Evaluation of regional variation in racial and ethnic differences in patient experience among Veterans Health Administration primary care users.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate racial and ethnic differences in patient experience among VA primary care users at the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) level. DATA SOURCE AND STUDY SETTING: We performed a secondary analysis of the VA Survey of Healthcare Experiences of Patients-Patient Centered Medical Home for fiscal years 2016-2019. STUDY DESIGN: We compared 28 patient experience measures (six each in the domains of access and care coordination, 16 in the domain of person-centered care) between minoritized racial and ethnic groups (American Indian or Alaska Native [AIAN], Asian, Black, Hispanic, Multi-Race, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander [NHOPI]) and White Veterans. We used weighted logistic regression to test differences between minoritized and White Veterans, controlling for age and gender. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: We defined meaningful difference as both statistically significant at two-tailed p < 0.05 with a relative difference ≥10% or ≤-10%. Within VISNs, we included tests of group differences with adequate power to detect meaningful relative differences from a minimum of five comparisons (domain agnostic) per VISN, and separately for a minimum of two for access and care coordination and four for person-centered care domains. We report differences as disparities/large disparities (relative difference ≥10%/≥ 25%), advantages (experience worse or better, respectively, than White patients), or equivalence. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Our analytic sample included 1,038,212 Veterans (0.6% AIAN, 1.4% Asian, 16.9% Black, 7.4% Hispanic, 0.8% Multi-Race, 0.8% NHOPI, 67.7% White). Across VISNs, the greatest proportion of comparisons indicated disparities for three of seven eligible VISNs for AIAN, 6/10 for Asian, 3/4 for Multi-Race, and 2/6 for NHOPI Veterans. The plurality of comparisons indicated advantages or equivalence for 17/18 eligible VISNs for Black and 12/14 for Hispanic Veterans. AIAN, Asian, Multi-Race, and NHOPI groups had more comparisons indicating disparities by VISN in the access domain than person-centered care and care coordination. CONCLUSIONS: We found meaningful differences in patient experience measures across VISNs for minoritized compared to White groups, especially for groups with lower population representation.

Clinical Characteristics and Follow-up Assessment in Patients Diagnosed With Alzheimer's Dementia Through Regional Dementia Centers and Conventional Hospital System.

BACKGROUND: The rapidly increasing socioeconomic strain caused by dementia represents a significant public health concern. Regional dementia centers (RDCs) have been established nationwide, and they aim to provide timely screening and diagnosis of dementia. This study investigated the clinical characteristics and progression of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia (AD), who underwent treatment in RDCs or conventional community-based hospital systems. METHODS: This retrospective single-center cohort study included patients who were diagnosed with AD between January 2019 and March 2022. This study compared two groups of patients: the hospital group, consisting of patients who presented directly to the hospital, and the RDC group, those who were referred to the hospital from the RDCs in Pohang city. The clinical courses of the patients were monitored for a year after AD diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 1,209 participants were assigned to the hospital (n = 579) or RDC group (n = 630). The RDC group had a mean age of 80.1 years ± 6.6 years, which was significantly higher than that of the hospital group (P < 0.001). The RDC group had a higher proportion of females (38.3% vs. 31.9%; P = 0.022), higher risk for alcohol consumption (12.4% vs. 3.3%; P < 0.001), and greater number of patients who discontinued treatment 1 year after diagnosis (48.3% vs. 39.0%; P = 0.001). In the linear regression model, the RDC group was independently associated with the clinical dementia rating sum of boxes increment (ß = 22.360, R²\n = 0.048, and P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients in the RDC group were older, had more advanced stages of conditions, and exhibited a more rapid rate of cognitive decline than patients diagnosed through the conventional hospital system. Our results suggested that RDC contributed to the screening of AD in a local region, and further nationwide study with the RDC database of various areas of Korea is needed.

Regional variations of cardiovascular risk in gout patients: a nationwide cohort study in Korea.

