of prenatal care, with the potential to generate infographics that denote gestational intercurrences and that allow, in an agile and safe way, the making of local-regional strategic decisions. Conclusion The process of development and validation of the web software to support the management of prenatal care was carried out jointly by developers, researchers, managers and health professionals, based on practical needs related to the management of prenatal care. The tool was developed in order to allow access and specific functions to three different users (Administrator, Manager and Visitor), with a view to making quick and safe decisions.

Construção e validação de um formulário para a transição de cuidados para o recém-nascido prematuro / Construcción y validación de un formulario para la transición de la atención al recién nacido prematuro / Construction and validity of a form for transition of care for premature newborns

Objetivo: construir e validar um formulário para a transição de cuidados com o neonato prematuro. Método: estudo metodológico realizado em três etapas: levantamento do referencial teórico-metodológico, análise semântica e validação de conteúdo, baseado no Modelo de Construção de Instrumentos e utilizando o método de Delphi, sendo considerado aprovado quando o índice de validação de conteúdo foi maior que 80%.Resultados: o formulário composto por seis domínios foi aprovado após três rodadas, com 64itens e alcançou uma aprovação média de 89%.Conclusão: o formulário de transição de cuidados foi validado quanto a face e conteúdo, disponibilizando uma nova tecnologia a ser utilizada para a transição de informações de forma padronizada e segura.

Objective:to construct and validate a form for transition of care for premature newborns. Method:a methodological study carried out in three steps: theoretical-methodological framework survey, semantic analysis and content validity, based on the instrument construction model and using the Delphi method, being considered approved when the Content Validity Index was greater than 80%. Results:the form consisting of six domains was approved after three rounds, with 64 items, and achieved a mean approval of 89%. Conclusion:the transition of care form was validated in terms of face and content, providing a new technology to be used for standardized and safe transition of information.

Objetivo:construir y validar un formulario para la transición de la atención al recién nacido prematuro. Método:estudio metodológico realizado en tres etapas: levantamiento del marco teórico-metodológico, análisis semántico y validación de contenido, con base en el modelo de construcción de instrumentos y mediante el método Delphi, considerándose aprobado cuando el índice de validación de contenido fue superior al 80%. Resultados:el formulario compuesto por seis dominios fue aprobado después de tres rondas, con 64 ítems, y alcanzó una tasa de aprobación promedio del 89%. Conclusión:el formulario de transición de atención fue validado en términos de apariencia y contenido, proporcionando una nueva tecnología para ser utilizada para la transición de información de forma estandarizada y segura.

Key Nanotechnology Breakthroughs in Cardiovascular Disease Therapy

Abstract Background It is justified by the high population's morbidity and mortality rate, as well as the increasing present use of nanoparticles in this pathological context. Objectives To describe the main nanotechnology breakthroughs in the field of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and disseminate pertinent information in the literature. Methods This is a systematic review conducted between September and October 2021. The review was carried out through basic nature, following the initial script for the selective reading of articles in chronological order to collect relevant and consistent data related to the theme. Results It is evidenced the main advances of nanotechnology in the field of CVDs, namely, acute coronary syndromes (ACSs), heart failure (HF), and systemic arterial hypertension (SAH). Conclusion The importance of further and deeper studies in this area is emphasized, in order to make the already approved treatments feasible, so they can reach all publics at a low cost.

Technological advances in obstetric nursing consultations using ultrasound / Avances tecnológicos en consultas de enfermería obstétrica utilizando ultrasonido / Avanço tecnológico na consulta de enfermagem obstétrica com uso de ultrassonografia

