Home-Based Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care Provider Visits: Effects on Healthcare Utilization.

OBJECTIVE: This hypothesis-generating study sought to assess the impact of home-based hospice and palliative care (HBHPC) provider home visits (HV) on healthcare use. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of individuals ages 1 month to 21 years receiving an in-person HBHPC provider (MD/DO or APN) HV through 2 HBHPC programs in the Midwest from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2018. Descriptive statistics were calculated for healthcare use variables. Paired t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test compared the changes in healthcare use the year before and year after initial provider HVs. RESULTS: The cohort included 195 individuals (49% female), with diagnoses composed of 49% neurologic, 30% congenital chromosomal, 11% oncologic, 7% cardiac, and 3% other. After implementation of HBHPC services, these patients showed decreases in the median (IQR) number of intensive care unit days (before HV, 12 [IQR, 4-37]; after HV, 0 [IQR, 0-8]; P < .001); inpatient admissions (before HV, 1 [IQR, 1-3]; after HV, 1 [IQR, 0-2]; P = .005); and number of inpatient days (before HV, 5 [IQR, 1-19]; after HV, 2 [IQR, 0-8]; P = .009). There was an increase in clinically relevant phone calls to the HBHPC team (before HV, 1 [IQR, 0-4] vs after HV, 4 [IQR, 1-7]; P < .001) and calls to the HBHPC team before emergency department visits (before HV, 0 [IQR, 0-0] vs after HV, 1 [IQR, 1-2]; P < .001). CONCLUSION: HBHPC provider HVs were associated with fewer inpatient admissions, hospital days, and intensive care unit days, and increased clinically relevant phone calls and phone calls before emergency department visit. These findings indicate that HBHPC HV may contribute to decreased inpatient use and increased use of the HBHPC team.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Homecare Services for Adults and Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

This study provides an overview of the literature on the cost-effectiveness of homecare services compared to in-hospital care for adults and older adults. A systematic review was performed using Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and CENTRAL databases from inception to April 2022. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) (older) adults; (ii) homecare as an intervention; (iii) hospital care as a comparison; (iv) a full economic evaluation examining both costs and consequences; and (v) economic evaluations arising from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted data and assessed study quality. Of the 14 studies identified, homecare, when compared to hospital care, was cost-saving in seven studies, cost-effective in two and more effective in one. The evidence suggests that homecare interventions are likely to be cost-saving and as effective as hospital. However, the included studies differ regarding the methods used, the types of costs and the patient populations of interest. In addition, methodological limitations were identified in some studies. Definitive conclusions are limited and highlight the need for better standardization of economic evaluations in this area. Further economic evaluations arising from well-designed RCTs would allow healthcare decision-makers to feel more confident in considering homecare interventions.

Home-care nursing controlled mobile robot with vital signal monitoring.

This study describes the development (design, construction, instrumentation, and control) of a nursing mobile robotic device to monitor vital signals in home-cared patients. The proposed device measures electrocardiography potentials, oxygen saturation, skin temperature, and non-invasive arterial pressure of the patient. Additionally, the nursing robot can supply assistance in the gait cycle for people who require it. The robotic device's structural and mechanical components were built using 3D-printed techniques. The instrumentation includes electronic embedded devices and sensors to know the robot's relative position with respect to the patient. With this information together with the available physiological measurements, the robot can work in three different scenarios: (a) in the first one, a robust control strategy regulates the mobile robot operation, including the tracking of the patient under uncertain working scenarios leading to the selection of an appropriate sequence of movements; (b) the second one helps the patients, if they need it, to perform a controlled gait-cycle during outdoors and indoors excursions; and (c) the third one verifies the state of health of the users measuring their vital signs. A graphical user interface (GUI) collects, processes, and displays the information acquired by the bioelectrical amplifiers and signal processing systems. Moreover, it allows easy interaction between the nursing robot, the patients, and the physician. The proposed design has been tested with five volunteers showing efficient assistance for primary health care. Graphical Abstract Main stages of the home-care nursing controlled mobile robot.

Cuidado de enfermería del paciente con trastorno mental en atención domiciliaria: revisión narrativa / Nursing care of the patient with mental disorder in home care: narrative review

INTRODUCCIÓN: El manejo integral del paciente con trastorno mental desde enfermería, incluye abordajes que son llevados a cabo en la atención domiciliaria permitiendo así desarrollar actividades de valoración, seguimiento y atención al paciente y su familia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda estratégica en Medline, Epistemonikos, Base JBI, Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, utilizando los términos "mental disease", "mental illness", "homecare", "nursing". La extracción y análisis de los datos se dio acorde a los planteamientos del JBI, RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 25 artículos que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión y se clasificaron en 4 temas: 1. La experiencia del cuidado en el domicilio del paciente con trastorno mental. 2. Adherencia a la medicación de pacientes con trastorno mental que reciben tratamiento en casa. 3. El adulto mayor con trastorno mental y 4. Estrategias tecnológicas para dar atención domiciliaria al paciente con trastorno mental. CONCLUSIONES: Para abordar integralmente el cuidado del paciente con trastorno mental en el domicilio se deben incluir intervenciones de cuidado soportadas en la evidencia que incluyan la instrucción al cuidador familiar, por lo que es central el rol de enfermería teniendo en cuenta la creciente demanda de intervenciones domiciliarias en psiquiatría basadas en la evidencia, teniendo en cuenta el impacto de la trastorno mental, así como con los desafíos sociales y económicos que conlleva el padecer una trastorno mental para el paciente y su familia.

