Factores que influyen en la elección de la plaza de formación sanitaria especializada de MIR / Factors influencing the choice of MIR specialized health formation

Introducción: El examen de médico interno residente (MIR) se debe superar para acceder a una plaza de formación de médico especialista en España. Este estudio pretende: a) determinar los factores que influyen en la elección de la plaza de MIR; b) valorar el grado de información sobre el hospital/centro seleccionado; c) analizar las prioridades profesionales durante y posteriormente a la formación de MIR; y d) comparar los resultados entre estudiantes de sexto de Medicina y residentes MIR de primer año. Material y métodos: Se envió una encuesta anónima a 370 estudiantes de sexto de Medicina y 494 residentes de primer año de Cataluña y Aragón. Resultados: Contestaron 105 estudiantes y 104 residentes (24%). El 71% de los estudiantes y el 56% de los residentes preferían formarse en un centro distinto al que habían estudiado. Lo prioritario para escoger la plaza fue la especialidad, por encima de otros factores, como el hospital/centro o la ciudad. Globalmente, el 90% se informó acerca de las plazas, preferiblemente a través de otros residentes. Un 45% de los estudiantes y un 12% de los residentes se mostraban dispuestos a repetir el examen de MIR en caso de no disponer de la especialidad y el centro deseados en primera opción. Los encuestados valoraron positivamente aspectos como un ambiente de trabajo adecuado, un buen nivel asistencial y condiciones laborales óptimas. Conclusión: El factor más importante en la elección de la plaza de MIR es la especialidad deseada. En el centro de trabajo se valoran positivamente el nivel asistencial, el buen ambiente y las condiciones laborales.(AU)

Introduction: The MIR (médico interno residente, medical internal resident) examination must be passed to gain access to a specialist medical training place in Spain. This study aims to: a) determine the factors that influence the choice of the MIR position; b) assess the degree of information about the selected hospital/center; c) analyze the professional priorities during and after the MIR training; and d) compare the results between sixth year medical students and first year MIR residents: Material and methods: An anonymous survey was sent to 370 sixth year medical students and 494 first year residents from Catalonia and Aragon. Results: One hundred anf five students and 104 residents (24%) answered the survey. Seventy-one percent of students and 56% of residents preferred to train in a center other than the one in which they had studied. Priority was given to the specialty, above other factors such as the hospital/center or the city. Overall, 90% were informed about the positions, preferably through other residents. Forty-five percent of students and 12% of residents were willing to repeat the MIR exam if they did not have the desired specialty and center as their first choice. Respondents positively valued aspects such as an adequate working environment, a good level of care and optimal working conditions. Conclusion: The most important factor in the choice of the MIR position is the desired specialty. In the work center, the level of care, good environment and working conditions are positively valued.(AU)

Creación y validación de un instrumento para cuantificar actitudes, conocimientos y dificultades en el abordaje de los problemas sociales / Creation and validation of an instrument to quantify attitudes, knowledge and difficulties in the approach to social problems

Objetivos: Este estudio tiene como objetivo desarrollar y validar un cuestionario para evaluar actitudes, conocimientos y dificultades en el manejo de problemas sociales por parte de los profesionales de pediatría. Métodos: El desarrollo de la herramienta comenzó con una fase de conceptualización, seguida del diseño, prueba piloto y evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario tras obtener respuestas de 407 profesionales. Se realizaron análisis factoriales exploratorios (AFE) y análisis factoriales confirmatorios (AFC) para explorar la validez de constructo del cuestionario. El índice de ajuste normado (IAN), el error cuadrático medio de aproximación (ECMA), la prueba de chi-cuadrado (χ2) y el índice de ajuste comparativo (IAC) se utilizaron para probar la bondad del ajuste. La confiabilidad se exploró a través del alfa de Cronbach para la consistencia interna. Resultados: La AFE identificó doce factores. Todos los factores mostraron buena consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach 0,8434). El AFC mostró un buen ajuste al modelo (ECMA=0,037). Los valores de IAN y IAC fueron 0,742 y 0,797, respectivamente. Todos los análisis cuantitativos se llevaron a cabo con el software STATA/SE v.16.1. Conclusiones: Este cuestionario de 138 ítems distribuidos en doce factores es un instrumento fiable y válido para analizar actitudes, conocimientos y dificultades en el abordaje de problemas sociales en la infancia por parte de los pediatras, que permitirá diseñar intervenciones, de acuerdo con las necesidades y las carencias identificadas a través del mismo. (AU)

