Reducing CLABSI through a quality strategy for the implementation of the aseptic non-touch technique in a pediatric ward.

BACKGROUND: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are among the most epidemiologically relevant health care-associated infections. The aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) is a standardized practice used to prevent CLABSIs. In a pediatric hospital, the overall CLABSI rate was 1.92/1000 catheter days (CD). However, in one unit, the rate was 5.7/1000 CD. METHODS: Nurses were trained in ANTT. For the implementation, plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles were completed. Adherence monitoring of the ANTT and epidemiological surveillance were performed. RESULTS: ANTT adherence of 95% was achieved after 6 PDSA cycles. Hand hygiene and general cleaning reached 100% adherence. Port disinfection and material collection had the lowest adherence rates, with 76.2% and 84.7%, respectively. The CLABSI rate decreased from 5.7 to 1.26/1000 CD. CONCLUSION: The implementation of ANTT helped reduce the CLABSI rate. Training and continuous monitoring are key to maintaining ANTT adherence.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales son unas de las infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud con mayor relevancia epidemiológica. La técnica aséptica «no tocar¼ es una práctica estandarizada que se utiliza para prevenir estas infecciones. En un hospital pediátrico, la tasa de infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales fue de 1.92/1000 días de catéter. Sin embargo, en una de las unidades la tasa fue de 5.7/1000 días de catéter. MÉTODO: Se capacitaron enfermeras en la técnica aséptica «no tocar¼. Para la implementación se cumplieron ciclos de planificar-hacer-estudiar-actuar (PHEA). Se realizaron seguimiento de la adherencia a la técnica y vigilancia epidemiológica. RESULTADOS: Se logró una adherencia a la técnica aséptica «no tocar¼ del 95% después de seis ciclos. La higiene de manos y la limpieza general alcanzaron un 100% de cumplimiento. La desinfección de los puertos y la recolección de material alcanzaron la menor adherencia, con un 76.2% y un 84.7%, respectivamente. La tasa de infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales disminuyó de 5.7 a 1.26 por 1000 días de catéter. CONCLUSIONES: La implementación de la técnica aséptica «no tocar¼ ayudó en la reducción de infecciones relacionadas con catéteres venosos centrales. La capacitación y el seguimiento continuo son clave para mantener el cumplimiento de la técnica.

Medical students within the Radiology Departments: Drawback or opportunity?

University Radiology training has been carried out for years out of the Radiology Departments, where radiologists play their professional role. However, the educational needs and the leadership of the Scientific Societies make the Radiology Departments to be involved more and more in that training, though it has to be done in overloaded professional environments where medical students can be seen as a drawback. Nevertheless, radiologists must play an important role in the Radiology training of the future doctors for optimising the use of diagnostic imaging techniques and enhance the future of the specialty by bringing to our Departments those medical students who had demonstrated the most adequate personal profiles. The Radiology Department is that place to succeed by increasing the healthcare outcomes, the research results and the visibility of Radiology through a fruitful interaction between radiologists and medical students.

Applications of artificial intelligence in surgery: clinical, technical, and governance considerations.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will power many of the tools in the armamentarium of digital surgeons. AI methods and surgical proof-of-concept flourish, but we have yet to witness clinical translation and value. Here we exemplify the potential of AI in the care pathway of colorectal cancer patients and discuss clinical, technical, and governance considerations of major importance for the safe translation of surgical AI for the benefit of our patients and practices.

Reducing urinary tract infection rates in post-operative surgical patients: A quality improvement intervention.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The Scarborough Health Network joined the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) in fiscal year 2017-2018 with interest in tracking surgical outcomes in General and Vascular Surgery patients. Results of the ACS NSQIP program revealed poor outcomes in 30-day urinary tract infection (UTI) rates in this population group. Results were in the lowest quartile compared to peer hospitals. To improve patient care, SHN initiated a multi-pronged quality improvement plan (QIP). METHODS: The QIP focused on several improvements: (1) clarify the current state and conduct a root cause analysis, (2) determine a plan to encourage early removal of catheters in post-surgical patients, (3) enhance team communication in the pre-operative, operative and post-operative care environments, and (4) improve education around UTI prevention and treatment. RESULTS: This study demonstrates the success of the quality improvement plan to improve a peri-operative complication in surgical patients. By 2019, SHN saw a significant decrease in UTI rates, and became a top decile performer in ACS NSQIP. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility and success of implementing a quality improvement project, and its methods can be adapted at other hospital sites to improve patient care.

Presence of metallic components in transdermal drug delivery systems and risk of skin burns. / [Artículo traducido] Presencia de partículas metálicas en parches transdérmicos de medicamentos y riesgo de quemaduras.