INTRODUCTION: The comprehensive management of the patient with mental disorder from nursing, includes approaches that are carried out in home care, thus allowing the development of assessment, monitoring and care activities for the patient and his family. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A strategic search was carried out in Medline, Epistemonikos, JBI Database, Virtual Health Library, using the terms "mental disease", "mental illness", "homecare", "nursing". The extraction and analysis of the data occurred according to the approaches of the JBI. RESULTS: 25 articles were identified that met the inclusion criteria and were classified into 4 themes: 1. The experience of care at home for patients with mental disorder. 2. Medication adherence of patients with mental disorder receiving treatment at home. 3. The elderly with mental disorder and 4. Technological strategies to provide home care to patients with mental disorder. CONCLUSIONS: In order to comprehensively address the care of patients with mental disorder at home, care interventions supported by evidence should be included, including instruction for the family caregiver, so the role of nursing is central, taking into account the growing demand for interventions evidence-based psychiatry home care, taking into account the impact of mental disease, as well as the social and economic challenges that mental disease entails for the patient and their family.

Nursing diagnoses in a home-based program: cross-mapping and NANDA-I Taxonomy / Diagnósticos de enfermería en un programa domiciliar: mapeo cruzado y Taxonomía de la NANDA-I / Diagnósticos de enfermagem em programa domiciliar: mapeamento cruzado e Taxonomia da NANDA-I

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify Nursing diagnoses in patients in home care by cross-mapping terms obtained in the anamnesis and clinical examination, with NANDA-I Taxonomy. Method: descriptive exploratory study, transversal type, performed with 131 patients from a home health care program in northern Minas Gerais State. With the aid of an instrument based on the theoretical model of Basic Human Needs, the terms indicators of conditions that required nursing interventions were extracted. The cross-mapping of these terms was also performed with NANDA-I Taxonomy diagnoses. Results: 378 terms and expressions referring to 49 different diagnoses were identified in 11 of the 13 domains of NANDA-I Taxonomy. Conclusion: the profile of identified nursing diagnoses can contribute to care management and organizational processes of nurses who provide care to patients in home care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar diagnósticos de enfermería en pacientes en atención domiciliaria por medio del mapeo cruzado de términos obtenidos en la anamnesis y el examen clínico, con la Taxonomía de la NANDA-I. Método: estudio exploratorio descriptivo, del tipo transversal, realizado con 131 pacientes de un programa de atención domiciliaria de salud del norte del estado de Minas Gerais. Con el auxilio de un instrumento basado en el modelo teórico de las Necesidades Humanas Básicas se extrajeron los términos indicadores de condiciones que demandaban intervenciones de enfermería. Se realizó, también, el mapeo cruzado de esos términos con los diagnósticos de la Taxonomía de la NANDA-I. Resultados: se identificaron 378 términos y expresiones que se referían a 49 diferentes diagnósticos en 11 de los 13 dominios de la Taxonomía de la NANDA-I. Conclusión: el perfil de diagnósticos de enfermería identificado puede contribuir a la gestión de la atención y de los procesos organizacionales de enfermeros que prestan asistencia a pacientes en atención domiciliaria.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar diagnósticos de enfermagem em pacientes em atenção domiciliar por meio do mapeamento cruzado de termos obtidos na anamnese e o exame clínico, com a Taxonomia da NANDA-I. Método: estudo exploratório descritivo, do tipo transversal realizado com 131 pacientes de um programa de atenção domiciliar à saúde do norte de Minas Gerais. Com o auxílio de um instrumento embasado no modelo teórico das Necessidades Humanas Básicas extraíram-se os termos indicadores de condições que demandavam intervenções de enfermagem. Realizou-se, também, o mapeamento cruzado desses termos com os diagnósticos da Taxonomia da NANDA-I. Resultados: foram identificados 378 termos e expressões que se referiam a 49 diferentes diagnósticos em 11 dos 13 domínios da Taxonomia da NANDA-I. Conclusão: o perfil de diagnósticos de enfermagem identificado pode contribuir para a gestão do cuidado e dos processos organizacionais de enfermeiros que prestam assistência a pacientes em atenção domiciliar.

Home-Based Care for Patients with Lysosomal Storage Disease: Experiences in Argentina

ABSTRACT Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is a long term treatment for patients who suffer from lysosomal storage disease. A transversal descriptive study was conducted to evaluate advantages and disadvantages of a home-based care program for patients with Gaucher, Fabry and Mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II) diseases. A survey among patients and nurses involved in healthcare delivery at home was utilized for this study. The adherence rate was 92.9% over the study period. Eighty six point nine percent chose to carry out the treatment at home and 88.5% felt that their quality of life had improved. Additional advantages reported were: comfort (77%), treatment adjustment to daily activities (69%) and flexibility (58%). Disadvantages expressed were: lack of confidence with the health care provider at home (1.6%) and a shortage of disposable materials available (1.6%). The main benefits of home-based treatment were the high treatment adherence and the improvement in quality of life.

