Evaluation of the ODISEA APP for improving a STEMI regional network.

BACKGROUND: The use of technological innovations in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care networks has been shown to be effective in improving information flow and coordination, and thus reducing the time to reperfusion. We developed a smartphone application called ODISEA to improve our STEMI care network and evaluated the results of its use. METHOD: Quasi-experimental study that compared the outcomes of STEMI suspected patients with an alert and indication for transfer to a cath lab during a previous period and a period in which the ODISEA APP was used. The main objective was to examine differences in reperfusion time and the proportion of patients with a final diagnosis other than acute coronary syndrome. RESULTS: A total of 699 patients were included (415 before and 284 during the ODISEA-APP period). No differences were observed in patient characteristics, infarct type, or acute complications. We observed a reduction in the time from diagnostic ECG to wire crossing with the use of the ODISEA APP (117 vs 102 min, p < 0.001) and a reduction in the percentage of patients with a final diagnosis other than acute coronary syndrome (17.1% vs 9.5%, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the ODISEA APP in the management of patients with suspected STEMI may be useful for reducing the time from diagnostic ECG to wire crossing and the percentage of patients with a final diagnosis other than acute coronary syndrome.

Pharmaceutical interventions for drug-related problems in the neonatal intensive care unit: incidence, types, and acceptability.

Background: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are widespread in hospitalized neonates, but studies on the prevalence of DRPs in this population are limited. The presence of clinical pharmacists on multidisciplinary teams helps prevent and reduce DRPs. Aim: This investigation aimed to identify and classify the incidence of DRPs in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), to determine the determining factors associated with DRPs and to document clinical pharmacists' interventions, outcomes, acceptance rates and clinical significance. Method: A prospective descriptive hospital study was conducted from August to November 2023 at the NICU of Children's University Hospital, Assiut University, Egypt. DRPs were classified using the Pharmaceutical Care Network of Europe (PCNE) classification V9.1. Results: Three hundred sixteen neonates were included in the study, with a mean gestational age of 34 ± 4 weeks and a mean birth weight of 2.03 ± 0.85 kg. A total of 1723 DRPs occurred among 283 neonates (89.6%), an average of 5.5 ± 5.1 DRPs per patient. The main types were treatment effectiveness (P1) (799, 46.4%), followed by others (P3) (469, 27.2%), and treatment safety (P2) (455, 26.4%). The leading causes were dose selection (C3) (1264, 61.9%) and "other domain" (C9) (543, 26.6%). Of the 2149 interventions introduced by pharmacists, 98.8% were accepted and 93% were accepted, and fully implemented. As a result, 92% of the DRPs were resolved. Both length of hospital stay and number of medications were significantly associated with DRPs. Conclusion: DRPs are common in the NICU; this study demonstrated the crucial role of clinical pharmacists in identifying and resolving DRPs.

[Focusing on intersectorality-strategies and current research projects for the care of geriatric people]. / Intersektoralität im Fokus ­ Strategien und aktuelle Forschungsprojekte zur Versorgung geriatrischer Personen.

In view of the demographic change, the need for intersectoral care of the aging population has already been identified. The strategies for implementation are diverse and address different approaches, each of which requires different sectors to overlap. This article provides an overview of already completed and ongoing projects for the care of geriatric patients. It becomes apparent that the development of networks as an indispensable basis for intersectoral care cannot be measured in terms of direct intervention effects and therefore makes it difficult to prove the cost-benefit. It is also evident that some research projects fail to be implemented into standard care due to financial and staff shortages.Do we need a rethinking in Germany or less innovation-related funding lines for better implementation and research of existing concepts? International role models such as Japan show that cost reduction for the care of the aging population should be considered in the long term, which requires increased financial volumes in the short term. For a sustainable implementation of cross-sectoral approaches into everyday life, research should therefore reorganize tight and/or entrenched structures, processes, and financing. By linking the countless existing projects and integrating ideas from different sectors, future demands of intersectoral geriatric care may be achieved.

Clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with mental disorders in a specialized outpatient clinic and its role in the psychosocial care network.