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand how ultrasound tools are used in prenatal Nursing consultations from the perspective of obstetric nurses. Method: a descriptive and qualitative study carried out with ten obstetric nurses that use obstetric ultrasound in their Nursing consultations at a maternity hospital in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted between December 1st and 4th, 2021. The Atlas.ti software was employed to process the results using Bardin's thematic content analysis. Results: the obstetric nurses expanded comprehensive care for pregnant women by implementing the use of ultrasound technology during Obstetric Nursing consultations, thus innovating the practices in Brazil. However, they faced countless challenges, which they overcame thanks to the positive results of improving obstetric and fetal care. Conclusion: using ultrasound technology in Obstetric Nursing consultations represents an advance in the Nursing practice, as it enables access and qualification to timely care, free of charge and through the Unified Health System. The support and encouragement of the institutional management strengthened obstetric nurses' professional autonomy, mediating the implementation of innovation. The study focus is added to the technological development employed in the everyday work of Brazilian Nursing, increasing resoluteness of decision-making in health problems.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comprender cómo se utiliza la herramienta de ultrasonido en consultas de Enfermería prenatal, según la opinión de enfermeras especializadas en Obstetricia. Método: estudio descriptivo de enfoque cualitativo, realizado en una maternidad de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, con diez enfermeras(os) especializadas(os) en Obstetricia que utilizan ultrasonido obstétrico en consultas de Enfermería. Se llevaron a cabo entrevistas individuales y semiestructuradas entre el 1 y el 4 de diciembre de 2021. Se utilizó el programa de software Atlas.ti para procesar los resultados por medio de análisis temático de contenido según Bardin. Resultados: las enfermeras especializadas en Obstetricia ampliaron la atención integral provista a las embarazadas, implementando el uso de la tecnología de ultrasonido durante las consultas de Enfermería Obstétrica, innovando así las prácticas de la profesión en Brasil. No obstante, enfrentaron innumerables desafíos, que fueron superados gracias a los resultados positivos de calificación de la atención obstétrica y fetal. Conclusión: utilizar la tecnología de ultrasonido en consultas de Enfermería Obstétrica representa un avance en la práctica de Enfermería, puesto que permite acceder y calificar los cuidados en tiempo y forma, de manera gratuita y a través del Sistema Único de Salud. El apoyo e incentivo por parte de la gerencia institucional fortalecieron la autonomía profesional de las enfermeras especializadas en Obstetricia, mediando la implementación de la innovación. El punto central del estudio se suma al desarrollo tecnológico empleado en la rutina de trabajo de los profesionales de Enfermería en Brasil, expandiendo así la capacidad de resolución del proceso de toma de decisiones relacionado con problemas de salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: compreender o uso da ferramenta ultrassonográfica na consulta de enfermagem de pré-natal sob a perspectiva das enfermeiras obstétricas. Método: estudo descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa, realizado em uma maternidade de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, com dez enfermeiras(os) obstétricas(os) que utilizam a ultrassonografia obstétrica na consulta de enfermagem. Entrevista individual, semiestruturada, realizada entre 1º e 4 de dezembro de 2021. Utilizou-se o software Atlas.ti para o tratamento dos resultados por meio da análise de conteúdo temática de Bardin. Resultados: as enfermeiras obstétricas ampliaram o cuidado integral às gestantes, implementando a utilização da tecnologia ultrassonográfica durante a consulta de enfermagem obstétrica, inovando as práticas no Brasil. Entretanto, enfrentaram inúmeros desafios, que foram superados graças aos resultados positivos de qualificação do cuidado obstétrico e fetal. Conclusão: a utilização da tecnologia ultrassonográfica na consulta de enfermagem obstétrica significa um avanço na prática de enfermagem, pois possibilita acesso e qualificação ao cuidado em tempo oportuno, gratuitamente, pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. O apoio e o incentivo da gestão institucional fortaleceram a autonomia profissional das enfermeiras obstétricas, mediando a implementação da inovação. O foco do estudo soma-se ao desenvolvimento tecnológico empregado no cotidiano de trabalho da enfermagem brasileira, ampliando a resolubilidade da tomada de decisão aos agravos à saúde.