Objectives: The aim of the study was to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess attitudes, knowledge and difficulties in the management of social problems by paediatric care providers. Methods: The development of the tool started with a conceptualization phase, followed by the design, pilot testing and psychometric evaluation of the questionnaire based on the responses obtained from 407 professionals. We performed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the construct validity of the questionnaire. We used the normed fit index (NFI), the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the χ2 test and the comparative fit index (CFI) to test the goodness of fit. We assessed reliability through the Cronbach's α coefficient of internal consistency. All quantitative analyses were performed with the Stata/SE software, version 16.1. Results: The EFA identified 12 factors. All factors exhibited a good internal consistency (Cronbach's α, .8434). The CFA showed the model was a good fit (RMSEA=.037). The NAI and CAI values were .742 and .797, respectively. Conclusions: This questionnaire comprising 138 items distributed in 12 factors is a reliable and valid instrument to analyse the attitudes, knowledge and difficulties in the approach to social problems in children by paediatricians, which will allow the design of interventions according to the needs and deficiencies identified through it. (AU)

Creation and validation of an instrument to quantify attitudes, knowledge and difficulties in the approach to social problems.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess attitudes, knowledge and difficulties in the management of social problems by paediatric care providers. METHODS: The development of the tool started with a conceptualization phase, followed by the design, pilot testing and psychometric evaluation of the questionnaire based on the responses obtained from 407 professionals. We performed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the construct validity of the questionnaire. We used the normed fit index (NFI), the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the χ2 test and the comparative fit index (CFI) to test the goodness of fit. We assessed reliability through the Cronbach's α coefficient of internal consistency. All quantitative analyses were performed with the Stata/SE software, version16.1. RESULTS: The EFA identified twelve factors. All factors exhibited a good internal consistency (Cronbach's α, 0.8434). The CFA showed the model was a good fit (RMSEA=0.037). The NAI and CAI values were 0.742 and 0.797, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This questionnaire comprising 138 items distributed in twelve factors is a reliable and valid instrument to analyse the attitudes, knowledge and difficulties in the approach to social problems in children by paediatricians, which will allow the design of interventions according to the needs and deficiencies identified through it.

¿Debe la industria farmacéutica participar en la formación médica continuada? / Should the pharmaceutical industry be involved in continuing medical education?

Introducción En julio del 2020 se presentó en el Congreso de los Diputados español una propuesta de ley que proponía que la formación médica continuada se financiase exclusivamente por las Administraciones públicas, prohibiendo la participación privada. Objetivos Recoger la opinión de médicos y farmacéuticos sobre la propuesta de ley, conocer qué piensan acerca de la financiación de la formación médica continuada y su posible conflicto de interés. Métodos Estudio descriptivo transversal a través de una encuesta de opinión, voluntaria y anonimizada, dirigida a médicos y farmacéuticos hospitalarios. Resultados Se analizan 435 encuestas, el 59,8% de mujeres. El 87,6% son facultativos especialistas y el 77,2% pertenece a especialidades médicas. El 55,2% no está de acuerdo con la propuesta de ley. El 92,4% se muestra de acuerdo con que el Estado y las instituciones privadas subvencionen la formación de sus trabajadores. El 54,2% está en desacuerdo con que cada profesional financie su formación, mientras que el 14% está de acuerdo. El 19,8% no se ha sentido cómodo cuando le han financiado un curso o congreso y el 74,5% considera que la participación privada de la financiación no influye en la prescripción. Conclusiones La mayoría de los encuestados no está de acuerdo con una propuesta de ley que pretende prohibir que la industria farmacéutica financie la formación médica continuada. Casi todos se muestran de acuerdo con que el Estado y las instituciones privadas subvencionen la formación de sus trabajadores. En general, los encuestados no detectan conflictos de interés en su relación con la industria (AU)