OBJECTIVE: Skin burns are associated with the presence of metallic components in transdermal drug delivery systems during Magnetic Resonance Imaging, cardioversion or defibrillation procedures. The aim of the study was to review the presence of metallic components in marketed products of transdermal drug delivery systems in Spain. METHOD: For each presentation, the summary of product characteristics was reviewed. If the information was not provided, manufacturers were contacted. RESULTS: We identified 59 marketed products of transdermal drug delivery systems of 12 different active substances. 59.3% of patches contained metallic components or their presence could not be ruled out. Information regarding the need to remove the patch was only included in 8 summaries of product characteristics (13.6%). A table was elaborated and included the following aspects: product, active substance, manufacturer, need to remove the patch before the exposure to magnetic or electric fields and references. CONCLUSION: More than a half of the patches at the time of the study contained metals or their absence could not be confirmed by the manufacturer. However, this information was only included in 13.6% of summaries of product characteristics.

Assessing the implementation of a comprehensive quality management system for cross-sectoral psycho-oncology in Germany.

INTRODUCTION: Quality management in healthcare is essential for safe, effective, and patient-centered services. Quality management systems (QMS) monitor and improve healthcare quality. Integrating QMS is crucial for optimal quality of care, but previous studies show gaps in integration. This study aims to assess program adherence to a QMS in cross-sectoral psycho-oncological care and to develop strategies for better integration, ultimately improving healthcare quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used a utility analysis to assess the program adherence of a cross-sectoral psycho-oncology care program using a 5-point scale. The evaluation process involved breaking down the program into distinct areas, and used key figures and developed indicators to assess adherence. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: The study conducted a comprehensive assessment of program adherence in a complex care program, analysing 4460 evaluation cases based on 128 quality indicators. The results showed a score of 4.2 out of 5 points (84%), indicating a highly effective implementation of the QMS. Notably, the study observed successful implementation of top-down elements, while encountering more challenges in integrating bottom-up aspects. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates effective implementation of a comprehensive QMS. Successful integration was observed in areas such as care concept, care management, quality assurance, and IT-based documentation, while challenges remain in quality development and indicators. Active leadership involvement, staff training, data collection, and a learning culture are essential for successful implementation. Future research should assess the impact and cost-effectiveness of QMSs and develop tailored approaches to sustain healthcare professionals' motivation in quality improvement efforts.

Improvement in the quality of pressure injury prevention in an intensive care unit / Mejora de la calidad de la prevención de lesiones por presión en una unidad de cuidados intensivos / Melhoria da qualidade da prevenção de lesão por pressão em uma unidade de terapia intensiva

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the effect of implementing a quality improvement project on the process of pressure injury prevention in an adult Intensive Care Unit. Method: a quality improvement project for the pressure injury prevention process was carried out in an adult Intensive Care Unit of a public hospital from November 2022 to July 2023. It was developed following the steps of an improvement cycle. The quality level of pressure injury prevention was measured before and after the interventions, using six quality criteria. Data collection for the first assessment was conducted in March 2023, retrospectively, referring to November and December 2022 and January 2023. Quality reassessment occurred in July 2023, also retrospectively, referring to April, May, and June 2023. Interventions included changes in records related to assistance in pressure injury prevention and education/awareness of the team on pressure injury prevention. Results: the initial quality assessment showed that the compliance level of pressure injury prevention was low, with virtually all criteria showing rates below 50%. After the interventions, there was an increase in compliance with almost all criteria. Conclusion: the use of a quality improvement project enabled the improvement of the pressure injury prevention process and contributed to the scientific community by corroborating the effectiveness of these projects in implementing pressure injury prevention programs, as well as prompting reflection on the multifactorial nature involved in this preventive process.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de la implementación de un proyecto de mejora de la calidad en el proceso de prevención de lesiones por presión en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos para adultos. Método: se llevó a cabo un proyecto de mejora de la calidad del proceso de prevención de lesiones por presión en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos para adultos de un hospital público, entre noviembre de 2022 y julio de 2023. Este proyecto se desarrolló siguiendo las etapas de un ciclo de mejora. El nivel de calidad en la prevención de lesiones por presión se midió antes y después de las intervenciones, utilizando seis criterios de calidad. La recopilación de datos para la primera evaluación se realizó en marzo de 2023, retrospectivamente, para los meses de noviembre y diciembre de 2022 y enero de 2023. La reevaluación de la calidad se llevó a cabo en julio de 2023, también retrospectivamente, para los meses de abril, mayo y junio de 2023. Las intervenciones incluyeron cambios en los registros relacionados con la asistencia en la prevención de lesiones por presión y la educación/concientización del equipo sobre la prevención de lesiones por presión. Resultados: la evaluación inicial de la calidad mostró que el nivel de conformidad en la prevención de lesiones por presión era bajo, con casi todos los criterios presentando tasas inferiores al 50%. Después de las intervenciones, hubo un aumento en la conformidad en casi todos los criterios. Conclusión: el uso de un proyecto de mejora de la calidad permitió mejorar el proceso de prevención de lesiones por presión y contribuyó con la comunidad científica, al corroborar la eficacia de estos proyectos en la implementación de programas de prevención de lesiones por presión, así como para promover la reflexión sobre los múltiples factores involucrados en este proceso preventivo.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da implementação de um projeto de melhoria da qualidade no processo de prevenção de lesão por pressão numa Unidade de Terapia Intensiva adulto. Método: Projeto de melhoria da qualidade do processo de prevenção de lesão por pressão, realizado em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva adulto, de um hospital público, no período de novembro/2022 a julho/2023. Foi desenvolvido seguindo as etapas de um ciclo de melhoria. O nível de qualidade da prevenção de lesão por pressão foi medido antes e depois das intervenções, utilizando seis critérios de qualidade. A coleta de dados da primeira avaliação foi realizada em março/2023, de forma retrospectiva, referente aos meses de novembro e dezembro/2022 e janeiro/2023. A reavaliação de qualidade ocorreu em julho de 2023, também de forma retrospectiva, referente aos meses de abril, maio e junho/2023. As intervenções incluíram mudanças nos registros relacionados à assistência na prevenção de LP e educação/sensibilização da equipe sobre prevenção de lesão por pressão. Resultados: A avaliação inicial da qualidade mostrou que o nível de conformidade de prevenção de lesão por pressão era baixo, com praticamente todos os critérios apresentando taxas inferiores a 50%. Após as intervenções, houve aumento na conformidade de quase todos os critérios. Conclusão: A utilização de um projeto de melhoria de qualidade possibilitou a melhora do processo de prevenção de lesão por pressão e contribuiu com a comunidade científica, ao corroborar a eficácia destes projetos na implementação de programas de prevenção lesão por pressão, bem como incitou a reflexão acerca da multifatorialidade envolvida neste processo preventivo.