Asimetrías entre la coordinación nacional y la autonomía de los gobiernos estatales en la adopción de tecnologías sanitarias frente a la COVID-19 en Argentina / Asymmetries between national articulation and the autonomy of state governments in implementing health technologies to fight COVID-19 in Argentina / Assimetrias entre a articulação nacional e a autonomia de governos estaduais na implementação de tecnologias de saúde em combate à COVID-19 na Argentina

Resumen: En pandemia, en Argentina y en otros países se observó variabilidad en las políticas públicas implementadas sobre tecnologías sanitarias para prevención y tratamiento de la COVID-19. El objetivo fue analizar cómo se procesaron en Argentina los movimientos de coordinación vs. cooperación, y de autonomía vs. reparto de autoridad entre entidades, explorando asimetrías entre diferentes entidades en la implementación de políticas públicas sobre tecnologías sanitarias en pandemia y las influencias de otros actores. Se realizó una revisión documental del período 2020-2021 (informes técnicos publicados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, organismos nacionales y sociedades científicas, leyes, fallos judiciales, prensa, encuestas y entrevistas en profundidad a miembros de los Ministerios de Salud de Argentina). Se indagó sobre procesos y resultados de la toma de decisiones en los Ministerios de Salud, mapeando la cobertura y recomendación de cada tecnología y el partido político provincial gobernante. Hubo heterogeneidad en resultados y procesos entre los Ministerios, y disputas en el interior de los mismos. La adherencia a recomendaciones oficiales fue baja, influyendo distintos criterios técnico-políticos (relaciones de poder, presión social, de los medios, académicos, poder Judicial y Legislativo). En algunos casos se observó una fuerte tensión entre oficialismo y oposición al partido gobernante a partir de la discusión sobre tecnologías. Cada provincia argentina definió sus políticas sobre tecnologías sanitarias para COVID-19 con autonomía, y la toma de decisiones en la administración pública en pandemia fue desordenada, compleja y no lineal.

Abstract: Argentina, as other countries, showed several public policies related to the health technologies implemented to fight and treat the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to analyze how articulation vs. cooperation and autonomy vs. division of powers between entities occurred in Argentina, exploring asymmetries between several entities in implementing public policies related to health technologies during the pandemic and the influences of other actors. For this, a documentary research was carried out related to 2020-2021 (technical reports published by the World Health Organization, national agencies and scientific societies, laws, court decisions, press, and research and in-depth interviews with members of the Argentine Ministries of Health). The processes and results of decision-making in the Ministries of Health were analyzed, outlining the coverage and orientations of each technology and the political party in power in the province. This study found heterogeneous results and processes between Ministries and disputes within them. It also observed the poor adherence to official guidelines due to technical-political criteria (power relations, social, media, academic, judiciary, and legislative pressure). Some cases showed a strong tension between the government and its opposition over the discussion of technologies. Each province in Argentina has autonomously defined its policies on health technologies for COVID-19, and decision-making in public administration was disorderly, complex, and non-linear during the pandemic.

Resumo: Na Argentina, assim como em outros países, houve uma variabilidade de políticas públicas relacionadas às tecnologias de saúde implementadas no combate e tratamento da COVID-19 durante a pandemia. Este estudo buscou analisar como ocorreram a articulação vs. cooperação, e a autonomia vs. divisão de poderes entre as entidades na Argentina, explorando assimetrias entre diferentes entidades na implementação de políticas públicas relacionadas a tecnologias de saúde na pandemia, bem como as influências de outros atores. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa documental para o período de 2020-2021 (relatórios técnicos publicados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, agências nacionais e sociedades científicas, leis, decisões judiciais, imprensa, pesquisas e entrevistas em profundidade com membros dos Ministérios da Saúde da Argentina). Os processos e os resultados da tomada de decisão nos Ministérios da Saúde foram analisados, traçando a cobertura e orientações de cada tecnologia e o partido político no poder na província. Observou-se uma heterogeneidade nos resultados e processos entre os Ministérios, e disputas em seu interior. Houve uma baixa adesão às orientações oficiais, influenciada por diferentes critérios técnico-políticos (relações de poder, pressão social, midiática, acadêmica, do poder Judiciário e do Legislativo). Em alguns casos, observou-se uma forte tensão entre governo e oposição a partir da discussão das tecnologias. Cada província da Argentina definiu suas políticas sobre tecnologias de saúde para a COVID-19 de forma autônoma, e a tomada de decisões na administração pública foi desordenada, complexa e não linear durante a pandemia.