Introduction In July 2020, a draft bill was introduced in Spain's Congress which proposed that continuing medical education be funded exclusively by the Spanish government, barring involvement from private entities. Aims This work aims to gather physicians’ and pharmacists’ opinions on this draft bill, learn what they think about the funding of continuing medical education and possible conflicts of interest. Methods This work is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted via voluntary anonymous surveys aimed at physicians and hospital pharmacists. Results Four hundred thirty-five surveys were analyzed, 59.8% of which were from women. Of the respondents, 87.6% were specialist physicians and 77.2% were part of a specialist department. A total of 55.2% did not agree with the draft bill while 92.4% agreed that the government and private institutes should subsidize training for their workers. Furthermore, 52.4% disagreed that each professional should pay for his or her own training while 14% agreed they should. A total of 19.8% have felt uncomfortable when a course or conference has been paid for by another entity and 74.5% believe that the involvement of private entities in funding does not influence prescribing. Conclusions The majority of those surveyed did not agree with a draft bill aimed at prohibiting the pharmaceutical industry from funding continuing medical education. Nearly all agreed that the government and private institutions should fund training for their workers. In general, those surveyed did not find conflicts of interest in their relationship with the industry (AU)

Should the pharmaceutical industry be involved in continuing medical education?

INTRODUCTION: In July 2020, a draft bill was introduced in Spain's Congress which proposed that continuing medical education be funded exclusively by the Spanish government, barring involvement from private entities. AIMS: This work aims to gather physicians' and pharmacists' opinions on this draft bill, learn what they think about the funding of continuing medical education and possible conflicts of interest. METHODS: This work is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted via voluntary anonymous surveys aimed at physicians and hospital pharmacists. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-five surveys were analyzed, 59.8% of which were from women. Of the respondents, 87.6% were specialist physicians and 77.2% were part of a specialist department. A total of 55.2% did not agree with the draft bill while 92.4% agreed that the government and private institutes should subsidize training for their workers. Furthermore, 52.4% disagreed that each professional should pay for his or her own training while 14% agreed they should. A total of 19.8% have felt uncomfortable when a course or conference has been paid for by another entity and 74.5% believe that the involvement of private entities in funding does not influence prescribing. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of those surveyed did not agree with a draft bill aimed at prohibiting the pharmaceutical industry from funding continuing medical education. Nearly all agreed that the government and private institutions should fund training for their workers. In general, those surveyed did not find conflicts of interest in their relationship with the industry.

Cambio de sesiones docentes presenciales a virtuales durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en un servicio de neurología: descripción del proceso y satisfacción de los usuarios / From in-person didactic sessions to videoconferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic: satisfaction survey among participants

Introducción y objetivo: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha trastornado la actividad hospitalaria, incluyendo la docente. Se describe el cambio de un sistema presencial a otro de sesiones en línea en un servicio de neurología, y se analizan la satisfacción y las opiniones de los usuarios. Material y métodos. Exposición de las medidas adoptadas para pasar a modalidad en línea y análisis de una encuesta entre los participantes. Resultados: Se pasó de tres a dos sesiones semanales, con restricción del público presencial. El público virtual superó al presencial. Contestaron la encuesta 49 participantes, un 51% mujeres, con una media de 40,5 años (rango: 25-65). La satisfacción de los asistentes fue mayor para las sesiones presenciales (8,68) que para las en línea (8,12) (p = 0,006). Existía una correlación inversa significativa entre la edad y la satisfacción con las sesiones en línea (r = –0,37; p = 0,01) que no se daba para las sesiones presenciales. El 75,5% fue partidario de mantener las sesiones virtuales cuando se eliminaran las restricciones de aforo. Una mayoría (87,8%) apoyó sesiones interhospitalarias y recomienda que las autoridades sanitarias faciliten aplicaciones informáticas seguras (53,1%). Conclusiones: La introducción de sesiones virtuales es una medida fácil de implementar en un servicio de neurología, con un alto grado de satisfacción de los usuarios, aunque menor que con las sesiones presenciales. Existen problemas no resueltos respecto al uso de plataformas comerciales y conexión interhospitalaria. Sería recomendable que las autoridades sanitarias y educativas desarrollaran aplicaciones seguras y fomentaran la educación médica en línea.(AU)