Alternative class III distributed polysomnography system

Abstract Introduction Impairment of sleep quality directly increases the risk of heart attack, obesity, and stroke, among other conditions, which makes polysomnography (PSG) an important public health tool. However, the inherent problems with PSG render the correct diagnosis of sleep diseases a difficult task. As a novel alternative to the class II PSG system, this work presents a distributed system composed of three modules, which together are capable of the simultaneous monitoring of environmental variables and patient signals. This system could reduce the distress of a PSG exam in certain cases, dismiss the need for an overnight sleep in a healthcare/sleep centre, and facilitate self-setup and internet-based diagnosis. Methods Hardware and software capable of synchronously monitoring, processing and logging into a µSD card environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, visible light intensity and audible noise level) and directly measured patient signals (electrocardiogram, electrooculogram, and body and limb posture) were designed and implemented. Results A novel alternative to the class III PSG system was demonstrated with independent boards capable of operating for more than 16 hours powered by a 750 mAh/3.7 V battery with 0.003% data loss during preliminary PSG exams. Additionally, a computer-based library capable of reading, decoding, estimating respiration through ECG, and calculating the heart rate was developed and described. Conclusion This article contributes to PSG research through the development of a new PSG system and the improvement of patient comfort. All software and hardware developed are fully open source and available on GitHub.

Enhancing the process of teaching and learning homecare / Mejorar el proceso de enseñar y aprender el cuidado domiciliar / Aprimorando o processo de ensinar e aprender o cuidado domiciliar

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify possibilities for improvement in the process of teaching and learning homecare in nursing, pharmacy, medicine, nutrition, dentistry and occupational therapy courses. Method: qualitative research using the Grounded Theory approach. Sixty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with students, teachers and graduates of the six mentioned courses at a public university in the south of Brazil. Data analysis was performed through open, axial and selective coding. Results: the possibilities for improving the process of teaching and learning homecare included: scientific production in the area; use of different teaching techniques; development of extracurricular activities; extension projects; curricular reformulation; and laboratory simulation. Final considerations: the strategies cited in this study enable undergraduate courses in health to envisage the possibility of enhance the process of teaching and learning homecare.

RESUMEN Objetivo: señalar posibilidades de mejorar en el proceso de enseñar y aprender el cuidado domiciliar en los cursos de enfermería, farmacia, medicina, nutrición, odontología y terapia ocupacional. Método: pesquisa cualitativa, que utilizó la Teoría Fundamentada en los Datos como método. Fueron realizadas 63 entrevistas semi estructuradas con discentes, docentes y egresos de los seis cursos mencionados de una universidad pública del sur del país. El análisis de los datos ocurrió por medio de la codificación abierta, axial y selectiva. Resultados: se destacan entre las posibilidades de mejorar en el proceso de enseñar y aprender el cuidado domiciliar, la producción científica en el área, utilización de diferentes técnicas de enseñanza, desarrollo de actividades extracurriculares, proyectos de extensión, reformulación curricular y, simulación en laboratorio. Consideraciones finales: l as estrategias citadas en ese estudio permiten a los cursos de graduación en salud vislumbrar la posibilidad de incorporar o incrementar el proceso de enseñar y aprender el CD.

RESUMO Objetivo: apontar possibilidades de aprimoramento no processo de ensinar e aprender o cuidado domiciliar nos cursos de enfermagem, farmácia, medicina, nutrição, odontologia e terapia ocupacional. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, que utilizou a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados como método. Foram realizadas 63 entrevistas semiestruturadas com discentes, docentes e egressos dos seis cursos mencionados de uma universidade pública do sul do país. A análise dos dados ocorreu por meio da codificação aberta, axial e seletiva. Resultados: destacam-se, entre as possibilidades de aprimoramento no processo de ensinar e aprender o cuidado domiciliar, a produção científica na área, utilização de diferentes técnicas de ensino, desenvolvimento de atividades extracurriculares, projetos de extensão, reformulação curricular e simulação em laboratório. Considerações finais: as estratégias citadas neste estudo permitem aos cursos de graduação em saúde vislumbrar a possibilidade de incorporar ou incrementar o processo de ensinar e aprender o CD.

Empathy, loneliness, burnout, and life satisfaction in Chilean nurses of palliative care and homecare services. / Empatía, soledad, desgaste y satisfacción personal en Enfermeras de cuidados paliativos y atención domiciliaria de Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Empathy has been described as an essential competence of healthcare professionals who are working in palliative care and homecare services. In these services, usually accompanied by a high risk of physical and emotional burnout, empathy can play an important role in the improvement of occupational wellbeing. The aim of this study was to confirm the role of empathy in the prevention of loneliness and burn out, and in the promotion of life satisfaction. METHODS: In 2016, an observational study was carried out in Chile with professional nurses who were working in palliative care and homecare services. Empathy with the patients, loneliness, life satisfaction, and burnout were measured using psychometric scales. Correlation analyses were applied to confirm relationships among the elements measured. RESULTS: In a sample of 64 participants, positive correlations were confirmed between empathy and life satisfaction (P = 0.40; p = 0.003), and between empathy and professional experience (P = 0.29; p = 0.04). On the other hand, inverse correlations were confirmed between empathy and burnout (P = -0.38; p = 0. 01), and between empathy and loneliness (P = -0.41; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm the important role that empathy plays in the prevention of loneliness and burnout, and in the promotion of life satisfaction. Evidence found suggests that empathetic abilities can be improved by the professional experience.

The Technology Acceptance of a TV Platform for the Elderly Living Alone or in Public Nursing Homes.

In Mexico, many seniors are alone for most of the day or live in public nursing homes. Simple interaction with computer systems is required for older people. This is why we propose the exploration of a medium well known by seniors, such as the television (TV). The primary objective of this study is to improve the quality of life of seniors through an easier reminder system, using the television set. A technological platform was designed based on interactive television, through which seniors and their caregivers can have a better way to track their daily activities. Finally, an evaluation of the technology adoption was performed with 50 seniors living in two public nursing homes. The evaluation found that the elderly perceived the system as useful, easy to use, and they had a positive attitude and good intention to use it. This helped to generate initial evidence that the system supported them in achieving a better quality of life, by reminding them to take their medications and increasing their rate of attendance to their medical appointments.