Validação de instrumento brasileiro para mapeamento dos fatores de risco e diagnóstico precoce de incontinência urinária feminina

Objetivo: Validar o conteúdo do Instrumento de Mapeamento dos Fatores de Risco para Incontinência Urinária Feminina (IMFRIU-Fem) considerando o contexto das mulheres adultas jovens. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa metodológica quantitativa, desenvolvida no período de abril 2020 a dezembro de 2021, em três etapas: revisão integrativa da literatura, construção do instrumento e validação do conteúdo. Resultados: Através da revisão integrativa, 55 fatores de risco foram identificados e agrupados em dimensões na estrutura do instrumento, considerando desde os aspectos sociodemográficos até os sistemas corporais. O instrumento foi validado pelo índice de validade de conteúdo (IVC) e contou com a avaliação de 7 juízes. Para a maioria das dimensões do instrumento os juízes apresentaram uma resposta unanime, expressando uma porcentagem de 91 % quanto a clareza e compreensão, o que significa dizer que tais dimensões apresentam funcionalidade diante do objetivo de mapear os fatores de risco para a incontinência urinária feminina. O IVC global das dimensões, mostrou-se extremamente significativos, com IVC = 0,91. Conclusão: Espera-se que o IMFRIU-Fem possa auxiliar os enfermeiros a identificar precocemente os fatores de risco para a incontinência urinária, fornecendo dados longitudinais que permitam elaborar um plano assistencial que considere a integralidade da saúde da mulher.

Objetivo: Validar el contenido del Instrumento de Mapeo de Factores de Riesgo para la Incontinencia Urinaria Femenina (IMFRIU-Fem) considerando el contexto de las mujeres adultas jóvenes. Método: Se trata de una investigación metodológica cuantitativa, desarrollada entre abril de 2020 y diciembre de 2021, en tres etapas: revisión bibliográfica integradora, construcción del instrumento y validación de contenido. Resultados: A través de la revisión integradora, se identificaron 55 factores de riesgo y se agruparon en dimensiones en la estructura del instrumento, considerando desde aspectos sociodemográficos hasta sistemas corporales. El instrumento fue validado por el índice de validez de contenido (IVC) y fue evaluado por 7 jueces. Para la mayoría de las dimensiones del instrumento los jueces presentaron una respuesta unánime, expresando un porcentaje del 91 % en cuanto a claridad y comprensión, lo que significa que dichas dimensiones presentan funcionalidad frente al objetivo de mapear los factores de riesgo de la incontinencia urinaria femenina. El IVC global de las dimensiones resultó ser extremadamente significativo, con un valor de 0.91. Conclusión: Se espera que el IMFRIU-Fem pueda ayudar al personal de enfermería a identificar de forma precoz los factores de riesgo para la incontinencia urinaria, proporcionando datos longitudinales que permitan elaborar un plan de asistencia que considere la integralidad de la salud de la mujer.

Objective: To validate the content of the Risk Factors Mapping Instrument for Female Urinary Incontinence (IMFRIU-Fem) considering the context of young adult women. Method: This is quantitative methodological research, developed from April 2020 to December 2021, in three stages: integrative literature review, instrument construction and content validation. Results: Through the integrative review, 55 risk factors were identified and grouped into dimensions in the structure of the instrument, considering from sociodemographic aspects to body systems. The instrument was validated by the content validity index (CVI) and was assessed by 7 judges. For most of the dimensions of the instrument the judges presented a unanimous answer, expressing a percentage of 91 % as to clarity and understanding, which means that such dimensions present functionality in the face of the objective of mapping the risk factors for female urinary incontinence. The global CVI of the dimensions showed to be extremely significant, with CVI = 0.91. Conclusion: It is expected that the IMFRIU-Fem may help nurses to identify early risk factors for urinary incontinence, providing longitudinal data that allow the elaboration of a care plan that considers the integrality of women's health.