Presence of metallic components in transdermal drug delivery systems and risk of skin burns.

OBJECTIVE: Skin burns are associated with the presence of metallic components in transdermal drug delivery systems during Magnetic Resonance Imaging, cardioversion, or defibrillation procedures. The aim of the study was to review the presence of metallic components in marketed products of transdermal drug delivery systems in Spain. METHOD: For each pharmaceutical form, the summary of product characteristics was reviewed. If the information was not provided, manufacturers were contacted. RESULTS: We identified 59 marketed products of transdermal drug delivery systems of 12 different active substances. 59.3% of patches contained metallic components or their presence could not be ruled out. Information regarding the need to remove the patch was only included in 8 summaries of product characteristics (13.6%) A table was elaborated and included the following aspects: product, active substance, manufacturer, need to remove the patch before the exposure to magnetic or electric fields, and references. CONCLUSION: More than a half of the patches at the time of the study contained metals or their absence could not be confirmed by the manufacturer. However, this information was only included in 13.6% of summaries of product characteristics.

Rol de los cuidados perioperatorios guiados por protocolo para mejorar la recuperación tras la cirugía de cáncer de cabeza y cuello: experiencia institucional / Role of protocol-guided perioperative care to enhance recovery after head and neck neoplasm surgery: An institutional experience

Antecedentes: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) mejora la recuperación tras la cirugía. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si ERAS causa una reducción de la estancia hospitalaria y mejora la recuperación funcional global tras la cirugía de cáncer de cabeza y cuello. Métodos Realizamos un estudio prospectivo de control de casos histórico tras la aplicación de ERAS. La base de datos del hospital seleccionó 50 pacientes elegibles confirmados para el grupo control no ERAS, incluyéndose prospectivamente 54 pacientes en el grupo ERAS. El resultado primario fue el tiempo transcurrido hasta la disposición al alta (TRD), siendo los resultados secundarios la duración de la estancia hospitalaria (DEH), la tasa de reingreso de hasta 30 días y la puntuación QoR-15 (Quality of recovery). Los datos fueron comparados mediante pruebas paramétricas y no paramétricas adecuadas. Resultados Los datos demográficos basales de los pacientes fueron comparables entre ambos grupos. Los pacientes del grupo ERAS reflejaron un TRD significativamente más breve, en comparación con el grupo no ERAS: 8 (6-10) frente a 11 (8-16); p=0,002. La DEH fue también significativamente más corta en el grupo ERAS en comparación con el grupo no ERAS (8 [7-11] frente a 12 [9-17]; valor p=0,002). El reingreso en el plazo de 30 días no fue diferente, con una cifra de 6 pacientes en cada grupo. La puntuación QoR-15 fue estadísticamente mejor en el grupo ERAS (94,88±12,50) en comparación con el grupo no ERAS (85,44±12,68; p <0,001). Conclusión La implementación del programa ERAS redujo el TRD y la DEH, mejorando la puntuación QoR-15 sobre el resultado de la recuperación reportado por el paciente en las cirugías de cáncer de cabeza y cuello. (AU)