Sobrecarga dos cuidadores informais de pacientes de um serviço de atenção domiciliar / Burden of homecare patients' informal caregivers

Introdução: o ato de cuidar de um familiar, embora nobre, reveste-se de risco substancial de doenças, tanto físicas quanto mentais, para aquele que cuida, o cuidador informal. Por ser um processo complexo, pode ocasionar sobrecarga deste cuidador e comprometer sua qualidade de vida. Objetivo: avaliar a sobrecarga de cuidadores informais de pacientes acompanhados em um Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar. Método: pesquisa transversal, descritiva, não experimental, de abordagem quantitativa, com a participação de 79 pacientes e seus respectivos cuidadores informais. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um instrumento de caracterização dos participantes, aplicação do Índice de Desempenho de Karnofsky e Escala de Zarit, Burden Interview, e analisados por estatística descritiva, correlação e comparação de médias. Resultados: entre os cuidadores informais, houve idade média de 55 anos, maioria do sexo feminino (93,70%), casadas (64,60%), ensino médio completo (27,80%) e do lar (19,00%). Dentre os problemas de saúde, predominaram doenças do aparelho circulatório (30,80%) e uso de anti- hipertensivos (30,38%). Identificadas presença de dor (73,42%), classificada como intensa (43,10%), e utilização de serviços públicos de saúde (93,70%), com duas consultas médicas no último ano. Evidenciou-se que 94,90% dos cuidadores informais moravam no mesmo domicílio do paciente, em média três moradores por residência; 67,10% não recebiam apoio do parceiro para o cuidado, porém 63,30% referiram colaboração de alguma pessoa. O tempo médio dedicado ao cuidar foi de 24 horas semanais, 13,90% cuidavam de outras pessoas doentes, e o grau de parentesco predominante foi filho (38,00%). Não foi identificado absenteísmo do trabalho. Entre as tarefas realizadas, teve destaque auxiliar no vestuário (89,90%) e 82,30% mencionaram sono interrompido - média de seis horas por noite. Entre os pacientes, a idade média foi 71 anos, sexo masculino (51,90%), casado/união estável (43,00%), ensino fundamental incompleto (39,20%), média de três filhos, ocupação do lar (17,70%), com residência própria (72,20%), em uso de psicotrópicos e diagnóstico predominante de doenças do sistema nervoso (58,23%). O uso de fralda mostrou-se o dispositivo predominante (72,20%). Identificou-se grau de funcionalidade do paciente, pela Escala KPS, entre 50-60 (70,88%). Com relação à avaliação da sobrecarga do cuidador informal, esta foi classificada como moderada, sendo influenciada pela idade do cuidador (p=0,016), idade do paciente (p=0,047) e utilização do dispositivo gastrostomia (p=0,011). Conclusão: os dados apontam que as equipes multiprofissionais da atenção domiciliar devem propor ações individualizadas aos cuidadores informais, bem como os serviços públicos de saúde devem dispor de espaços capazes de acolhê-los e orientá-los segundo protocolos institucionais direcionados a essa parcela da população, com vistas à redução dos níveis de sobrecarga e consequente melhora da qualidade de vida

Introduction: the act of caregiving for a relative, despite being a noble attitude, is related to a substantial risk of diseases, physical and mental, to the person who acts as an informal caregiver. Since it is a complex process, it may lead to the caregiver's burden and compromise his or her life quality. Objective: evaluate the burden of informal caregivers of patients who are assisted by a Healthcare Service. Method: cross research, descriptive, not experimental, of quantitative approach, with a group of 79 patients and their respective informal caregivers. Data was obtained by a profiling instrument of the participants, applying of Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) and Zarit's Scale, Burden Interview, analyzed by descriptive statistics, correlation and comparing of the average results. Results: among the informal caregivers, it was verified that the average age is 55 years, are mostly women (93,70%), married (64,60%), has a high school degree (27,80%) and housewives (19,00%). Among the health diseases, prevail the circulatory system diseases (30,80%) and use of antihypertensive drugs (30,38%). It was identified the occurrence of pain (73,42%), rated as intense (43,10%), and use of public health services (93,70%), with two medical checks last year. It was possible to verify that 94,90% of the informal caregivers lived at the same home as the patient, with an average of 03 people per domicile; 67,10% did not receive the spouse's support for caregiving, but 63,30% of them reported someone else's cooperation. The observed average time of caregiving was of 24 hours per week; 13,90% gives care for other sick people and the prevailing degree of relatedness is son /daughter (38,00%). Absence from work was not identified. Among the reported tasks, helping the person to get dressed stood out (89,90%). 82,30% of the caregivers mentioned the occurrence of interruption of sleeping (82,30%) - average of six hours per night. Among the patients, it was verified that the average age is 71 years, male (51,90%), married /in a stable union (43,00%), did not complete elementary school (39,20%), has an average of 03 sons, househusbands (17,70%), owner of its own domicile place, users of psychotropic substances and prevailing diagnosis of neurological system diseases (58,23%). Use of diapers is the predominant adopted measurement (72,20%). Identified performance status (KPS) between 50-60 (70,88%). About the informal caregiver's burden, it was rated as moderate level, being influenced by the age of the caregiver (p=0,016), age of the patient (p=0,047) and use of the gastrostomy device (p=0,011). Conclusion: collected data indicates that the homecare multiprofessional teams shall propose individual actions to the informal caregivers, as well as the public health services shall have proper places to teach them according to institutional protocols directed to them, aiming to reduce the burden levels and consequently offering a better quality of life