Introduction: Mental health disorders (MHDs) are responsible for much impairment of quality of life in Brazil and worldwide. Early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies are required due to the heterogeneous symptoms and multifactorial etiology. Methods: A descriptive retrospective observational study was performed aiming to characterize the clinical and psychiatric profiles of patients with MHD attending a Brazilian public tertiary psychiatric outpatient clinic, which is a reference health service for more than 2 million inhabitants. Predominant clinical and sociodemographic aspects of patients were evaluated between March 2019 and March 2021. Results: A total of 8,384 appointments were analyzed. The majority of patients were female, and the mean age was 45 years old. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was the most common MHD. The prevailing symptoms were sadness, anxiety, and irritability, with the most prescribed medications being selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Conclusion: The epidemiological characterization of mental disorders in specialized mental health outpatient clinics provides evidence for the establishment of more specific protocols and advocates a dimensional transdiagnostic approach as an aid to public mental health services.

The expert consensus on care and education for patients with diabetic kidney disease in Taiwan.

Increasing prevalence of type 2 DM (T2DM) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has posed a great impact in Taiwan. However, guidelines focusing on multidisciplinary patient care and patient education remain scarce. By literature review and expert discussion, we propose a consensus on care and education for patients with DKD, including general principles, specifics for different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and special populations. (i.e. young ages, patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or heart failure, patients after acute kidney injury, and kidney transplant recipients). Generally, we suggest performing multidisciplinary patient care and education in alignment with the government-led Diabetes Shared Care Network to improve the patients' outcomes for all patients with DKD. Also, close monitoring of renal function with early intervention, control of comorbidities in early stages of CKD, and nutrition adjustment in advanced CKD should be emphasized.

O que é Residência Médica em Rede? / What is Network- Based Medical Residency?

RESUMO Introdução: A Residência Médica em Rede é um novo modelo de formação de médicos especialistas que visa expandir o treinamento médico tradicional, particularmente nas redes de atenção à saúde do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Embora legalmente respaldada, carece de regulamentação específica e definição precisa. Desenvolvimento: Um programa em rede, a nosso ver, opera nas redes temáticas do SUS, é coordenado por uma instituição pública, desenvolvido em cidades com mais de 50 mil habitantes, aprovado pela Comissão Nacional de Residência Médica e tem um programa de educação permanente para preceptores. Os desafios incluem padronização de conteúdo, treinamento contínuo de preceptores e um projeto andragógico sólido. O perfil de competências requer não só habilidades médicas, mas também de gestão, trabalho em equipe, conhecimento profundo do SUS e de atenção primária. Barreiras incluem a coordenação de cenários distintos e avaliações apropriadas. Conclusão: O sucesso do modelo exige regulamentação precisa, padronização e integração efetiva para formar especialistas alinhados com o SUS.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Network-Based Medical Residency is a new model for training specialist doctors that expands traditional education, particularly in the Health Care network of the Unified Health System (SUS). Although with legal foundation, it requires specific regulations and a precise definition. Development: In our view, a Network-Based program has the following characteristics: it is coordenated by a public institution, operates in SUS thematic networks in cities >50,000 inhabitants, it is approved by the National Medical Residency Commission and involves a Continuing Education Program for preceptors. The challenges include content standardization, ongoing preceptor training, and a solid andragogical design. The skills profile not only requires medical skills, but also management knowledge, teamwork, in-depth knowledge of the SUS and Primary Care. The barriers include coordinating diverse practice scenarios and assessments. Conclusion: The success of the model requires precise regulation, standardization and effective integration to train specialists aligned with the SUS.

A new insight into superacute care for type A acute aortic dissection in the Tokyo Acute Aortic Super Network.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the status of type A acute aortic dissection using the Tokyo Acute Aortic Super Network. METHODS: Data of 6283 patients with acute aortic dissection between 2015 and 2019 were collected. Data of 3303 patients with type A acute aortic dissection were extracted for analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 51.0% of patients were nondirect admissions. On arrival, 23.1% of patients were in shock, 10.0% in cardiopulmonary arrest, and 11.8% in deep coma or coma. Overall, 9.8% of patients were assessed as untreatable. Of 2979 treatable patients, 18.3% underwent medical treatment, whereas 80.7% underwent surgery (open [78.8%], endovascular [1.9%], and peripheral [1.1%] repair). The early mortality rate was 20.5%, including untreatable cases. Among treatable patients, in-hospital mortality rates were 8.6% for open repair, 10.7% for endovascular repair, and 25.3% for medical treatment. Advanced age, preoperative comorbidities, classical dissection, and medical treatment were risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Nondirect admission did not cause increased deaths. The mortality rates were high during the superacute phase following symptom onset. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated current practices in the emergency care of type A acute aortic dissection via the Tokyo Acute Aortic Super Network system, specifically a high rate of untreatable or inoperable cases and favorable outcomes in patients undergoing surgical treatment. High mortality rates were observed during the super acute phase after symptom onset or hospital arrival.

