Appropriateness of medication prescribing in nursing homes: A collaboration project between pharmacy and geriatric departments / Adecuación farmacoterapéutica en centros sociosanitarios: proyecto de coordinación entre servicio de farmacia y geriatría

Purpose: To evaluate the appropriateness of medication prescribing and to analyze interventions carried out in polymedicated elderly patients in nursing homes (NHs). Methods: Prospective study of potentially inappropriate medication prescribing in polymedicated older adults living in NHs, implemented via a collaborative project between NHs and the geriatric and pharmacy departments of a university hospital. The pharmacist reviewed patients’ active medical prescriptions and prepared an individualized report with proposals aimed at therapeutic optimization that was sent for evaluation to the geriatrician in charge of the NH. The drug-related problems (DRPs) were classified according to the Third Consensus of Granada and the potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) were identified by explicit criteria (STOPP/START, BEERS, LESS-CHRON), implicit criteria (MAI) and CheckTheMeds® software. It was measured the degree of acceptance of the interventions carried out, and the economic impact was calculated from the direct costs of the discontinued drugs. Results: Of the 210 patients reviewed by the pharmacy department, 105 patients from 10 NHs were analyzed. A total of 510 prescriptions with possible DRPs were identified (38.5% of all prescribed drugs). According to STOPP/START/BEERS or LESS-CHRON criteria, 41.2% were PIPs. The main DRPs identified were: unfavorable risk-benefit ratio, inappropriate dose/regimen, inappropriate treatment duration, probability of adverse events, medication not indicated, and duplicate therapy. Interventions were proposed for 81.5% of the DRPs detected, of which 73.3% were accepted. This resulted in a 23.1% reduction in the number of drugs prescribed per patient and an economic saving of €16,218 per 6-month period. (AU)

Objetivos: Adecuar la farmacoterapia y analizar las intervenciones realizadas en pacientes ancianos institucionalizados en centros sociosanitarios (CSS) con polifarmacia. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo de un programa de adecuación farmacoterapéutica en pacientes ancianos polimedicados de CSS mediante la puesta en marcha de un proyecto de coordinación de geriatría, farmacia hospitalaria y CSS desde el área de atención especializada. El farmacéutico realizó una revisión farmacoterapéutica de las prescripciones activas de los pacientes, elaborándose un informe individualizado con propuestas dirigidas a la optimización terapéutica. Los problemas relacionados con la medicación (PRM) encontrados se clasificaron según el Tercer Consenso de Granada, y las prescripciones potencialmente inapropiadas (PPI) se identificaron mediante criterios explícitos (STOPP/START, BEERS, criterios de deprescripción LESS-CHRON), criterios implícitos (MAI) y el programa informático CheckTheMeds®. Se midió el grado de aceptación de las intervenciones realizadas, y la repercusión económica se calculó a partir de los costes directos de los fármacos desprescritos.Resultados: De los 210 pacientes revisados por el servicio de farmacia se analizaron 105 pacientes evaluados por geriatría pertenecientes a 10 CSS. Se detectaron 510 prescripciones con posibles PRM (38,5% del total de fármacos prescritos). El 41,2% se correspondían a PPI según criterios STOPP/START/BEERS o LESS-CHRON. Los principales PRM identificados fueron: fármacos de beneficio/riesgo desfavorable, dosis o pauta no adecuada, duración no adecuada, mayor probabilidad de efectos adversos, medicamento no indicado y duplicidad. Se intervino en el 81,5% de los PRM detectados, con un grado de aceptación del 73,3% y una reducción del 23,1% en el número de medicamentos prescritos por paciente, con un ahorro económico de 16.218€/6 meses. (AU)