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) improve recovery after surgery. This study aimed to determine whether ERAS leads to a decrease in stay in the hospital and improves global and functional recovery after head and neck neoplasms surgery. Methods We performed a prospective case and historical control study after the ERAS application. The hospital database selected 50 confirmed eligible patients in control non-ERAS group. Prospectively 54 patients were included in the ERAS group. The primary outcome was time to readiness for discharge (TRD); secondary outcomes were the length of stay (LOS), readmission rate of up to 30 days and Quality of recovery score QoR-15. Data were compared with appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests. Results Baseline demographic data of patients were comparable between the two groups. Patients in ERAS group had significantly shorter TRD compared to the non-ERAS group 8 (6-10) versus 11 (8-16); P=.002. LOS was also significantly shorter in the ERAS group compared to the non-ERAS group (8 [7-11] versus 12 [9-17]; P=.002). Readmission at 30-days was no different, with six patients in each group. QoR-15 score was statistically better in ERAS group (94.88±12.50) compared to non-ERAS group (85.44±12.68; P<.001). Conclusion Implementing the ERAS programme decreased TRD and LOS and improved patient-reported recovery outcome QoR-15 in head and neck neoplasms surgery. (AU)

Evaluación poblacional del impacto del nivel socioeconómico en los resultados clínicos en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca en entornos de atención integrada / Population-based evaluation of the impact of socioeconomic status on clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure in integrated care settings

Introduction and objectives: Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). We aimed to examine the influence of SES on health outcomes after a quality of care improvement intervention for the management of HF integrating hospital and primary care resources in a health care area of 209 255 inhabitants.MethodsWe conducted a population-based pragmatic evaluation of the implementation of an integrated HF program by conducting a natural experiment using health care data. We included all individuals consecutively admitted to hospital with at least one ICD-9-CM code for HF as the primary diagnosis and discharged alive in Catalonia between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. We compared outcomes between patients exposed to the new HF program and those in the remaining health care areas, globally and stratified by SES.ResultsA total of 77 554 patients were included in the study. Death occurred in 37 469 (48.3%), clinically-related hospitalization in 41 709 (53.8%) and HF readmission in 29 755 (38.4%). On multivariate analysis, low or very low SES was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death and clinically-related hospitalization (all Ps <.05). The multivariate models showed a significant reduction in the risk of all-cause death (HR, 0.812; 95%CI, 0.723-0.912), clinically-related hospitalization (HR, 0.886; 95%CI, 0.805-0.976) and HF hospitalization (HR, 0.838; 95%CI, 0.745-0.944) in patients exposed to the new HF program compared with patients exposed to the remaining health care areas and this effect was independent of SES.ConclusionsAn intensive transitional HF management program improved clinical outcomes, both overall and across SES strata. (AU)

Introducción y objetivos: El nivel socioeconómico (NSE) bajo se asocia con malos resultados en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). Nuestro objetivo es examinar la influencia del NSE en los resultados de salud tras una intervención de mejora de la calidad en el abordaje de la IC en un área de salud integrada de 209.255 habitantes.MétodosSe efectuó una evaluación pragmática poblacional utilizando bases de datos administrativas y sanitarias. Se incluyó a todas las personas consecutivas hospitalizadas con un código CIE-9-CM de IC como diagnóstico principal y dadas de alta vivas en Cataluña entre el 1 de enero de 2015 y el 31 de diciembre de 2019. Se compararon los resultados entre los pacientes expuestos al nuevo programa de IC y los de las demás áreas asistenciales, en general y según su NSE.ResultadosSe incluyó a 77.554 pacientes. Los eventos adversos fueron: muerte en 37.469 (48,3%), hospitalización clínicamente relacionada en 41.709 (53,8%) y reingreso por IC en 29.755 (38,4%). El NSE bajo o muy bajo se asoció con un mayor riesgo de eventos clínicos adversos (p <0,05). Se observó una reducción significativa del riesgo de muerte (HR=0,812; IC95%, 0,723-0,912), hospitalización relacionada con la clínica (HR=0,886; IC95%, 0,805-0,976) y por IC (HR=0,838; IC95%, 0,745-0,944) en los pacientes expuestos al nuevo programa frente a los de las demás áreas sanitarias y este efecto fue independiente del NSE.ConclusionesUn programa de atención transicional para la IC mejoró los resultados clínicos, tanto en general como en todos los estratos de NSE. (AU)

Role of protocol-guided perioperative care to enhance recovery after head and neck neoplasm surgery: An institutional experience.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) improve recovery after surgery. This study aimed to determine whether ERAS leads to a decrease in stay in the hospital and improves global and functional recovery after head and neck neoplasms surgery. METHODS: We performed a prospective case and historical control study after the ERAS application. The hospital database selected 50 confirmed eligible patients in control non-ERAS group. Prospectively 54 patients were included in the ERAS group. The primary outcome was time to readiness for discharge (TRD); secondary outcomes were the length of stay (LOS), readmission rate of up to 30 days and Quality of recovery score QoR-15. Data were compared with appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Baseline demographic data of patients were comparable between the two groups. Patients in ERAS group had significantly shorter TRD compared to the non-ERAS group 8 (6-10) vs 11 (8-16); p-value = 0.002. LOS was also significantly shorter in the ERAS group compared to the non-ERAS group [8 (7-11) vs 12 (9-17); p-value = 0.002]. Readmission at 30-days was no different, with six patients in each group. QoR-15 score was statistically better in ERAS group (94.88 ±â€¯12.50) compared to non-ERAS group (85.44 ±â€¯12.68) [p value < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Implementing the ERAS programme decreased TRD and LOS and improved patient-reported recovery outcome QoR-15 in head and neck neoplasms surgery.