Care networks of home-dwelling older adults in the Netherlands: proof of concept of a network typology.

BACKGROUND: Studies on care networks of home-dwelling older adults often focus on network composition. However, looking at network mechanisms (negotiation, navigation and contagion) can be helpful to improve the support generated by the care network. A European study on diabetes patients identified network types based on interaction, which can be beneficial (generative, proxy) or detrimental (struggling, avoidant) to support. This study explored whether these network types are present in care networks of home-dwelling older adults in the Netherlands, and how these types manifest in composition or mechanisms. METHODS: The present study is a cross-sectional qualitative study of care networks supporting 19 home-dwelling older adults. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the older adult and their informal and formal caregivers between March and September 2016. Network composition and mechanisms were abstracted from content analysis of interview transcripts, then network type was determined for each network. RESULTS: Three of the 19 networks had only one respondent and were excluded, yielding 16 for analysis: eight proxy networks, three generative networks, two avoidant networks, one struggling network, and two possibly hybrid networks. In the proxy networks, all negotiation and navigation were centralised by the proxy. In generative networks, negotiation was possible if the older adult could reciprocate, and the network supported this. In avoidant networks, informal and formal caregivers had to deal with an older adult who refused support. In the struggling network, the underlying problem could not be addressed. Furthermore, two networks could either be hybrid network types or networks in a transition process from generative to proxy network. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the network typology developed in the context of diabetes patients is relevant and mostly replicable in networks of multi-morbid older adults. We found that a care network typology based on mechanisms offered additional information beyond network composition. It also appears that the network type can change over time, but more research is needed to confirm this. This study suggests that interventions in avoidant or struggling networks are difficult. Also, actions of network participants seemed aimed at developing proxy networks. Interventions designed to develop or maintain generative networks seem underused.

The views of parents of children with cancer and pediatric physical therapists on a network for continuity and optimal quality of care for children with cancer: KinderOncoNet.

PURPOSE: Children with cancer require specific therapeutic guidance. Parents prefer physical therapy close to home, while pediatric physical therapists (PPTs) working in the community may lack specific knowledge. The aim of this study is to determine the needs of parents of children with cancer and PPTs to inform the design and development of a care network, named "KinderOncoNet." METHODS: We explored the perspectives and needs of parents of children with cancer and PPTs in the community, and we investigated the added value that KinderOncoNet could offer. We used an iterative process; data collection consisted of (1) gathering information from parents of children with cancer and PPTs through a survey and (2) co-creation sessions with stakeholders. RESULTS: In total, 98 parents and 177 PPTs participated in the survey. Parents (97%) and PPTs (93%) indicated that the care network would bring added value. All but one parent stressed the importance of a local PPT being aware of both the condition and the side and late effects of oncological treatment. Moreover, 40% of PPTs thought they do not have sufficient knowledge to provide high-quality therapy and that they would embrace opportunities for education. Through the co-creation sessions, a prototype of the care network was conceptualized. CONCLUSION: KinderOncoNet can contribute to the continuity and quality of physiotherapy care for children with cancer during and after the oncological treatment. Such a network would allow for sharing knowledge, developing skills, and improving accessibility and communication in the Netherlands.