Sobrecarga dos cuidadores informais de pacientes de um serviço de atenção domiciliar / Burden of homecare patients' informal caregivers

Introdução: o ato de cuidar de um familiar, embora nobre, reveste-se de risco substancial de doenças, tanto físicas quanto mentais, para aquele que cuida, o cuidador informal. Por ser um processo complexo, pode ocasionar sobrecarga deste cuidador e comprometer sua qualidade de vida. Objetivo: avaliar a sobrecarga de cuidadores informais de pacientes acompanhados em um Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar. Método: pesquisa transversal, descritiva, não experimental, de abordagem quantitativa, com a participação de 79 pacientes e seus respectivos cuidadores informais. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um instrumento de caracterização dos participantes, aplicação do Índice de Desempenho de Karnofsky e Escala de Zarit, Burden Interview, e analisados por estatística descritiva, correlação e comparação de médias. Resultados: entre os cuidadores informais, houve idade média de 55 anos, maioria do sexo feminino (93,70%), casadas (64,60%), ensino médio completo (27,80%) e do lar (19,00%). Dentre os problemas de saúde, predominaram doenças do aparelho circulatório (30,80%) e uso de anti- hipertensivos (30,38%). Identificadas presença de dor (73,42%), classificada como intensa (43,10%), e utilização de serviços públicos de saúde (93,70%), com duas consultas médicas no último ano. Evidenciou-se que 94,90% dos cuidadores informais moravam no mesmo domicílio do paciente, em média três moradores por residência; 67,10% não recebiam apoio do parceiro para o cuidado, porém 63,30% referiram colaboração de alguma pessoa. O tempo médio dedicado ao cuidar foi de 24 horas semanais, 13,90% cuidavam de outras pessoas doentes, e o grau de parentesco predominante foi filho (38,00%). Não foi identificado absenteísmo do trabalho. Entre as tarefas realizadas, teve destaque auxiliar no vestuário (89,90%) e 82,30% mencionaram sono interrompido - média de seis horas por noite. Entre os pacientes, a idade média foi 71 anos, sexo masculino (51,90%), casado/união estável (43,00%), ensino fundamental incompleto (39,20%), média de três filhos, ocupação do lar (17,70%), com residência própria (72,20%), em uso de psicotrópicos e diagnóstico predominante de doenças do sistema nervoso (58,23%). O uso de fralda mostrou-se o dispositivo predominante (72,20%). Identificou-se grau de funcionalidade do paciente, pela Escala KPS, entre 50-60 (70,88%). Com relação à avaliação da sobrecarga do cuidador informal, esta foi classificada como moderada, sendo influenciada pela idade do cuidador (p=0,016), idade do paciente (p=0,047) e utilização do dispositivo gastrostomia (p=0,011). Conclusão: os dados apontam que as equipes multiprofissionais da atenção domiciliar devem propor ações individualizadas aos cuidadores informais, bem como os serviços públicos de saúde devem dispor de espaços capazes de acolhê-los e orientá-los segundo protocolos institucionais direcionados a essa parcela da população, com vistas à redução dos níveis de sobrecarga e consequente melhora da qualidade de vida

Introduction: the act of caregiving for a relative, despite being a noble attitude, is related to a substantial risk of diseases, physical and mental, to the person who acts as an informal caregiver. Since it is a complex process, it may lead to the caregiver's burden and compromise his or her life quality. Objective: evaluate the burden of informal caregivers of patients who are assisted by a Healthcare Service. Method: cross research, descriptive, not experimental, of quantitative approach, with a group of 79 patients and their respective informal caregivers. Data was obtained by a profiling instrument of the participants, applying of Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) and Zarit's Scale, Burden Interview, analyzed by descriptive statistics, correlation and comparing of the average results. Results: among the informal caregivers, it was verified that the average age is 55 years, are mostly women (93,70%), married (64,60%), has a high school degree (27,80%) and housewives (19,00%). Among the health diseases, prevail the circulatory system diseases (30,80%) and use of antihypertensive drugs (30,38%). It was identified the occurrence of pain (73,42%), rated as intense (43,10%), and use of public health services (93,70%), with two medical checks last year. It was possible to verify that 94,90% of the informal caregivers lived at the same home as the patient, with an average of 03 people per domicile; 67,10% did not receive the spouse's support for caregiving, but 63,30% of them reported someone else's cooperation. The observed average time of caregiving was of 24 hours per week; 13,90% gives care for other sick people and the prevailing degree of relatedness is son /daughter (38,00%). Absence from work was not identified. Among the reported tasks, helping the person to get dressed stood out (89,90%). 82,30% of the caregivers mentioned the occurrence of interruption of sleeping (82,30%) - average of six hours per night. Among the patients, it was verified that the average age is 71 years, male (51,90%), married /in a stable union (43,00%), did not complete elementary school (39,20%), has an average of 03 sons, househusbands (17,70%), owner of its own domicile place, users of psychotropic substances and prevailing diagnosis of neurological system diseases (58,23%). Use of diapers is the predominant adopted measurement (72,20%). Identified performance status (KPS) between 50-60 (70,88%). About the informal caregiver's burden, it was rated as moderate level, being influenced by the age of the caregiver (p=0,016), age of the patient (p=0,047) and use of the gastrostomy device (p=0,011). Conclusion: collected data indicates that the homecare multiprofessional teams shall propose individual actions to the informal caregivers, as well as the public health services shall have proper places to teach them according to institutional protocols directed to them, aiming to reduce the burden levels and consequently offering a better quality of life