Assessment of educational technology in lactation physiology by health students / Evaluación de tecnología educativa en fisiología de la lactancia por estudiantes de salud / Avaliação de tecnologia educacional de fisiologia da lactação por estudantes da saúde

ABSTRACT Objectives: to assess the suitability, facilitators, and barriers of using a video clip for teaching lactation physiology to health students. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with online data collection at a higher education institution, using the Assistive Technology Assessment Instrument and open-ended questions. The sample consisted of 88 students. Results: the video clip was deemed suitable in all attributes. Facilitators identified included attractiveness, musicality, and ease of access. Barriers noted were the music's speed and the necessity for prior knowledge. The video clip achieved adequate scores for interactivity (1.71), purpose (1.77), relevance (1.64), and clarity (1.77). The overall average of the attributes was 1.72. Conclusions: the video clip can serve as an effective learning strategy to enhance hybrid education, potentially contributing to the promotion and support of breastfeeding. However, some barriers underscore the importance of prior knowledge for a complete understanding of the content.

RESUMEN Objetivos: evaluar la idoneidad, los facilitadores y las barreras del uso de un videoclip para enseñar fisiologia de la lactancia a estudiantes de salud. Métodos: se realizo un estudio transversal con recopilación de datos en línea en una institución de educación superior, utilizando el Instrumento de Evaluación de Tecnologia Asistiva y preguntas abiertas. La muestra consistió en 88 estudiantes. Resultados: el videoclip fue considerado adecuado en todos los atributos. Los facilitadores identificados incluyeron atractivo, musicalidad y facilidad de acceso. Las barreras señaladas fueron la velocidad de la música y la necesidad de conocimientos previos. El videoclip obtuvo puntuaciones adecuadas en interactividad (1.71), propósito (1.77), relevancia (1.64) y claridad (1.77). El promedio general de los atributos fue de 1.72. Conclusiones: el videoclip puede servir como una estrategia de aprendizaje efectiva para mejorar la educación híbrida, potencialmente contribuyendo a la promoción y el apoyo de la lactancia materna. Sin embargo, algunas barreras subrayan la importancia del conocimiento previo para una comprensión completa del contenido.

RESUMO Objetivos: avaliar a adequação, facilitadores e barreiras para o uso de um videoclipe para aprendizagem da fisiologia da lactação por estudantes da saúde. Métodos: estudo transversal com coleta de dados online em uma instituição de ensino superior, utilizando o Instrumento de Avaliação de Tecnologia Assistiva e questões abertas. A amostra incluiu 88 estudantes. Resultados: o videoclipe foi avaliado como adequado em todos os atributos. Facilitadores identificados incluíram atratividade, musicalidade e praticidade de acesso. Barreiras apontadas foram a velocidade da música e a necessidade de conhecimento prévio. O videoclipe obteve média adequada para interatividade (1,71), objetivo (1,77), relevância (1,64) e clareza (1,77). A média global dos atributos foi 1,72. Conclusões: o videoclipe pode ser utilizado como estratégia de aprendizagem que potencializa o ensino híbrido na formação, com potencial para contribuir com a promoção e apoio ao aleitamento materno. No entanto, algumas barreiras destacam a necessidade de conhecimento prévio para a compreensão total do conteúdo.

Performance in prognostic capacity and efficiency of the Thoracic Care Suite GE AI tool applied to chest radiography of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: Rapid progression of COVID-19 pneumonia may put patients at risk of requiring ventilatory support, such as non-invasive mechanical ventilation or endotracheal intubation. Implementing tools that detect COVID-19 pneumonia can improve the patient's healthcare. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of the artificial intelligence (AI) tool GE Healthcare's Thoracic Care Suite (featuring Lunit INSIGHT CXR, TCS) to predict the ventilatory support need based on pneumonic progression of COVID-19 on consecutive chest X-rays. METHODS: Outpatients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, with chest X-ray (CXR) findings probable or indeterminate for COVID-19 pneumonia, who required a second CXR due to unfavorableclinical course, were collected. The number of affected lung fields for the two CXRs was assessed using the AI tool. RESULTS: One hundred fourteen patients (57.4±14.2 years, 65-57%-men) were retrospectively collected. Fifteen (13.2%) required ventilatory support. Progression of pneumonic extension ≥0.5 lung fields per day compared to pneumonia onset, detected using the TCS tool, increased the risk of requiring ventilatory support by 4-fold. Analyzing the AI output required 26s of radiological time. CONCLUSIONS: Applying the AI tool, Thoracic Care Suite, to CXR of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia allows us to anticipate ventilatory support requirements requiring less than half a minute.