O papel do CAPS I na vida de seus usuários: um estudo a partir dos itinerários terapêuticos / The role of CAPS I in the lives of its users: a study based on therapeutic itineraries / El papel del CAPS I en la vida de sus usuarios: un estudio basado en itinerarios terapéuticos

Este artigo buscou compreender, a partir do itinerário terapêutico de pessoas em sofrimento psíquico e egressas de internação psiquiátrica, a inserção do centro de atenção psicossocial como equipamento de cuidado em suas trajetórias. Trata-se de estudo inspirado na Epistemologia Qualitativa de Gonzalez Rey no qual foram realizadas entrevistas com seis pessoas, de 27 a 52 anos, em tratamento em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial tipo 1, e para análise do material transcrito foram adotados procedimentos inspirados no conceito de indicadores de González Rey e na análise temática de conteúdo. Neste artigo, foram discutidas duas categorias: (1) "O manicômio está presente" e (2) "CAPS: espaço de convivência e substituto da vida social?". Os indicadores apontaram que a internação psiquiátrica foi um recurso utilizado após inserção em CAPS, o qual é destacado mais como local de convívio do que de produção de autonomia e de desinstitucionalização. No percurso dos usuários, as internações ocorreram em hospitais gerais, hospitais especializados e comunidades terapêuticas. Os serviços de atenção primária não aparecem como ponto de cuidado à saúde mental, os serviços de urgência estão presentes na atenção às crises, dando ao CAPS contornos de um serviço para a convivência e não para o cuidado na crise. (AU)

Based on the therapeutic itinerary of individuals experiencing psychic distress and who have undergone psychiatric hospitalization, this study aimed to comprehend the integration of the Center of Psychosocial Attention as a care facility along their path. The study is inspired by Gonzalez Rey's Qualitative Epistemology, in which interviews were conducted with six individuals aged between 27 and 52, receiving treatment at a type 1 Center of Psychosocial Attention. Procedures inspired by González Rey's concept of indicators and thematic content analysis were employed to analyze the transcribed material. This paper will discuss two categories: (1) "The presence of the psychiatric hospital," and (2) "CAPS: A space for interaction and a substitute for social life?" The indicators reveal that psychiatric hospitalization was resorted to after involvement with CAPS, which is perceived more as a space for coexis-tence than for fostering autonomy and deinstitutionalization. As per the users' itineraries, hospitalizations occurred in general hospitals, specialized hospitals, and therapeutic communities. Primary care services do not emerge as a focal point for mental health care, whereas emergency services are present for crisis intervention, portraying CAPS as a service more geared towards coexistence rather than crisis management.

Este artículo buscó comprender, a partir del itinerario terapéutico de las personas en distrés psicológico y las dadas de alta de hospitalización psiqui-átrica, la inserción del centro de atención psicosocial como equipamiento de atención en sus trayectorias. Se trata de un estudio inspirado en la Epistemo-logía Cualitativa de González Rey, en el que se realizaron entrevistas a seis personas, de 27 a 52 años, en tratamiento en un Centro de Atención Psicosocial tipo 1 y para el análisis del material transcrito, procedimientos inspirados por el concepto de indicadores de González Rey y el análisis de contenido temático. En este artículo se discutirán dos categorías: (1) "Está presente el asilo" y (2) ¿"CAPS: espacio de convivencia y sustituto de la vida social?". Los indicadores señalaron que la hospitalización psiquiátrica fue un recurso utilizado después de la inserción en CAPS, que se destaca más como un lugar de socialización que para producir autonomía y desinstitucionalización. En el curso de los usuarios, los ingresos se realizaron en hospitales generales, hospitales especializados y comunidades terapéuticas. Los servicios de atención primaria no aparecen como un punto de atención en salud mental, los servicios de emergencia están presentes en la atención de crisis, dando al CAPS los contornos de un servicio de convivencia y no de atención en crisis. (AU)