Home-Based Psychiatric Outpatient Care Through Videoconferencing for Depression: A Randomized Controlled Follow-Up Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is a tremendous opportunity for innovative mental health care solutions such as psychiatric care through videoconferencing to increase the number of people who have access to quality care. However, studies are needed to generate empirical evidence on the use of psychiatric outpatient care via videoconferencing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and clinically unsupervised settings. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of home-based treatment for mild depression through psychiatric consultations via videoconferencing. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial with a 6- and 12-month follow-up including adults with mild depression treated in an ambulatory setting was conducted. In total, 107 participants were randomly allocated to the videoconferencing intervention group (n=53) or the face-to-face group (F2F; n=54). The groups did not differ with respect to demographic characteristics at baseline. The F2F group completed monthly follow-up consultations in person. The videoconferencing group received monthly follow-up consultations with a psychiatrist through videoconferencing at home. At baseline and after 6 and 12 months, in-person assessments were conducted with all participants. Clinical outcomes (severity of depression, mental health status, medication course, and relapses), satisfaction with treatment, therapeutic relationship, treatment adherence (appointment compliance and dropouts), and medication adherence were assessed. RESULTS: The severity of depression decreased significantly over the 12-month follow-up in both the groups. There was a significant difference between groups regarding treatment outcomes throughout the follow-up period, with better results in the videoconferencing group. There were 4 relapses in the F2F group and only 1 in the videoconferencing group. No significant differences between groups regarding mental health status, satisfaction with treatment, therapeutic relationship, treatment adherence, or medication compliance were found. However, after 6 months, the rate of dropouts was significantly higher in the F2F group (18.5% vs 5.7% in the videoconferencing group, P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric treatment through videoconferencing in clinically unsupervised settings can be considered feasible and as effective as standard care (in-person treatment) for depressed outpatients with respect to clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, therapeutic relationship, treatment adherence, and medication compliance. These results indicate the potential of telepsychiatry to extend access to psychiatric care to remote and underserved populations. CLINICALTRIAL: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01901315; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01901315 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6jBTrIVwg).

MODELADO Y SIMULACIÓN DE UN ROBOT PARA CIRUGÍA ENDOSCÓPICA TRANSLUMINAL / EVALUATION METHOD OF THE USE OF MEDICAL DEVICES IN THE HOMECARE ENVIRONMENT

El uso de dispositivos médicos en el hogar, originalmente diseñados para uso hospitalario, ha aumentado. Su uso es complejo e inseguro debido a la inexperiencia del usuario y el entorno no controlado. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la seguridad en el uso de este tipo de dispositivos a través de la creación de un modelo conceptual que identifica los riesgos que podrían surgir para un grupo de usuarios inexpertos que los operan. A través de un estudio de usabilidad y siguiendo la metodología Grounded Theory se identificaron problemas y errores que emergen a través del uso en el hogar de dos dispositivos médicos distintos con la finalidad de crear un modelo conceptual. El modelo conceptual obtenido es representado en una herramienta de evaluación, que permite a los interesados identificar el dispositivo médico más apropiado para un usuario específico, detectando las debilidades que pueden llevar a un uso inseguro. La herramienta creada efectivamente permite detectar las características de riesgo, considerando cada situación particular de uso.

The use of medical devices in the home environment, originally designed for hospital use has increased. Its use is complex and uncertain because of the inexperience of the lay user and the uncontrolled environment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety in the use of these devices through the creation of a conceptual model that identifies the risks that could arise for a group of lay users who operate them. Through a usability study and following the Grounded Theory methodology problems and errors were identified emerging through the home use of two different medical devices in order to create a conceptual model. The conceptual model obtained is reified as an evaluation tool that allows stakeholders to identify the most suitable medical device for a specific user, detecting the weaknesses that may lead to an unsafe use. The evaluation tool created effectively allows detecting risky characteristics, considering the particular situation of use.

A construção do cuidado pela equipe de saúde e o cuidador em um programa de atenção domiciliar ao acamado em Porto Alegre (RS, Brasil) / The construction of care by the health team and the caretaker within a home-care program for bedridden patients in Porto Alegre (RS, Brazil)

Este artigo é um estudo de caso cujo objetivo principal foi compreender a construção do cuidado no Programa de Atendimento Domiciliar ao Acamado (PADA) de uma unidade básica de saúde (UBS) em Porto Alegre, RS. Os dados foram obtidos em 13 grupos de cuidadores na UBS e em observação participante registrada em diário de campo nos domicílios. Foi realizada análise das práticas discursivas, inspirada nos conceitos de discurso de Foucault e nos estudos sobre ética e cuidado de si. No transcurso dos grupos, os cuidadores ocuparam um espaço que chamamos metaforicamente de Oráculo de Delfos, lócus de acolhimento, escuta e de suporte. Escutar os diálogos travados entre equipe e cuidadores defrontou-nos com a contradição presente no discurso institucional que ao mesmo tempo que estimula o cuidado de si impõe normas, deveres e fazeres. O cuidado como direito de cidadania em contraposição ao cuidado como submissão e assujeitamento tensionou o grupo em vários momentos. A noção foucaultiana de cuidado compreende uma síntese entre o exercício de uma pessoa sobre ela mesma, tornando-a melhor como ser humano e, ao mesmo tempo, capacitando-a a se tornar melhor como cidadão.