Appropriateness of medication prescribing in nursing homes: A collaboration project between pharmacy and geriatric departments.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the appropriateness of medication prescribing and to analyze interventions carried out in polymedicated elderly patients in nursing homes (NHs). METHODS: Prospective study of potentially inappropriate medication prescribing in polymedicated older adults living in NHs, implemented via a collaborative project between NHs and the geriatric and pharmacy departments of a university hospital. The pharmacist reviewed patients' active medical prescriptions and prepared an individualized report with proposals aimed at therapeutic optimization that was sent for evaluation to the geriatrician in charge of the NH. The drug-related problems (DRPs) were classified according to the Third Consensus of Granada and the potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) were identified by explicit criteria (STOPP/START, BEERS, LESS-CHRON), implicit criteria (MAI) and CheckTheMeds® software. It was measured the degree of acceptance of the interventions carried out, and the economic impact was calculated from the direct costs of the discontinued drugs. RESULTS: Of the 210 patients reviewed by the pharmacy department, 105 patients from 10 NHs were analyzed. A total of 510 prescriptions with possible DRPs were identified (38.5% of all prescribed drugs). According to STOPP/START/BEERS or LESS-CHRON criteria, 41.2% were PIPs. The main DRPs identified were: unfavorable risk-benefit ratio, inappropriate dose/regimen, inappropriate treatment duration, probability of adverse events, medication not indicated, and duplicate therapy. Interventions were proposed for 81.5% of the DRPs detected, of which 73.3% were accepted. This resulted in a 23.1% reduction in the number of drugs prescribed per patient and an economic saving of €16,218 per 6-month period. CONCLUSION: The appropriateness of medication prescribing in polymedicated older adults living in NHs by the pharmacist has made it possible to reduce DRPs and PIPs and to save costs thanks to the high degree of acceptance by geriatricians.

Lessons from COVID-19 for future disasters: an opinion paper / Lecciones de la COVID-19 para futuras catástrofes: un documento de opinión

A “Pandemic/Disaster Law” is needed to condense and organize the current dispersed and multiple legislation. The State must exercise a single power and command appropriate to each situation, with national validity. The production of plans for the use of land and real estate as potential centers for health care, shelter or refuge is recommended. There should be specific disaster plans at least for Primary Health Care, Hospitals and Socio-sanitary Centers. The guarantee of the maintenance of communication and supply routes is essential, as well as the guarantee of the autochthonous production of basic goods. The pandemic has highlighted the need to redefine the training plans for physicians who, in their different specialties, have to undertake reforms that allow a more versatile and transversal training. National research must have plans to be able to respond quickly to questions posed by the various crises, using all the nation’s resources and in particular, all the data and capabilities of the health sector. Contingency plans must consider ethical aspects, and meet the needs of patients and families with a humanized approach. In circumstances of catastrophe, conflicts increase and require a bioethical response that allows the best decisions to be made, with the utmost respect for people’s values. Rapid, efficient and truthful communication systems must be contained in a special project for this sector in critic circumstances. Finally, we believe that the creation of National Coordination Centers for major disasters and Public Health can contribute to better face the crises of the future. (AU)

Es necesaria una “Ley de Pandemias/catástrofes” que condense y ordene la dispersa y múltiple legislación actual. El Estado tiene que ejercer un poder y mando único adecuado a cada situación, con vigencia nacional. Se recomienda la confección de planes de utilización de suelo e inmuebles como centros potenciales de asistencia sanitaria, refugio o albergue. Deberán existir planes de catástrofes específicos al menos para la Atención Primaria, Atención Hospitalaria y Centros Sociosanitarios. La garantía del mantenimiento de las vías de comunicación y abastecimiento es esencial, así como la garantía de producción autóctona de materias de primera necesidad. La pandemia ha puesto de manifiesto la necesidad de redefinir los planes de formación de los médicos que en sus distintas especialidades tienen que asumir reformas que permitan un entrenamiento más versátil y transversal. La investigación nacional debe tener planes para poder responder con rapidez a preguntas que planteen las distintas crisis, utilizando para ello, todos los recursos de la nación y en particular todos los datos y capacidades del sector sanitario. Los planes de contingencia deben considerar los aspectos éticos, y cubrir las necesidades de pacientes y familias con un enfoque humanizado. En circunstancias de catástrofe aumentan los conflictos que requieren una respuesta bioética que permita tomar las mejores decisiones, con el máximo respeto a los valores de las personas. La comunicación, rápida, eficiente y veraz debe estar contenida en un proyecto especial para este sector en circunstancias de crisis. Pensamos finalmente que la creación de un Centro coordinador nacional de grandes catástrofes y Salud Pública puede contribuir a enfrentarnos mejor a las crisis del futuro. (AU)