"We don't trust all data coming from all facilities": factors influencing the quality of care network data quality in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Good quality data are a key to quality health care. In 2017, WHO has launched the Quality of Care Network (QCN) to reduce maternal, newborn and stillbirth mortality via learning and sharing networks. Guided by the principle of equity and dignity, the network members agreed to implement the programme in 2017-2021. OBJECTIVE: This paper seeks to explore how QCN has contributed to improving data quality and to identify factors influencing quality of data in Ethiopia. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study in selected QCN facilities in Ethiopia using key informant interview and observation methods. We interviewed 40 people at national, sub-national and facility levels. Non-participant observations were carried out in four purposively selected health facilities; we accessed monthly reports from 41 QCN learning facilities. A codebook was prepared following a deductive and inductive analytical approach, coded using Nvivo 12 and thematically analysed. RESULTS: There was a general perception that QCN had improved health data documentation and use in the learning facilities, achieved through coaching, learning and building from pre-existing initiatives. QCN also enhanced the data elements available by introducing a broader set of quality indicators. However, the perception of poor data quality persisted. Factors negatively affecting data quality included a lack of integration of QCN data within routine health system activities, the perception that QCN was a pilot, plus a lack of inclusive engagement at different levels. Both individual and system capabilities needed to be strengthened. CONCLUSION: There is evidence of QCN's contribution to improving data awareness. But a lack of inclusive engagement of actors, alignment and limited skill for data collection and analysis continued to affect data quality and use. In the absence of new resources, integration of new data activities within existing routine health information systems emerged as the most important potential action for positive change.

Assessing the Impact of Primary Care-Led Optimisation Clinics in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A Service Redesign Pilot Study.

Background Many individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, treated solely with oral hypoglycaemic medications (OHAs), exhibit increased levels of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). While specialised community and secondary care clinics are at full capacity, a gap exists for dedicated diabetes optimisation services at the primary care level. This study aimed to launch a remote Primary Care Network (PCN)-based clinic during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to enhance the management of OHAs, introduce motivational interviewing, and incorporate patient empowerment strategies in tandem with a secondary care endocrinologist. The primary objective was to evaluate the impact on HbA1c levels and other metabolic parameters. Concurrently, the "behaviour change model" served to measure patient engagement. Methodology We recruited 43 patients in this study, each undergoing a 30-minute consultation focused on diabetes management. A dedicated administrator ensured patient engagement and a three-month follow-up with repeat metabolic profile testing. Sustained, high-quality care was upheld through bimonthly remote consultations, receiving expertise from an endocrinology consultant. Results Of the pilot's 38 patients managed solely with OHAs, 31 achieved an HbA1c reduction of more than 11 mmol/mol. The overall median reduction for the entire cohort was significant (initially 88 mmol/mol versus 70 mmol/mol, p < 0.0001). Triglyceride levels also saw a notable median decline (1.56 mmol/L down to 1.20 mmol/L, p = 0.0247). Of the 38 completing the pilot, 14 had behavioural stages recorded both initially and at follow-up. Employing motivational interviewing led to significant diabetes-related behavioural changes in 11 of the 14 patients. Conclusions A PCN-based optimisation clinic, augmented with active recall strategies, was a cost-effective method to boost awareness, self-management, and glycaemic control among individuals with T2D. These PCN-led clinics orchestrated by primary care clinicians offer a streamlined solution for achieving treatment benchmarks even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comparative evaluation of an electrocardiogram workflow model for athletic cardiovascular screening: Primary care network versus sports cardiology interpretation.

BACKGROUND: Electrocardiogram (ECG) testing in pre-participation screening (PPS) remains controversial due to its cost, resource dependency, and the potential for inaccurate interpretations. At most centres, ECGs are conducted internally by providers trained in athletic ECG interpretation. Outsourcing ECG requisitions to an athlete's primary care network (PCN) may reduce institutional demands. This study compared PCN-conducted athletic ECG interpretation to expert sports cardiology interpretation. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-centre chart-review study of all athletes who underwent cardiovascular PPS between 2017 and 2021. All athletes submitted an ECG with their screening package, which was conducted and interpreted within their PCN. All ECGs were reinterpreted by a sports cardiologist using the International Criteria (IC) for electrocardiographic interpretation in athletes. Overall, positive, and negative percent agreement were used to compare PCN-conducted ECG interpretation with IC interpretation. RESULTS: A total of 740 athletes submitted a screening package with a valid ECG (mean age: 18.5 years, 39.6% female). PCN-conducted ECGs were interpreted by 181 unique physicians. Among 41 (5.5%) PCN-conducted ECGs that were initially interpreted as abnormal, only 5 (0.7%) were classified as abnormal according to the IC. All PCN-conducted ECGs reported as normal were also classified as normal according to the IC. The overall agreement between PCN-conducted and IC ECG interpretation was 95.1% (positive percent agreement: 100%, negative percent agreement: 95.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Normal PCN-conducted athletic ECGs are interpreted with high agreement to the IC. Majority of PCN-conducted ECGs interpreted as abnormal are indeed normal as per the IC. These findings suggest that a PPS workflow model that outsources ECG requisitions to a PCN may be a reliable approach to PPS, all while reducing screening-related institutional costs and resource requirements.