The main objective of this case study was to understand the construction of care in the Homecare Program for Bedridden Patients (PADA) of a basic health unit (UBS) in Porto Alegre, RS. Data were obtained from 13 caretaker groups in the UBS, and participating observation recorded in field diary in the patient's homes. An analysis of the discourse practices was performed inspired in Foucault's discourse concepts speeches and in studies on ethics and self-care. In the groups, the caretaker occupied a space that we metaphorically called the Delphic Oracle, a place for acceptance, listening and support. Hearing the dialogues that took place between the team and the caretakers made us face the contradiction present in the institutional discourse, which both stimulates self-care, and imposes rules, duties, tasks. Care as a citizenship right opposite to care as submission and subjugation created tension inside the group several times. Foucault's notion of care comprises a synthesis of the exercise of a person over his- or herself, making him or her better as a human being and, at the same time, capacitating him or her to become a better citizen.

Fatores potencialmente associados à negligência doméstica entre idosos atendidos em programa de assistência domiciliar / Factors potentially associated to domestic negligence among elders assisted in home assistance program

A violência contra idosos é uma questão social cada vez mais presente em todas as sociedades, até nos países em desenvolvimento. Uma das formas de violência menos conhecidas e denunciadas é a negligência doméstica, especialmente contra idosos que apresentam comprometimento funcional. Este artigo apresenta resultados de um estudo transversal descritivo/analítico realizado com cuidadores familiares de idosos comprometidos atendidos pelo Programa de Assistência Domiciliar a Idosos, da disciplina de geriatria da Escola Paulista de Medicina (Unifesp), com o objetivo de identificar a existência de fatores potencialmente associados à negligência doméstica na situação de cuidados domésticos prestados por familiares. Foram entrevistados quarenta cuidadores, sendo aplicados os questionários de identificação de perfil de idoso e cuidador e o instrumento Caregiver Burden Scale. Os resultados encontrados mostraram a existência de fatores potencialmente associados à negligência doméstica no perfil de idosos e cuidadores e nas correlações significativas entre as variáveis comprometimento funcional do idoso, ações de cuidados e depressão do cuidador, nas dimensões tensão geral e isolamento.

The cases of abuse against elderly people have been growing significantly throughout the entire world. Among the various forms of abuse, one of the less known and denounced is the domestic negligence. As it occurs mostly inside family and nursing homes, it is hardly identified. This article presents the results of a cross-sectional descriptive/analytical study that pointed out the existing factors potentially associated to domestic negligence towards elderly patients attended by the Elderly Home Care Program as part of the discipline of Geriatrics of the Paulista Medical School, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. Interviews were made with 40 familiar caregivers of these patients who had functional disability. The profiles of those patients and their caregivers were identified by questionnaires and the impact on those familiars by the Caregiver Burden Scale. The results revealed the existence of the following factors potentially associated with domestic negligence among elderly people, in the study population: the dimensions general tension and isolation, as well as depression and stress on the caregiver's side, and the elder's functional ability, are the causes that impact the most on caregivers.

Atención domiciliaria de la persona anciana: una perspectiva bioética / Atenção domiciliária da pessoa idosa: uma perspectiva bioética / Home care for the elderly: a bioethical view

Una práctica cada vez más frecuente es la atención domiciliaria de las personas ancianas, la cual genera ciertos problemas que dependen directamente de la longevidad misma, de la patología que pueden padecer y de la actitud que asumen sus familiares o quienes los atienden. El artículo presenta una reflexión sobre esta realidad desde la perspectiva Bioética, con el ánimo de proponer cambios en las actitudes que se adoptan frente al anciano que es atendido en la casa.

A atenção domiciliária das pessoas idosas é uma prática cada vez mais freqüente. Esta origina alguns problemas que dependem diretamente da longevidade do paciente, da patologia que pode sofrer e da atitude que assumam os seus familiares ou quem os cuidam. Neste artigo apresenta-se uma reflexão sobre esta realidade desde a perspectiva bioética, a fim de introduzir mudanças nas atitudes adotadas frente aos idosos cuidados é tratado em casa.

Home care for the elderly is becoming increasingly common. This creates certain problems that are directly dependent on the patient’s longevity, pathology and the attitude assumed by the patient’s family members or caregivers. The article examines the facts of this situation from the standpoint of bioethics, in an effort to propose changes in the attitudes adopted towards the elderly who are cared for at home.

A hipertensão arterial e a família: a necessidade do cuidado familiar / La hipertensión arterial y la familia: la necesidad del cuidado familiar / Arterial hypertension in the family: the need for family care

O estudo, de caráter qualitativo, foi desenvolvido no período de março a julho de 2007, em Maringá - PR, com o objetivo de compreender a experiência da família com a hipertensão arterial (HA), utilizando a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados como referencial metodológico. Os informantes foram 14 famílias que convivem com diferentes estágios da HA. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevistas abertas. Os resultados revelaram que a participação da família é um importante fator para o tratamento e controle da doença, e que esta atuação é diferenciada quando o indivíduo apresenta alguma dependência. Se ocorre dependência, há sobrecarga do cuidador; quando esta não existe, a participação da família é esporádica, resumindo-se em auxiliá-lo no tratamento medicamentoso e acompanhá-lo em visitas ao médico. Em alguns casos, outros membros familiares apresentam mudanças de hábitos relacionadas à alimentação e à prática de atividades físicas. Os resultados reforçam a necessidade de uma assistência ao hipertenso centrada na família.