Eficacia de la capacidad y la eficiencia pronósticas de la herramienta de inteligencia artificial Thoracic Care Suite de GE aplicada a la radiografía torácica de pacientes con neumonía COVID-19 / Performance in prognostic capacity and efficiency of the Thoracic Care Suite GE AI tool applied to chest radiography of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia

Objetivo: La rápida progresión de la neumonía COVID-19 puede implicar la necesidad de recurrir a sistemas de respiración asistida, como la ventilación mecánica no invasiva o la intubación endotraqueal. La introducción de herramientas que detecten la neumonía COVID-19 puede mejorar la atención sanitaria de los pacientes. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la eficacia y la eficiencia de la herramienta de inteligencia artificial (IA) Thoracic Care Suite de GE Healthcare (que incorpora Lunit Insight CXR) para predecir la necesidad de recurrir a la respiración asistida en función de la progresión de la neumonía en la COVID-19 en radiografías torácicas consecutivas. Métodos: Se incluyó a pacientes ambulatorios con infección por SARS-CoV-2 confirmada, con hallazgos probables o indeterminados de neumonía COVID-19 en la radiografía torácica (RXT) y que necesitaron una segunda RXT debido a la evolución clínica desfavorable. En las 2RXT se evaluaron el número de campos pulmonares afectados mediante la herramienta de IA. Resultados: Se incluyó a 114 pacientes (57,4±14,2 años; 65 de ellos varones, el 57%) de forma retrospectiva; 15 pacientes (el 13,2%) precisaron respiración asistida. La progresión de la diseminación neumónica ≥0,5 campos pulmonares al día en comparación con el inicio de la neumonía, detectada mediante la herramienta TCS, cuadruplicó el riesgo de precisar respiración asistida. El análisis de los resultados de IA precisó 26 segundos. Conclusiones: Aplicar la herramienta de IA, Thoracic Care Suite, a la RXT de pacientes con neumonía COVID-19 nos permite predecir la necesidad de recurrir a la respiración asistida en menos de medio minuto.(AU)

Objective: Rapid progression of COVID-19 pneumonia may put patients at risk of requiring ventilatory support, such as non-invasive mechanical ventilation or endotracheal intubation. Implementing tools that detect COVID-19 pneumonia can improve the patient's healthcare. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of the artificial intelligence (AI) tool GE Healthcare's Thoracic Care Suite (featuring Lunit Insight CXR, TCS) to predict the ventilatory support need based on pneumonic progression of COVID-19 on consecutive chest X-rays. Methods: Outpatients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, with chest X-ray (CXR) findings probable or indeterminate for COVID-19 pneumonia, who required a second CXR due to unfavorable clinical course, were collected. The number of affected lung fields for the 2CXRs was assessed using the AI tool. Results: One hundred fourteen patients (57.4±14.2 years; 65 of them were men, 57%) were retrospectively collected; and 15 (13.2%) required ventilatory support. Progression of pneumonic extension ≥ 0.5 lung fields per day compared to pneumonia onset, detected using the TCS tool, increased the risk of requiring ventilatory support by 4-fold. Analyzing the AI output required 26seconds of radiological time. Conclusions: Applying the AI tool, Thoracic Care Suite, to CXR of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia allows us to anticipate ventilatory support requirements requiring less than half a minute.(AU)