Implantación de un programa de Geriatría de enlace coordinado con Atención Primaria en 60 centros sociosanitarios del área asistencial noroeste de la Comunidad de Madrid / Implementation of a Geriatric liason team in coordination with Primary Care attending 60 nursing homes in the northwest community healthcare network of the Community of Madrid

Objetivo: Describir las intervenciones incluidas en la implantación de un programa multidisciplinar de Atención Primaria, Salud Pública, centros sociosanitarios de forma coordinada con un servicio de Geriatría y el apoyo de otros servicios hospitalarios. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional que se realizó en un área con 60 residencias y 4.600 residentes entre el 1-6-2020 y el 1-10-2021. El programa se dividió en diferentes intervenciones que implicaron el empleo de telemedicina y coordinación con un equipo de Geriatría de enlace. Se realizó también una estimación de costes evitados con la intervención de videoconsultas-telemedicina y por la intervención de los tratamientos intravenosos que se pautaron en residencia calculada a través de los Grupos Relacionados con Diagnóstico (GRD). Resultados: La actividad que se registró incluyó 2.247 correos electrónicos recibidos de residencias, 11.502 llamadas telefónicas, se realizaron 313 visitas médicas, en las que se valoraron 4.085 pacientes de forma integral, y se pautó tratamiento intravenoso a 422 pacientes en sus centros, empleando 7.541 fármacos, de los cuales 5.850 fueron antibióticos. La reducción de costes estimada según los GRD de los pacientes que se trataron en sus residencias fue de aproximadamente 1.500.000€ y 2.800 días de estancia hospitalaria evitados. Con las primeras videoconsultas que se realizaron a 198 pacientes se estimó una reducción de costes de 37.026€. Se creó un grupo de trabajo multidisciplinar del paciente institucionalizado en el hospital.Conclusiones: Este programa garantiza una mejora en la coordinación y continuidad entre los centros sociosanitarios, Atención Primaria, Salud Pública y Geriatría en colaboración con el resto del hospital y la Consejería de Sanidad, el cual a su vez y de forma secundaria reduce costes (AU)

Objective: To describe interventions included in the implementation of a multidisciplinary Geriatrics Program that gives support to nursing homes, in coordination with Primary Care and Public Health, in collaboration with other hospital departments. Methods: An observational descriptive study was conducted in an area that includes 60 nursing homes with nearly 4600 residents from June 1 st, 2020 to October 1 st, 2021. The program consists of different interventions including Telemedicine and support of a Geriatric Consultation Liaison Team. An estimation of avoided costs through these interventions was carried out. Results: The activity recorded was 11502 telephone calls, 2247 e-mails, 313 visits to these centres in where 4085 patients underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment. During this period of time 442 patients received intravenous therapy in their nursing homes, including 7541 different types of medication which 5850 of them were antibiotics. According to the Diagnosis-related-Group (DRG) of the patients that received intravenous treatment in their nursing homes, was estimated a cost reduction of 1,500,00€ and a total of 2800 days of hospital stay avoided. In the group of 198 patients that received video consultation was estimated reduction of costs of 37,026€. A hospital multidisciplinary care team focused on the nursing home patients was created. Conclusions: This program improves continuity of nursing homes patients care and to enhance communication and coordination among Primary Care, Hospitals and Public Health services and secondarily, reducing hospital costs (AU)

[Implementation of a Geriatric liason team in coordination with Primary Care attending 60 nursing homes in the northwest community healthcare network of the Community of Madrid]. / Implantación de un programa de Geriatría de enlace coordinado con Atención Primaria en 60 centros sociosanitarios del área asistencial noroeste de la Comunidad de Madrid.