Introduction and aim: COVID-19 pandemic has disturbed many hospital activities, including medical education. We describe the switch from in-person didactic sessions to videoconferencing in a Neurology department. We analyse the opinions and satisfaction of participants. Material and methods: Narrative description of the adopted measures; Online survey among participants. Results: One of the three weekly sessions was cancelled, and two switched to videoconferencing. There were more participants online than in the conference hall. 49 users answered the survey, 51% women, mean age 40.5 years (range 25-65). Satisfaction was higher for previous face-to-face meetings (8.68) than for videoconferencing (8.12) (p=0.006). There was a significant inverse correlation between age and satisfaction with virtual sessions (r=-0.37; p=0.01), that was not found for in-person attendance. Most users (75.5%) would prefer to continue with online sessions when the pandemic is over, and 87.8% support inter-hospital remote meetings, but the safety of web platforms is a concern (53.1%). Conclusions: The change from in-person to virtual sessions is an easy measure to implement in a neurology department, with a good degree of satisfaction among users. There are some unsolved problems with the use of commercial web platforms and inter-hospital connection. Most users recommend leadership and support from educational and health authorities.(AU)

Impacto de la formación en entrevista motivacional para médicos: diseño y evaluación de un Programa Formativo (MOTIVA) / Impact of training on Motivational Interviewing (MI) for Family Physicians: Design and assessment of a Training Program (MOTIVA)

Objetivo: Desarrollar un programa de formación en Entrevista Motivacional (EM) para Médicos de Familia y evaluar el impacto. Diseño: Ensayo clínico multicéntrico a doble ciego y aleatorizado, con 2 ramas (experimental (GE) y control (GC)) de Médicos de Familia, con un seguimiento de 12 meses. Emplazamiento: 32 Centros de Atención Primaria. Descripción de la muestra: 54 médicos (GC = 28, GE = 26). Intervenciones: Programa de formación MOTIVA en EM con un curso presencial inicial (16 h), seguido de actividades en línea durante 12 meses y reuniones presenciales (entrevistas basadas en problemas con feedback de expertos). Medidas principales: las habilidades comunicativas en EM se evaluaron en base a videograbaciones (VG) con la escala EVEM 2.0, por parejas de revisores. Se analizaron 236 VG con pacientes estandarizados y 96 VG con pacientes reales. Resultados: Los resultados promedio en la escala EVEM (hasta 56 puntos) al inicio del estudio fueron GE = 21,27 (IC 95% 15,8-26,7) y GC = 20,23 (IC95% 16,4-23,9) sin diferencias entre ambos grupos (p = 0,79). Después del curso, la puntuación GE aumentó en 13,89 puntos (P <0,001), promedio 35,16 (IC 95% 29,8-40,6). Las VG de pacientes reales en GE durante el periodo de 12 meses mantiene sus habilidades en EM con un promedio de 36,9 puntos (IC 95% 30,3-43,6) versus GC 15,9 puntos (IC 95% 9,8-22,0). Una vez finalizado el Programa de Formación MOTIVA, el GE mantiene las habilidades adquiridas: GE promedio final = 37.6 (IC 95% 33.2-41.1) versus GC = 24,3 (IC95% 19,0-29,2) (p <0,001). Conclusiones: El Programa de Formación MOTIVA mejora significativamente las habilidades de entrevista motivacional, mejorando después de un curso presencial y actividades secuenciales de mantenimiento. La eficacia del programa ha sido probada en el tercer y cuarto escalón de la Pirámide de Miller.(AU)