Valoración de un nuevo apósito para úlceras por presión: a propósito de un caso / Assessment for a new dressing for pressure ulcers: regarding a case

El objetivo de este estudio fue valorar la aplicación de un nuevo apósito superabsorbente a propósito de un caso clínico de un paciente con una úlcera por presión (UPP) con alto nivel exudativo, maceración de la piel perilesional, molestias y dolor. El paciente presentaba múltiples comorbilidades, estaba institucionalizado, desorientado, y presentaba una UPP grado IV. Accedió a comenzar un tratamiento con un apósito superabsorbente de nueva implementación en la institución. Se realizó una valoración en conjunto con su enfermera de la residencia según las Necesidades de Virginia Henderson. Según los resultados de dicha valoración se enunció un plan de cuidados con Diagnósticos NANDA, Resultados NOC con sus indicadores e Intervenciones NIC con sus actividades. Se priorizaron cuatro diagnósticos enfermeros: [00032] Patrón respiratorio ineficaz, [00129] Confusión crónica, [00312] Lesión por presión en el adulto y [00132] Dolor agudo. Los resultados NOC enunciados fueron [0402] Estado respiratorio: intercambio gaseoso, [0912] Estado neurológico: consciencia, [1101] Integridad tisular: piel y membranas mucosas, [110123] Necrosis, [1103] Curación de la herida: por segunda intención, [1004] Estado nutricional y [2109] Nivel de malestar. El plan de cuidados fue eficaz en el alcance de la puntuación diana de todos los indicadores excepto el indicador [110115] Lesiones cutáneas, cuya puntuación al alta se mantuvo igual que al ingreso, en 1 “grave”. El nuevo apósito disminuyó el exudado de la úlcera, redujo el tejido necrotizado y mejoró los bordes perilesionales. Esto mejoró a su vez el malestar del paciente al disminuir la frecuencia de cura de tres veces al día a una.(AU)

The objective of this study was to assess the application of a new super absorbent dressing, regarding the clinical case of a patient with one pressure ulcer (PU) with high levels of exudate, maceration of the perilesional skin, discomfort and pain. The patient presented multiple comorbidities; he was institutionalized, disoriented, and presented a Grade IV PU. The patient agreed to initiate treatment with a super absorbent dressing newly implemented at the institution. There was joint assessment with his nurse at the elderly home, according to Virginia Henderson’s Needs. Based on the results of said assessment, a plan of care was stated with NANDA diagnoses, NOC outcomes with their indicators, and NIC interventions with their activities. Four nursing diagnoses were prioritized: [00032] Ineffective breathing pattern, [00129] Chronic confusion, [00312] Pressure lesion in adults, and [00132] Acute pain. The NOC outcomes stated were [0402] Respiratory Status: Gas Exchange, [0912] Neurological status: Consciousness; [1101] Tissue Integrity: Skin and mucous membranes, [110123] Necrosis, [1103] Wound healing: Second intention, [1004] Nutritional status, and [2109] Discomfort level. The plan of care was effective at reaching the target score in all indicators except for [110115] Skin lesions with high score that stays the same than at admission, at 1 “severe”. The new dressing reduced the ulcer exudate and the necrotic tissue, and improved the perilesional edges. At the same time, there was an improvement in discomfort for the patient by reducing the frequency of cures from three times to once a day.(AU)

Líneas de mejora asistencial entre dermatólogos y farmacéuticos hospitalarios para el manejo y seguimiento de la dermatitis atópica: consenso Delphi / Improving the Management and Follow-up of Atopic Dermatitis: A Delphi Process Report of Consensus Between Hospital Dermatologists and Pharmacists

El control de la dermatitis atópica (DA), una de las dermatosis más frecuentes, es en muchas ocasiones un reto terapéutico. En el presente estudio se ha utilizado la metodología Delphi con el objetivo de poner en común las perspectivas del dermatólogo y del farmacéutico hospitalario ante el manejo de la DA y establecer una serie de recomendaciones de actuación adaptadas a las diferentes situaciones que plantea la enfermedad. El cuestionario Delphi ha sido definido por un comité científico y se ha dividido en 2bloques: 1) valoración de la respuesta al tratamiento del paciente con DA, y 2) cooperación entre Dermatología y Farmacia Hospitalaria (FH). Como resultado del estudio, se ha alcanzado un consenso total del 86%. Se concluye que el dermatólogo y el farmacéutico hospitalario deben tener una buena comunicación y trabajar coordinados para conseguir optimizar el manejo del paciente con DA y su respuesta al tratamiento (AU)

Managing atopic dermatitis, one of the most common dermatologic conditions, is often challenging. To establish consensus on recommendations for responding to various situations that arise when treating atopic dermatitis, a group of hospital pharmacists and dermatologists used the Delphi process. A scientific committee developed a Delphi survey with 2 blocks of questions to explore the group's views on 1) evaluating response to treatment in the patient with atopic dermatitis and 2) cooperation between the dermatology department and the hospital pharmacy service. The experts achieved an overall rate of consensus of 86% during the process. Conclusions were that dermatologists and hospital pharmacists must maintain good communication and coordinate their interventions to optimize the management of atopic dermatitis and patients’ responses to treatment (AU)