OBJECTIVE: To describe interventions included in the implementation of a multidisciplinary Geriatrics Program that gives support to nursing homes, in coordination with Primary Care and Public Health, in collaboration with other hospital departments. METHODS: An observational descriptive study was conducted in an area that includes 60 nursing homes with nearly 4600 residents from June 1 st, 2020 to October 1 st, 2021. The program consists of different interventions including Telemedicine and support of a Geriatric Consultation Liaison Team. An estimation of avoided costs through these interventions was carried out. RESULTS: The activity recorded was 11502 telephone calls, 2247 e-mails, 313 visits to these centres in where 4085 patients underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment. During this period of time 442 patients received intravenous therapy in their nursing homes, including 7541 different types of medication which 5850 of them were antibiotics. According to the Diagnosis-related-Group (DRG) of the patients that received intravenous treatment in their nursing homes, was estimated a cost reduction of 1,500,00€ and a total of 2800 days of hospital stay avoided. In the group of 198 patients that received video consultation was estimated reduction of costs of 37,026€. A hospital multidisciplinary care team focused on the nursing home patients was created. CONCLUSIONS: This program improves continuity of nursing homes patients care and to enhance communication and coordination among Primary Care, Hospitals and Public Health services and secondarily, reducing hospital costs.

COVID-19 en residencias de mayores: factores estructurales y experiencias que avalan un cambio de modelo en España / COVID-19 in nursing homes: structural factors and experiences that endorse a change of model in Spain

La pandemia de COVID-19ha tenido efectos devastadores sobre las personas mayores que viven en residencias. En España, aproximadamente el 3% de los casos y el 40% de los fallecimientos han sido en este grupo de población, en el que además han aumentado los síndromes geriátricos y los problemas psicosociales, y se han vulnerado derechos fundamentales, como consecuencia de las medidas para el control de la crisis. En este artículo se describen factores estructurales de las residencias y de su relación con los servicios sanitarios públicos que han tenido un papel importante en el impacto de la pandemia en estos entornos. Se presentan modelos alternativos a las residencias tradicionales y a la manera habitual de relación con el sistema público de salud, que unen a otras ventajas la de haber mostrado capacidades excelentes para proteger de la COVID-19 a las personas mayores que viven en estos centros. Entre estos modelos destacan diferentes tipos de viviendas de grupo, modalidades de coordinación sociosanitaria basadas en la gestión de casos y en la dotación de profesionales sanitarios desde el sistema de salud. Se proponen estas experiencias de éxito como elementos a considerar en el cambio de modelo sociosanitario (integrado y centrado en las personas) que ha comenzado a desarrollarse en algunas comunidades autónomas. (AU)

The effects of COVID-19 pandemic on older people living in care homes have been devastating. In Spain approximately 3% of the cases and 40% of the deaths have occurred in this group. In addition, due to measures taken to control the crisis, the incidence of geriatric syndromes has increased, and residents' fundamental rights have been violated. In this article we describe structural factors of care homes and their relationship with public health services that have influenced the impact of the pandemic. We suggest different types of group homes, and models of provision/coordination with public health services that have given excellent results protecting nursing homes residents from COVID-19, as alternative models to conventional residences and to the regular provision of health care services. We recommend that these successful experiences are taken into account in the transformation of the social-health model (to one integrated and focused on people) that has begun to be implemented in some Autonomous Communities of Spain. (AU)

Epidemiología de la COVID-19 entre el personal de centros sociosanitarios de Sevilla / Epidemiology of COVID-19 among health personnel in long-term care centers in Seville