Aim: To develop a training program in Motivational Interviewing for Family Physicians and assess the impact. Study design: Multicenter, double blind and randomized clinical essay, with 2arms, Experimental (EG) and Control (CG) of Family Physicians with a follow up of 12 months. Location: 32 Primary Healthcare Centers. Sample description: 54 physicians (CG=28, EG=26). Interventions: Training Program MOTIVA in ME with an initial presential course (16h), followed by online activities during 12months, and presential meetings (Problem BasedInterviewing with expert feedback). Main measurements: Communicative skills in MI were assessed based on video-recordings (VR) with the EVEM 2.0 scale by peer reviewers. 236 VR with standardized patients and 96 VR with real patients. Results: Average results in EVEM scale (up to 56 points) at the beginning of the study were EG=21.27 (CI 95% 15.8-26.7) and CG=20.23 (CI95% 16.4-23.9) with no differences between both groups (P=.79). After the training, EG punctuation increased by 13.89 points (P<.001), average 35.16 (CI 95% 29.8-40.6). Real patients’ VR in EG over a 12 month period keep their MI skills with an average of 36.9 points (CI 95% 30.3-43.6) versus CG 15.9 points (CI 95% 9.8-22.0). Once ended the MOTIVA Training Program, the EG maintains the acquired skills: final average EG=37.6 (CI 95% 33.2-41.1) versus CG=24.3 (CI95% 19.0-29.2) (P<.001). Conclusions: The MOTIVA Training Program improves Motivational Interviewing skills, significatively improving after a presential course and sequential keep-alive activities. The effectiveness of the Program has been proven in the Third and Fourth steps of Miller's Pyramid.(AU)

[Impact of training on Motivational Interviewing (MI) for Family Physicians: Design and assessment of a Training Program (MOTIVA)]. / Impacto de la formación en entrevista motivacional para médicos: diseño y evaluación de un Programa Formativo (MOTIVA).

AIM: To develop a training program in Motivational Interviewing for Family Physicians and assess the impact. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, double blind and randomized clinical essay, with 2arms, Experimental (EG) and Control (CG) of Family Physicians with a follow up of 12 months. LOCATION: 32 Primary Healthcare Centers. SAMPLE DESCRIPTION: 54 physicians (CG=28, EG=26). INTERVENTIONS: Training Program MOTIVA in ME with an initial presential course (16h), followed by online activities during 12months, and presential meetings (Problem BasedInterviewing with expert feedback). MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Communicative skills in MI were assessed based on video-recordings (VR) with the EVEM 2.0 scale by peer reviewers. 236 VR with standardized patients and 96 VR with real patients. RESULTS: Average results in EVEM scale (up to 56 points) at the beginning of the study were EG=21.27 (CI 95% 15.8-26.7) and CG=20.23 (CI95% 16.4-23.9) with no differences between both groups (P=.79). After the training, EG punctuation increased by 13.89 points (P<.001), average 35.16 (CI 95% 29.8-40.6). Real patients' VR in EG over a 12 month period keep their MI skills with an average of 36.9 points (CI 95% 30.3-43.6) versus CG 15.9 points (CI 95% 9.8-22.0). Once ended the MOTIVA Training Program, the EG maintains the acquired skills: final average EG=37.6 (CI 95% 33.2-41.1) versus CG=24.3 (CI95% 19.0-29.2) (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The MOTIVA Training Program improves Motivational Interviewing skills, significatively improving after a presential course and sequential keep-alive activities. The effectiveness of the Program has been proven in the Third and Fourth steps of Miller's Pyramid.

[Perspectives of Spanish psychiatrists on the management of dementias: the PsicoDem survey]. / Perspectiva de los psiquiatras españoles respecto a la atención de las demencias. la encuesta PsicoDem.

INTRODUCTION: Mental health services are not systematically involved in the care of dementias in Spain. Nevertheless, many patients with dementia attend these services. The perspective of psychiatrist as regards this situation has not been evaluated at the national level to date, and it may be of interest to determine their actual involvement and the strategies to foster it. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was conducted on 2,000 psychiatrists on a range of mental health care services. Respondents provided socio-demographic data and information about clinical aspects, together with their opinions regarding the management of dementia. Responses were described by their raw frequencies and measures of association for cross-tabulations resulting from selected pairs of questions. Inferences were made by calculating their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Psychiatrist involvement in the management of dementias was limited, aside from those involved in psycho-geriatric units or nursing homes facilities. However, there were wide, regional differences. Nearly all respondents (81%) were ready to augment their knowledge and skills in the area of dementia. In particular, the insufficient medical education, together with other organizational factors, such as the difficulties in ordering diagnostic tests (i.e. neuroimaging), or prescribing anti-dementia drugs in some regions, were common barriers psychiatrists faced when approaching patients with dementia. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing psychiatrist involvement and boosting coordinated efforts with other specialists in a form of integrated care may advance the care of dementias in Spain to a more valuable level.