This qualitative study was performed from March to July 2007 in the city of Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil, and aimed to understand the family's experience with arterial hypertension (AH), using Grounded Theory as the methodological framework. Informants were 14 families that live with different AH stages. The data were obtained through open interviews. The results showed that family participation is an important factor for disease treatment and control, and that this action is differentiated when individuals present some sort of dependence. If dependence occurs, there is caregiver overload; when dependence does not exist, family participation is sporadic, being limited to helping the patients in the drug treatment and accompanying them to the medical appointment. In some cases, other family members present habit changes relating to food and practicing physical activities. The results reinforce the need for family-centered hypertensive patient care.

El estudio, de carácter cualitativo, fue desarrollado en el período de marzo a julio de 2007, en Maringá - PR, con el objetivo de comprender la experiencia de la familia con hipertensión arterial (HA). La Teoría Fundamentada en los Datos fue utilizada como marco metodológico. Los informantes fueron 14 familias que conviven con diferentes niveles de la HA. Los datos fueron obtenidos por medio de entrevistas abiertas. Los resultados revelaron que la participación de la familia constituye un importante factor para el tratamiento y control de la enfermedad y que esta actuación es diferenciada cuando el individuo presenta alguna dependencia. Si ocurre dependencia, aparece una sobrecarga para el cuidador; cuando esta no existe, la participación de la familia es esporádica, resumiéndose a auxiliarlo en el tratamiento medicamentoso y a acompañarlo en las visitas al médico. En algunos casos, otros miembros familiares presentan un cambio de hábitos, relacionados a la alimentación y a la práctica de actividades físicas. Los resultados refuerzan la necesidad de ofrecer una asistencia al hipertenso centrada en la familia.

Costo de hospitalización domiciliaria como alternativa de la hospitalización institucional: periodo enero-diciembre de 2007 / Cost of home care as alternative institutional hospitalization: period January-December 2007

Objetivo: Valorar el costo del servicio de hospitalización domiciliaria en comparación a la hospitalización institucional, teniendo en cuenta el perfil epidemiológico y los días estancia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, longitudinal, realizado con pacientes pertenecientes a una compañía de seguros con productos como pólizas de salud y medicina prepagada, que hicieron uso del servicio de hospitalización domiciliaria e institucional en el período comprendido entre enero - diciembre del año 2007. Resultados: Se encontró que el costo de la hospitalización domiciliaria es el 18% del total del costo de la hospitalización institucional. Se evaluó la diferencia por perfil epidemiológico y por número de días estancia. Conclusiones: La hospitalización domiciliaria es una opción para disminuir el costo de la atención y permite la recuperación del paciente en su entorno.

Objective: To evaluate the cost of hospital at home compared to hospital institution, taking into account the epidemiological profile and the days stay. Methods: A retrospective, longitudinal, conducted with patients of an insurance company with products like health insurance and prepaid-medicine, which made use of hospital and institutional home for the period January to December of 2007. Results: We found that the cost of home hospitalization is 18% of the total institutional cost of hospitalization. The difference was evaluated by epidemiological profile and number of days stay. Conclusions: The home care is an option to reduce the cost of care and allows the recovery of the patient in his environment.

Clínica ampliada em saúde mental: cuidar e suposição de saber no acompanhamento terapêutico / Wide-spectrum clinical interventions in mental health: “care” and “subject supposed to know” in therapeutic assistance

Este trabalho investiga o acompanhamento terapêutico, entendido como intervenção em saúde mental baseada em cuidados domiciliares. Destacamos a importância de intervenções comunitárias privilegiando formas de lidar com o sofrimento, seja através de uma concepção médica dos sintomas, fundada na visibilidade, seja valorizando uma leitura psicanalítica que recorre à escuta. Carecendo de teorização independente que fundamente sua prática, o AT (acompanhamento terapêutico) apropria-se de teorias provenientes de outros campos do saber que guardam afinidades. Neste sentido, abordamos a influência da psicanálise e sua participação na clínica ampliada em saúde mental através da prática clínica do AT, utilizando dois conceitos operatórios de amplo alcance, que são: sujeito suposto saber, proveniente da obra de Lacan, e cuidado, derivado de Winnicott. Ambos respondem a questões do campo teórico e orientam a atuação clínica. Concluímos que o AT realiza exigências do manejo transferencial sob a forma do cuidar exercido no cotidiano do sujeito, no qual desejo e subjetividade são necessariamente reconhecidos, sem que se configure como tecnologia psicoterápica, situando-se mais propriamente como sentinela clínica no campo da psiquiatria comunitária e saúde coletiva.

This paper discusses the theme therapeutic assistance (TA), understood as homecare-based mental health intervention. We emphasize the importance of community interventions for dealing with psychic suffering, either through reading the symptoms based on visibility, or through a psychoanalytic approach mainly concerned with listening. Lacking an independent theoretical background to support this practice, therapeutic assistance makes use of theories coming from other related fields of knowledge. Therefore, we discuss the influence of psychoanalysis and its role among broad spectrum mental health practice through clinical interventions belonging to the field of TA, focusing on two long-range operative concepts: Lacan's subject supposed to know and Winnicott's care (or caring process). Both concepts guide the clinical action and provide answers to theoretical problems within the TA field. We conclude that TA meets some requirements of the classical management of transference by means of a complex care process developed in the daily life and environment of the patient, in which desire and subjectivity are necessarily recognized although no psychotherapic setting is intentionally settled. Therapeutic assistance performs the role of an advanced clinical sentinel in the field of community psychiatry and public health.