Antecedentes: La infección por coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 se transmite rápidamente en residencias de mayores y centros sociosanitarios, provocando una elevada letalidad. Los datos generados por el programa de vigilancia epidemiológica permiten información válida sobre la epidemiología del problema y las posibilidades de prevención.Objetivo: Analizar la epidemiología de la infección por COVID-19 entre los profesionales sociosanitarios del Distrito Sanitario Sevilla y su papel en la evolución de los brotes en las residencias de mayores.Metodología: Estudio sobre 88 centros sociosanitarios de la ciudad de Sevilla en el período del 1 marzo al 23 mayo de 2020, partiendo de las encuestas epidemiológicas en casos del personal donde hubo brotes (n=732 en 14 residencias). Se calcularon incidencias acumuladas, curvas epidémicas, características sociodemográficas y clínicas, y demoras en el aislamiento y notificación de los casos. Para el análisis estadístico se emplearon medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión, así como intervalos de confianza y pruebas de contraste de hipótesis.Resultados: Se produjeron 124 casos en trabajadores (tasa de ataque 16,9%), 79,0% en mujeres. La gran mayoría presentaron síntomas leves (87,1%). Los comunes fueron fiebre (31,5%) y tos (49,2%). La mediana de días desde el inicio de los síntomas hasta el aislamiento fue 3 días.Conclusiones: Se objetiva una elevada incidencia en el personal sociosanitario con demoras en el aislamiento que pudieron condicionar la dinámica de transmisión en los brotes. Es necesario revisar las prácticas de identificación de la enfermedad y el aislamiento entre el personal, énfasis en la implementación rápida de medidas de prevención (AU)

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, spreads swiftly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, leading to a high degree of lethality. The data generated by an epidemiological surveillance program allow for obtaining valid information on the diseases’ epidemiology and possible prevention methods.Objective: This work aims to analyze COVID-19 epidemiology among healthcare staff based in the Seville healthcare district (Spain) and evaluate its role in outbreaks in nursing homes.Methods: This is an observational, descriptive study of 88 assisted living facilities located in the city of Seville from March 1 to May 23, 2020. Data were obtained via epidemiological surveys on staff at centers where there were outbreaks (n=732 in 14 nursing homes). The cumulative incidence, epidemic curves, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and delays in isolation and notification of cases were calculated. For the statistical analysis, measures of central tendency and dispersion were used as well as confidence intervals and statistical hypothesis tests.Results: There were 124 cases in staff members (cumulative incidence 16.9%), 79.0% of which were in women. The majority presented with mild symptoms (87.1%). The most common symptoms were fever (31.5%) and cough (49.2%). The median number of days from onset of symptoms to isolation was three.Conclusions: A high incidence in nursing home staff along with delays in isolation were observed, which could affect the dynamics of transmission in outbreaks. It is necessary to review disease identification and isolation practices among staff as well as emphasize rapid implementation of prevention measures (AU)

Descripción y cuantificación de las intervenciones farmacoterapéuticas al ingreso de los pacientes en un centro sociosanitario / Description and Quantification of Pharmacotherapeutic Interventions at the Admission of Patients in a Nursing Home

Introducción: La atención sociosanitaria es una evaluación multidimensional e interdisciplinar para mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente institucio-nalizado. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir y cuantificar las intervenciones realizadas por un farmacéutico al ingreso de pacientes en un centro sociosanitario (CSS). Método: Estudio unicéntrico y prospectivo de 20 meses de duración realizado en un CSS de 251 camas. Se incluyeron 3 modalidades de atención sociosanitaria (ancianos pernocta, centro terapéu-tico-ocupacional pernocta y gravemente afecta-dos). Los datos se obtuvieron de la historia clínica electrónica y se registraron variables relacionadas con el paciente (fecha nacimiento, sexo, insuficien-cia renal, índice de Charlson, registro de alergias) y con el tratamiento (número de fármacos prescritos al ingreso en el CSS e interacciones, número de fármacos monitorizables farmacocinéticamente, recomendaciones de farmacovigilancia y seguri-dad, problemas relacionados con los medicamen-tos (PRM) detectados y las adaptaciones a guía farmacoterapéutica). Para el análisis estadístico, se utilizó el programa SPSS. Resultados: Se incluyeron 172 ingresos, con una edad media de 78,4 años (DS: 17,7 años) y el 65,1% fueron mujeres. La media de fármacos prescritos por paciente fue de 9,5 (DS: 4,4). En el 51,7% de los pacientes se detectó al menos un PRM, con una media de 3,2 PRM/paciente. En el 64,5% de los in-gresos se realizaron adaptaciones a la guía farma-coterapéutica, con una media de 1,3 adaptaciones/paciente. Conclusiones: El farmacéutico realiza numerosas intervenciones en un CSS, como las adaptaciones a guía y la detección de PRM, resaltando la importan-cia de su presencia y su conciliación entre niveles asistenciales (AU)