[Translated article] Improving the Management and Follow-up of Atopic Dermatitis: A Delphi Process Report of Consensus Between Hospital Dermatologists and Pharmacists / Líneas de mejora asistencial entre dermatólogos y farmacéuticos hospitalarios para el manejo y seguimiento de la dermatitis atópica: consenso Delphi

Managing atopic dermatitis, one of the most common dermatologic conditions, is often challenging. To establish consensus on recommendations for responding to various situations that arise when treating atopic dermatitis, a group of hospital pharmacists and dermatologists used the Delphi process. A scientific committee developed a Delphi survey with 2 blocks of questions to explore the group's views on 1) evaluating response to treatment in the patient with atopic dermatitis and 2) cooperation between the dermatology department and the hospital pharmacy service. The experts achieved an overall rate of consensus of 86% during the process. Conclusions were that dermatologists and hospital pharmacists must maintain good communication and coordinate their interventions to optimize the management of atopic dermatitis and patients’ responses to treatment (AU)

El control de la dermatitis atópica (DA), una de las dermatosis más frecuentes, es en muchas ocasiones un reto terapéutico. En el presente estudio se ha utilizado la metodología Delphi con el objetivo de poner en común las perspectivas del dermatólogo y del farmacéutico hospitalario ante el manejo de la DA y establecer una serie de recomendaciones de actuación adaptadas a las diferentes situaciones que plantea la enfermedad. El cuestionario Delphi ha sido definido por un comité científico y se ha dividido en 2bloques: 1) valoración de la respuesta al tratamiento del paciente con DA, y 2) cooperación entre Dermatología y Farmacia Hospitalaria (FH). Como resultado del estudio, se ha alcanzado un consenso total del 86%. Se concluye que el dermatólogo y el farmacéutico hospitalario deben tener una buena comunicación y trabajar coordinados para conseguir optimizar el manejo del paciente con DA y su respuesta al tratamiento (AU)

Improving the Management and Follow-up of Atopic Dermatitis: A Delphi Process Report of Consensus Between Hospital Dermatologists and Pharmacists. / Líneas de mejora asistencial entre dermatólogos y farmacéuticos hospitalarios para el manejo y seguimiento de la dermatitis atópica: consenso Delphi.

Managing atopic dermatitis, one of the most common dermatologic conditions, is often challenging. To establish consensus on recommendations for responding to various situations that arise when treating atopic dermatitis, a group of hospital pharmacists and dermatologists used the Delphi process. A scientific committee developed a Delphi survey with 2 blocks of questions to explore the group's views on 1) evaluating response to treatment in the patient with atopic dermatitis and 2) cooperation between the dermatology department and the hospital pharmacy service. The experts achieved an overall rate of consensus of 86% during the process. Conclusions were that dermatologists and hospital pharmacists must maintain good communication and coordinate their interventions to optimize the management of atopic dermatitis and patients' responses to treatment.

Population-based evaluation of the impact of socioeconomic status on clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure in integrated care settings.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). We aimed to examine the influence of SES on health outcomes after a quality of care improvement intervention for the management of HF integrating hospital and primary care resources in a health care area of 209 255 inhabitants. METHODS: We conducted a population-based pragmatic evaluation of the implementation of an integrated HF program by conducting a natural experiment using health care data. We included all individuals consecutively admitted to hospital with at least one ICD-9-CM code for HF as the primary diagnosis and discharged alive in Catalonia between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. We compared outcomes between patients exposed to the new HF program and those in the remaining health care areas, globally and stratified by SES. RESULTS: A total of 77 554 patients were included in the study. Death occurred in 37 469 (48.3%), clinically-related hospitalization in 41 709 (53.8%) and HF readmission in 29 755 (38.4%). On multivariate analysis, low or very low SES was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death and clinically-related hospitalization (all Ps <.05). The multivariate models showed a significant reduction in the risk of all-cause death (HR, 0.812; 95%CI, 0.723-0.912), clinically-related hospitalization (HR, 0.886; 95%CI, 0.805-0.976) and HF hospitalization (HR, 0.838; 95%CI, 0.745-0.944) in patients exposed to the new HF program compared with patients exposed to the remaining health care areas and this effect was independent of SES. CONCLUSIONS: An intensive transitional HF management program improved clinical outcomes, both overall and across SES strata.

Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPS) in pediatric primary care.

Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to global health. Optimizing the use of antibiotics is a key measure to prevent and control this problem. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) are designed to improve clinical outcomes, minimize adverse effects and protect patients, and to ensure the administration of cost-effective treatments. Inappropriate use of antibiotics also occurs in pediatric clinical practice. For this reason, ASPs should include specific objectives and strategies aimed at pediatricians and families. Implementing these programs requires the involvement of institutions and policy makers, healthcare providers as well as individuals, adapting them to the characteristics of each healthcare setting. Pediatric primary care (PPC) faces specific issues such as high demand and immediacy, scarce specialized professional resources, difficulties to access regular training and to obtain feedback. This requires the design of specific policies and strategies to achieve the objectives, including structural and organizational measures, improvement of the information flow and accessibility to frequent trainings. These programs should reach all health professionals, promoting regular trainings, prescription support tools and supplying diagnostic tests, with adequate coordination between health care levels. Periodic evaluations and surveillance tools are useful to assess the impact of the actions taken and to provide feedback to health providers in order to adapt and improve their clinical practice to meet ASPs objectives.

Improving emergency department care of infants with acute bronchiolitis by reducing the use of unrecommended drugs: a quality-of-care initiative in a Spanish autonomous community. / Iniciativa de mejora para reducir el uso de fármacos no recomendados en el manejo de lactantes con bronquiolitis aguda en los servicios de urgencias de una comunidad autónoma.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of a quality-of-care improvement program implemented in emergency departments (EDs) in a Spanish autonomous community with the aim of reducing the use of unrecommended drugs when treating infants for acute bronchiolitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Before-after quasi-experimental intervention study. We retrospectively included infants aged 12 months or less who were treated for acute bronchiolitis in 24 Spanish national health system hospital EDs in December during 2 epidemic periods: in 2018, before implementing the program, and in 2019, after implementation. Data collected included epidemiologic information, clinical and care details, and clinical course. The program consisted of providing informative material and training sessions before the epidemic period started. RESULTS: A total of 7717 episodes (4007 in 2018 and 2710 in 2019) were identified. Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics did not differ between the 2 periods. ED use of the following treatments decreased between the 2 periods: salbutamol, from 29.4% (95% CI, 28.8%-30.8%) in 2018 to 10.6% (95% CI, 9.6%-11.6%) in 2019; epinephrine from 6.0% (95% CI, 5.3%-6.8%) to 0.9% (95% CI, 0.7%-1.3%); and hypertonic saline solution fell from 8.2% (95% CI, 7.3%-9.1%) to 2.1% (95% CI, 1.7%-2.6%) (P.001, all comparisons). Prescriptions for salbutamol on discharge fell from 38.7% (95% CI, 36.9%-40.4%) to 10.6% (95% CI, 9.6%-11.6%) (P.001). Admissions and readmissions did not change, and the median time (interquartile range) spent in the ED fell from 81 (44-138) minutes to 66 (37-127) minutes (P.001). CONCLUSION: The quality-of-care improvement initiative was able to decrease the number of unrecommended therapeutic interventions for acute bronchiolitis. However, we identified great variations between EDs, suggesting that training and assessment of impact should continue.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto de una iniciativa de mejora realizada en los servicios de urgencias (SU) de una comunidad autónoma para reducir el uso de fármacos no recomendados en lactantes con bronquiolitis aguda (BA). METODO: Estudio cuasi-experimental analítico del tipo "antes y después de una intervención". Se incluyeron de forma retrospectiva todas las BA en niños # 12 meses atendidas en los SU de 24 hospitales públicos durante el mes de diciembre de dos periodos epidémicos: 2018 (preintervención) y 2019 (postintervención). Se recogieron variables epidemiológicas, clínicas, asistenciales y evolutivas. La intervención consistió en difundir material informativo y realizar actividades formativas previas al periodo epidémico. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 7.717 episodios (2018: 4.007 y 2019: 3.710). No existieron diferencias en las características epidemiológicas y clínicas. El empleo de salbutamol en los SU descendió del 29,4% [intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%): 28,8-30,8] en 2018 al 10,6% (IC 95%: 9,6-11,6) en 2019 (p 0,001), el de adrenalina del 6,0% (IC 95%: 5,3-6,8) al 0,9% (IC 95%: 0,7-1,3) y el de suero salino hipertónico del 8,2% (IC 95%: 7,3-9,1) al 2,1% (IC 95%: 1,7-2,6) (p 0,001). La prescripción al alta de salbutamol se redujo del 38,7% (IC 95%: 36,9-40,4) al 10,6% (IC 95%: 9,6-11,6) (p 0,001). La tasa de ingreso y la tasa de readmisión no cambiaron y la mediana de tiempo de estancia en los SU se redujo 81 minutos [rango intercuartil (RIC) 44-138] a 66 (RIQ: 37-127) (p 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: La iniciativa de mejora ha conseguido disminuir la tasa de intervenciones terapéuticas no indicadas en BA. Sin embargo, existe una gran variabilidad entre los diferentes SU por lo que la estrategia y la medición de su impacto deben mantenerse en el tiempo.