Integrative Oncology and the Clinical Care Network: Challenges and Opportunities.

Integrative oncology is a new and growing field of cancer care. Integrative oncology is a patient-centered, evidence-based field of comprehensive cancer care that utilizes integrative therapies such as mind-body practices, acupuncture, massage, music therapy, nutrition, and exercise in collaboration with conventional cancer treatments. Patient interest and utilization has been growing over the past two decades. Clinical research has shown the benefits of these approaches to improving symptom management and quality of life, and is now being incorporated into national guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The availability of these services at cancer centers is growing, although the structure and implementation of integrative oncology remains highly variable. This article discusses the benefits of integrative oncology and provides an overview of the current state of integrative oncology programs nationwide. Current challenges and opportunities for cancer centers to provide integrative services is reviewed in the areas of programmatic structure, clinical service, education, and research.

The Evaluation of Health Care Services for Children and Adolescents With Post-COVID-19 Condition: Protocol for a Prospective Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Some children and adolescents suffer from late effects of a SARS-CoV-2 infection despite a frequently mild course of the disease. Nevertheless, extensive care for post-COVID-19 condition, also known as post-COVID-19 syndrome, in children and young people is not yet available. A comprehensive care network, Post-COVID Kids Bavaria (PoCo), for children and adolescents with post-COVID-19 condition has been set up as a model project in Bavaria, Germany. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the health care services provided within this network structure of care for children and adolescents with post-COVID-19 condition in a pre-post study design. METHODS: We have already recruited 117 children and adolescents aged up to 17 years with post-COVID-19 condition who were diagnosed and treated in 16 participating outpatient clinics. Health care use, treatment satisfaction, patient-reported outcomes related to health-related quality of life (the primary endpoint), fatigue, postexertional malaise, and mental health are being assessed at different time points (at baseline and after 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months) using routine data, interviews, and self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: The study recruitment process ran from April 2022 until December 2022. Interim analyses will be carried out. A full analysis of the data will be conducted after follow-up assessment is completed, and the results will be published. CONCLUSIONS: The results will contribute to the evaluation of therapeutic services provided for post-COVID-19 condition in children and adolescents, and avenues for optimizing care may be identified. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/41010.

Family Physician Prescribing Practices and Perspectives on Shared Decision-Making Regarding the Use of Oral Anticoagulants for Stroke Prevention in Patients 75 Years or Older With Atrial Fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is common in older adults, yet guideline-recommended oral anti-coagulants (OACs) for stroke prevention are underused in this population. With a growing population of older adults at risk of AF seeking primary care, the objective of the study was to determine the management practices and perspectives of family physicians on the initiation of OACs for stroke prevention in AF patients 75 years or older, including their engagement of patients in shared decision-making. METHODS: This was an online survey of family physicians affiliated with a Primary Care Network in Alberta, Canada. RESULTS: Patient's risk (of falls, bleeding, or stroke) was the most common factor (17/20, 85%) physicians considered when deciding to initiate OAC in older adult patients with AF. Physicians used the CHADS2VASC (13/14, 93%) and HASBLED (11/15, 73%) tools to determine stroke and bleeding risks, respectively. Majority (11/15, 73%) of the physicians agreed that they feel confident initiating OAC for AF patients ≥75, while 20% (3/15) were neutral. All physicians agreed that their patients participated in shared decision-making to initiate OAC for stroke prevention. CONCLUSION: Family physicians strongly consider patient risks and utilize risk-assessment tools when initiating OAC in older adults with AF. Despite all physicians reporting the use of shared decision-making and that their patients were educated on the indications for OAC, confidence in initiating treatment was variable. Further exploration into factors impacting physician confidence is needed.

[Hearing care network for early identification of delayed hearing loss in preschool children].