Introduction: Social health care is a multidimen-sional and interdisciplinary evaluation to improve the quality of life of the institutionalized patient. The objective of this study was to describe and quantify the interventions carried out by a specialist pharmacist at the time of patients' admission in a nursing home (NH). Method: This is a single-centre and prospective study with a duration of 20 months made in a NH with 251 beds. 3 kinds of social-healthcare were included [old people that stay the night, therapeu-tic-occupational centre (stay the night) and severely affected]. Data were obtained from the electronic clinical records. Furthermore, variables related to the patient (birth date, gender, kidney failure, Char-lson index, allergies record) and to the treatment [number of drugs prescribed on admission in a NH and interactions, number of drugs that could be monitored thanks to the pharmacokinetics, security and pharmacovigilance recommendations, drug related problems (DRPs) detected and adaptations to pharmacotherapy guide] were recorded. The pro-gram SPSS was used for the statistical analysis.Results: 172 admissions were included, with an average age of 78.4 years (SD: 17.7 years). 65.1% of admissions were women. The average of drugs prescribed per patient was 9.5 (SD: 4.4). 51.7% of patients were detected with at least one DRP, with an average of 3.2 DRPs/patient. In 64.5% of admissions, adaptations to the pharmacotherapeu-tic guide were carried out, with an average of 1.3 adaptations/patient. Conclusions: In a NH, the pharmacist performs many interventions, such as adaptations to the guide, detection of DRPs and conciliation between levels of care (AU)

[COVID-19 in nursing homes: structural factors and experiences that endorse a change of model in Spain]. / COVID-19 en residencias de mayores: factores estructurales y experiencias que avalan un cambio de modelo en España.

The effects of COVID-19 pandemic on older people living in care homes have been devastating. In Spain approximately 3% of the cases and 40% of the deaths have occurred in this group. In addition, due to measures taken to control the crisis, the incidence of geriatric syndromes has increased, and residents' fundamental rights have been violated. In this article we describe structural factors of care homes and their relationship with public health services that have influenced the impact of the pandemic. We suggest different types of group homes, and models of provision/coordination with public health services that have given excellent results protecting nursing homes residents from COVID-19, as alternative models to conventional residences and to the regular provision of health care services. We recommend that these successful experiences are taken into account in the transformation of the social-health model (to one integrated and focused on people) that has begun to be implemented in some Autonomous Communities of Spain.

Epidemiology of COVID-19 among health personnel in long-term care centers in Seville.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, spreads swiftly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, leading to a high degree of lethality. The data generated by an epidemiological surveillance program allow for obtaining valid information on the diseases' epidemiology and possible prevention methods. OBJECTIVE: This work aims to analyze COVID-19 epidemiology among healthcare staff based in the Seville healthcare district (Spain) and evaluate its role in outbreaks in nursing homes. METHODS: This is an observational, descriptive study of 88 assisted living facilities located in the city of Seville from March 1 to May 23, 2020. Data were obtained via epidemiological surveys on staff at centers where there were outbreaks (n = 732 in 14 nursing homes). The cumulative incidence, epidemic curves, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and delays in isolation and notification of cases were calculated. For the statistical analysis, measures of central tendency and dispersion were used as well as confidence intervals and statistical hypothesis tests. RESULTS: There were 124 cases in staff members (cumulative incidence 16.9%), 79.0% of which were in women. The majority presented with mild symptoms (87.1%). The most common symptoms were fever (31.5%) and cough (49.2%). The median number of days from onset of symptoms to isolation was three. CONCLUSIONS: A high incidence in nursing home staff along with delays in isolation were observed, which could affect the dynamics of transmission in outbreaks. It is necessary to review disease identification and isolation practices among staff as well as emphasize rapid implementation of prevention measures.