Programas de optimización del uso de antibióticos (PROA) en pediatría de atención primaria / Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPS) in pediatric primary care

La resistencia a antibióticos supone una amenaza para la salud pública a nivel mundial. Su estrecha relación con el consumo de antibióticos hace necesaria la adopción de medidas para optimizar su uso. Los programas de optimización del uso de antibióticos (PROA) se diseñan para mejorar los resultados clínicos de los pacientes con infecciones, minimizar los efectos adversos asociados a su uso y garantizar la administración de tratamientos costo-eficientes. En la práctica clínica pediátrica el uso inadecuado de antibióticos es una realidad. Es por ello que los PROA deben incluir objetivos y estrategias específicos dirigidos a familias y pediatras. La implementación de estos programas requiere la implicación de instituciones, profesionales y población, adaptándolos a las características de cada ámbito asistencial. La atención primaria (AP) pediátrica presenta unas peculiaridades organizativas y asistenciales (hiperdemanda e inmediatez, escasos recursos profesionales especializados, dificultades en el acceso a la formación continuada y a la retroalimentación informativa) que exigen el diseño de medidas y estrategias propias para conseguir los objetivos fijados, que incluyan medidas estructurales, organizativas, de flujo de información y de formación continuada. Es necesario que estos programas alcancen a todos los profesionales, abordando la formación continuada, las herramientas de apoyo a la prescripción y el acceso a pruebas diagnósticas, con la adecuada coordinación interniveles. Se debe evaluar periódicamente el impacto de las distintas acciones en los objetivos planteados. La información generada debe revertir a los profesionales para que puedan adaptar su práctica clínica a la consecución óptima de los objetivos. (AU)

Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to global health. Optimizing the use of antibiotics is a key measure to prevent and control this problem. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) are designed to improve clinical outcomes, minimize adverse effects and protect patients, and to ensure the administration of cost-effective treatments. Inappropriate use of antibiotics also occurs in pediatric clinical practice. For this reason, ASPs should include specific objectives and strategies aimed at pediatricians and families. Implementing these programs requires the involvement of institutions and policy makers, healthcare providers as well as individuals, adapting them to the characteristics of each healthcare setting. Pediatric primary care (PPC) faces specific issues such as high demand and immediacy, scarce specialized professional resources, difficulties to access regular training and to obtain feedback. This requires the design of specific policies and strategies to achieve the objectives, including structural and organizational measures, improvement of the information flow and accessibility to frequent trainings. These programs should reach all health professionals, promoting regular trainings, prescription support tools and supplying diagnostic tests, with adequate coordination between health care levels. Periodic evaluations and surveillance tools are useful to assess the impact of the actions taken and to provide feedback to health providers in order to adapt and improve their clinical practice to meet ASPs objectives. (AU)

Trombosis venosa de retina. Auditoría de un programa de atención especializada / Retinal vein occlusion. Audit of a specialized care program

Background and objectives Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most frequent cause of retinal vascular disease and is related to classic cardiovascular risk factors. A specific program was designed to detect and treat risk factors in patients with RVO. The aim of this study is to audit the results of this program. Patients and methods The program consisted of a multidisciplinary clinical evaluation by the Ophthalmology and Internal Medicine Departments. All patients with RVO were screened, at minimum, for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, overweight, and antiphospholipid syndrome. New risk factors or poor control of known risk factors were expected to be found in at least one-third of the patients. Among them, therapeutic measures were expected to be taken in at least two-thirds. A dissociated automated search of the data of all patients who entered the program between April 2021 and April 2022 was performed. Results Fifty-six patients were included for analysis. Of these, 39 (69.6%) had at least one new or poorly controlled risk factor and 43 (76.8%) had their treatment modified in some way. Antiphospholipid syndrome was detected in five (8.9%). Only one patient had low-risk hereditary thrombophilia. After an exhaustive examination, no risk factors were found in 11 patients. Conclusion This specific program has been effective in detecting new or poorly controlled risk factors and improving their treatment (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo La trombosis venosa de retina (TVR) es la segunda causa más frecuente de enfermedad vascular de la retina y se relaciona con factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos. Se diseñó un programa específico para detección y tratamiento de factores de riesgo en pacientes con TVR. El objetivo de este estudio es auditar los resultados de dicho programa. Pacientes y métodos El programa consistió en una evaluación clínica multidisciplinar por parte de Oftalmología y Medicina Interna. A todos los pacientes con TVR se les realizó cribado, al menos, de hipertensión arterial, diabetes, dislipidemia, tabaquismo, sobrepeso y síndrome antifosfolípido. Se esperó encontrar nuevos factores de riesgo o pobre control de los ya conocidos en, al menos, un tercio de los pacientes. Entre ellos, se esperó tomar alguna medida terapéutica en, al menos, dos tercios. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda automatizada disociada de los datos de todos los pacientes que entraron en el programa entre abril de 2021 y abril de 2022. Resultados Cincuenta y seis pacientes se incluyeron para el análisis. De ellos, 39 (69,6%) tenían al menos un factor de riesgo nuevo o mal controlado, y 43 (76,8%) vieron modificado en algún modo su tratamiento. Se detectó síndrome antifosfolípido en 5 (8,9%). Solo un paciente tenía una trombofilia hereditaria de bajo riesgo. Tras un examen exhaustivo no se encontró factor de riesgo alguno en 11 pacientes. Conclusión Este programa específico ha sido efectivo para detectar factores de riesgo nuevos o mal controlados y mejorar su tratamiento (AU)