Objective:To establish a hearing care network for preschool children in Nanjing, to perform early identification and intervention for delayed hearing loss, and to evaluate the application effect of the hearing care network. Methods:Through the establishment of a hearing care network, hearing screening, diagnosis and follow-up of preschool children were conducted. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions（DPOAE） was adopted for primary hearing screening. Children who failed in the primary screening were re-screened within half a month. DPOAE and acoustic impedance test were used for hearing re-screening. Clinical diagnosis and audiological evaluation were performed for children who failed in the re-screening. Speech assessment, hearing aid intervention, and audio-speech follow-up were conducted for children diagnosed with delayed hearing loss. Results:Among 29 919 preschool children completing the hearing screening from May 2019 to September 2022, 3208 cases（10.7%） failed the primary screening and 1437 cases（47.7%） failed the re-screening. Total 747 children completed the hearing diagnosis, and 70 children were diagnosed with delayed hearing loss, with a detection rate of 0.23%. Among them, 20 cases were accompanied by language development delay, in which 12 cases received hearing aids and 2 cases received cochlear implantation. In addition, speech assessment and audiological follow-up were completed for 53 children. Conclusion:The hearing screening for preschool children is beneficial for early detection of children with delayed hearing loss and language development delay. Besides, the establishment of hearing care network is conducive to early identification and intervention of children with hearing loss.

Building a Data Bridge: Policies, Structures, and Governance Integrating Primary Care Into the Public Health Response to COVID-19.

PURPOSE: The effective integration of primary care into public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through data sharing, has received some attention in the literature. However, the specific policies and structures that facilitate this integration are understudied. This paper describes the experiences of clinicians and administrators in Alberta, Canada as they built a data bridge between primary care and public health to improve the province's community-based response to the pandemic. METHODS: Fifty-seven semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with a range of primary care and public health stakeholders working inside the Calgary Health Zone. Interpretive description was used to analyze the interviews. RESULTS: SARS-CoV-2 test results produced by the local public laboratory were, initially, only available to central public health clinicians and not independent primary care physicians. This enabled centrally managed contact tracing but meant primary care physicians were unaware of their patients' COVID-19 status and unable to offer in-community follow-up care. Stakeholders from both central public health and independent primary care were able to leverage a policy commitment to the Patient Medical Home (PMH) care model, and a range of existing organizational structures, and governance arrangements to create a data bridge that would span the gap. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care systems looking to draw lessons from the data bridge's construction may consider ways to: leverage care model commitments to integration and adjust or create organization and governance structures which actively draw together primary care and non-primary care stakeholders to work on common projects. Such policies and structures develop trusting relationships, open the possibility for champions to emerge, and create the spaces in which integrative improvisation can take place.

What we don't need to prove but need to do in multidisciplinary treatment and care in Huntington's disease: a position paper.

BACKGROUND: Huntington's disease is a complex neurodegenerative hereditary disease with symptoms in all domains of a person's functioning. It begins after a healthy start in life and leads through the relentless progression over many years to complete care dependency and finally death. To date, the disease is incurable. The long progressive complex nature of the disease demands multiple disciplines for treatment and care of patient and family. These health care providers need inter- and multidisciplinary collaboration to persevere and be efficacious in this devastating disease trajectory. DISCUSSION: The position paper outlines current knowledge and experience alongside the experience and consensus of a recognised group of HD multidisciplinary experts. Additionally the patient's voice is clear and calls for health care providers with a holistic view on patient and family. Building long-term trust is a cornerstone of the network around the patient. This paper describes a managed care network comprising all the needed professionals and services. In the health care system, the role of a central coordinator or case manager is of key importance but lacks an appropriate guideline. Other disciplines currently without guidelines are general practitioners, nurses, psychologists, and social workers. Guidelines for neurologists, psychiatrists, geneticists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, dieticians, and dentists are being discussed. Apart from all these profession-specific guidelines, distinctive inter- and multidisciplinary collaboration requirements must be met. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The complex nature of Huntington's disease demands multidisciplinary treatment and care endorsed by international regulations and the lay association. Available guidelines as reviewed in this paper should be used, made available by a central body, and updated every 3-5 years. Time needs to be invested in developing missing guidelines but the lack of this 'proof' should not prevent the 'doing' of good care.