Comparación psicométrica de las escalas PAINAD y Abbey Pain Scale en centros sociosanitarios de Barcelona / Psychometric comparison of the Painad and Abbey Pain scales in long-term care facilities in Barcelona

Introducción: Se estima que el 30-50 % de las personas con demencia experimentan dolor crónico en residencias en España. A pesar de que hay validadas muchas escalas para la valoración del dolor en personas con demencia, sigue sin existir una que pueda considerarse como el gold standard. Además, no hay estudios realizados al respecto en medio sociosanitario. Por ello nos proponemos como objetivos principales la comparación psicométrica de la escala Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) y la Abbey Pain Scale (ABBEY) en personas con demencia en centros sociosanitarios. Metodología: Se llevaron a cabo un análisis de comparación psicométrica y un diseño transversal descriptivo. Se incluyeron mayores de 65 años con demencia moderada-severa ingresados en centros sociosanitarios del área sanitaria del Baix Llobregat. Resultados: El alfa de Cronbach en reposo para la escala PAINAD fue de 0,847 y durante el aseo de 0,845. Para la escala ABBEY se obtuvo un alfa de Cronbach de 0,728 en reposo y de 0,814 durante el aseo. Ambas escalas mostraron buenas concordancias, pero en el análisis por ítems los cambios físicos y los cambios fisiológicos de la ABBEY demostraron muy poca sensibilidad. La prevalencia de dolor basal ha sido del 43,9 % y durante el aseo fue del 73,5 %. Conclusiones: Ambas escalas mantuvieron buenas propiedades psicomimétricas pero la escala PAINAD es claramente mejor valorada. La prevalencia de dolor en personas con demencias ingresadas en centros sociosanitarios es del 43,9 %. Se propone para la mejor evaluación del dolor pasar la escala durante una actividad que implique movimiento. (AU)

Introduction: It is estimated that 30-50 % of people with dementia experience chronic pain at nursing homes in Spain. Despite the fact that there are many validated scales for the assessment of pain in people with dementia, there is still no single scale that may be considered the goldstandard. Furthermore, no studies have been carried out in this regard in a social and health environment. Therefore, we propose as primary objective a psychometric comparison of the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale (PAINAD) and the Abbey Pain Scale (ABBEY) in people with dementia in long-term care facilities. Methodology: To achieve the objective we simultaneously carried out a psychometric comparison analysis and a descriptive cross-sectional design. Those over 65 years of age with moderate-severe dementia admitted to social health centers in the Baix Llobregat health area were included. Results: Cronbach’s alpha at rest for the PAINAD scale was 0.847 and 0.845 during toilet. For the ABBEY scale, a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.728 was obtained at rest and of 0.814 during toilet. Both scales showed good agreements, but in the item analysis ABBEY showed very little sensitivity for physical changes and physiological changes. The prevalence of pain at baseline was 43.9 %, and during grooming it was 73.5 %. Conclusions: Both scales displayed good psychometric properties but the PAINAD scale was clearly better. The prevalence of pain in people with dementia admitted to health centers is 43.9 %. Pain in people with dementia may need to be measured during movement activity to reveal actual pain. (AU)

Factors for persistence of MRSA carriage one year after initial detection in individuals from various healthcare institutions.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: We studied the natural history of patients with chronic stable illnesses that are colonized by Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The aim was to determine the persistence colonization 1 year after. Moreover, we intended to disclose factors that predict MRSA persistence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicentric, prospective observational study was designed. Patients from an acute-care hospital and 4 long-term healthcare facilities were included. Demographic, clinical and microbiological data (nasal and skin swabs) were obtained every 3 months during a year. MRSA carriers were decolonized with nasal mupirocin. RESULTS: Among the 699 screened patients, 114 MRSA carriers were identified. MRSA carriage persisted in 59.4% of those who completed the follow-up. Baseline factors associated to MRSA persistence were heart failure, comorbidities, antibiotics, and ulcers. At one year: LTHF, underweight, Barthel<60, and ulcers (the two latest were independent predictors). Persistence was not associated to decolonization. CONCLUSION: Our study disclosed a high MRSA persistence rate and identified several associated factors (both at baseline and one year later). This information may be useful to identify individuals at high-risk of being MRSA carriers at hospital admission.