Dynamic HTA for digital health solutions: opportunities and challenges for patient-centered evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: Germany's 2019 Digital Healthcare Act (Digitale-Versorgung-Gesetz, or DVG) created a number of opportunities for the digital transformation of the healthcare delivery system. Key among these was the creation of a reimbursement pathway for patient-centered digital health applications (digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen, or DiGA). Worldwide, this is the first structured pathway for "prescribable" health applications at scale. As of October 10, 2023, 49 DiGA were listed in the official directory maintained by Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM); these are prescribable by physicians and psychotherapists and reimbursed by the German statutory health insurance system for all its 73 million beneficiaries. Looking ahead, a major challenge facing DiGA manufacturers will be the generation of the evidence required for ongoing price negotiations and reimbursement. Current health technology assessment (HTA) methods will need to be adapted for DiGA. METHODS: We describe the core issues that distinguish HTA in this setting: (i) explicit allowance for more flexible research designs, (ii) the nature of initial evidence generation, which can be delivered (in its final form) up to one year after becoming reimbursable, and (iii) the dynamic nature of both product development and product evaluation. We present the digital health applications in the German DiGA scheme as a case study and highlight the role of RWE in the successful evaluation of DiGA on an ongoing basis. RESULTS: When a DiGA is likely to be updated and assessed regularly, full-scale RCTs are infeasible; we therefore make the case for using real-world data and real-world evidence (RWE) for dynamic HTAs. CONCLUSIONS: Continous evaluation using RWD is a regulatory innovation that can help improve the quality of DiGAs on the market.

Proposing a health-specific organizational impact framework to evaluate organizational impacts in health technology assessments.

OBJECTIVES: Health technology assessments (HTAs) have traditionally included clinical and cost-effectiveness evaluation of new health technologies (HTs). However, new HTs can generate important organizational impacts (OIs) that influence their overall value. OIs are currently not clearly identified and evaluated in HTA procedures and tools are limited. To address this issue, a comprehensive framework that allows to assess OIs of new HTs in HTAs is proposed. METHODS: A working and methodological group identified the Oslo Manual 2018, 4th edition, OECD/Eurostat, on the objectives and outcomes of commercial innovations as the basis for the OIs framework for HTAs. The Oslo Manual was translated to the healthcare sector and adapted to HTA procedures through a three-step process. RESULTS: The framework is composed of three main parts. Part I tackles the context of the evaluation, Part II the categories of impacts and the specific impacts - in total, 16 OIs were identified - and Part III the stakeholders involved. The central part of the framework is Part II, and consists of three categories of impacts: (i) on the care process, (ii) on the stakeholders' capabilities and skills, and (iii) on society or the community. CONCLUSIONS: This framework provides a comprehensive and structured basis to document OIs of new HTs. It thus contributes to the extension of HTA evaluation criteria to other dimensions than clinical and economic aspects, that is, organizational aspects. Some of its intrinsic limitations and the questions they raise in the field for policy-makers, practitioners, and researchers are discussed.

Enablers and barriers to adopt the locally developed Masi mechanical ventilator amid COVID-19 pandemic in Peru.

Background: Limited supply of resources during the COVID-19 emergency encouraged the local development of the Masi mechanical ventilator (MV). Despite the efforts to promote Masi, adopting this innovation faced multiple obstacles, regardless of its performance. We explored the perceptions among healthcare personnel towards incorporating Masi to provide ventilatory support to COVID-19 patients during the second wave in Peru (January to June 2021). Methods: We conducted twelve in-depth virtual interviews. Topics included experience when handling Masi, the impact of the training received, confidence in the device, barriers perceived, and enablers identified. All participants provided verbal informed consent. Results: Most of the participants were male physicians. Participants belonged to seven hospitals that exhibited a wide range of healthcare capacities. Globally, the adoption of Masi MV was driven by the scarcity of ventilatory devices in the wards and reinforced by appropriate training and prompt technical support. Participants reported that Masi's structural and operational features played both advantages and disadvantages. Hospital infrastructure readiness, availability of commercial MVs, mistrust in its simple appearance, and resistance to change among healthcare personnel were perceived as barriers, while low-cost, prompt technical support and user-friendliness were valuable enablers. The first two enablers were observed in participants regardless of their attitude towards Masi. Despite the small number of participants for this qualitative study, it is important to note that the sample size was sufficient to reach saturation, as the topics discussed with participants became redundant and did not yield new information. Conclusions: The perceptions among healthcare personnel to incorporate Masi as a mechanical ventilator for COVID-19 patients showed that communication, training and experience, and peer encouragement were essential to secure its use and sustainability of the technology. A priori judgments and perceptions unrelated to the performance of the novel device were observed, and its proper management may define its further implementation. Altogether our study suggests that along with strengthening local technological development, strategies to improve their adoption process must be considered as early as possible in medical innovations.