Objective: The extent of regional variations in cardiovascular risk and associated risk factors in patients with gout in South Korea remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the risk of major cardiovascular events in gout patients in different regions. Methods: This was a nationwide cohort study based on the claims database of the Korean National Health Insurance and the National Health Screening Program. Patients aged 20 to 90 years newly diagnosed with gout after January 2012 were included. After cardiovascular risk profiles before gout diagnosis were adjusted, the relative risks of incident cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and cerebral hemorrhage) in gout patients in different regions were assessed. Results: In total, 231,668 patients with gout were studied. Regional differences in cardiovascular risk profiles before the diagnosis were observed. Multivariable analysis showed that patients with gout in Jeolla/Gwangju had a significantly high risk of myocardial infarction (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02~1.56; p=0.03). In addition, patients with gout in Gangwon (aHR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.09~1.74; p<0.01), Jeolla/Gwangju (aHR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.19~1.67; p<0.01), and Gyeongsang/Busan/Daegu/Ulsan (aHR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.19~1.59; p<0.01) had a significantly high risk of cerebral infarction. Conclusion: We found there were regional differences in cardiovascular risk and associated risk factors in gout patients. Physicians should screen gout patients for cardiovascular risk profiles in order to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Model Disaster Teleconsultation System for Regional Disaster Health Response.

Introduction: The federally funded Region 1 Regional Disaster Health Response System (RDHRS) and the American Burn Association partnered to develop a model regional disaster teleconsultation system within a Medical Emergency Operations Center (MEOC) to support triage and specialty consultation during a no-notice mass casualty incident. Our objective was to test the acceptability and feasibility of a prototype model system in simulated disasters as proof of concept. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods simulation study using the Technology Acceptance Model framework. Participating physicians completed the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) and semistructured interviews after simulations. Results: TUQ item scores rating the model system were highest for usefulness and satisfaction, and lowest for interaction quality and reliability. Conclusions: We found high model acceptance, but desire for a simpler, more reliable technology interface with better audiovisual quality for low-frequency, high-stakes use. Future work will emphasize technology interface quality and reliability, automate coordinator roles, and field test the model system.

Spread of infection and treatment interruption among Japanese workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in treatment interruption for chronic diseases. The scale of COVID-19 in Japan has varied greatly in terms of the scale of infection and the speed of spread depending on the region. This study aimed to examine the relationship between local infection level and treatment interruption among Japanese workers. Methods: Cross-sectional internet survey was conducted from December 22 to 26, 2020. Of 33,302 participants, 9,510 (5,392 males and 4,118 females) who responded that they required regular treatment were included in the analysis. The infection level in each participant's prefecture of residence was assessed based on the incidence rate (per 1,000 population) and the number of people infected. Age-sex and multivariate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of regional infection levels associated with treatment interruption were estimated by multilevel logistic models, nested by prefecture of residence. The multivariate model was adjusted for sex, age, marital status, equivalent household income, educational level, occupation, self-rated health status and anxiety. Results: The ORs of treatment interruption for the lowest and highest levels of infection in the region were 1.32 [95 % confidence interval (CI) were 1.09-1.59] for the overall morbidity rate (per 1,000) and 1.34 (95 % CI 1.10-1.63) for the overall number of people infected. Higher local infection levels were linked to a greater number of workers experiencing treatment interruption. Conclusions: Higher local infection levels were linked to more workers experiencing treatment interruption. Our results suggest that apart from individual characteristics such as socioeconomic and health status, treatment interruption during the pandemic is also subject to contextual effects related to regional infection levels. Preventing community spread of COVID-19 may thus protect individuals from indirect effects of the pandemic, such as treatment interruption.

Liver cancer in Hidalgo State, Mexico: analysis of the status, risk factors and regional public health policy requirements: a cross-sectional correlational study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: In Latin America, liver cancer is one of the top causes of cancer mortality. It is the fifth most common cause of death among malignant tumors in Mexico and is the leading cause in Hidalgo State (43.8% of the population living in poverty). OBJECTIVE: To conduct a correlational analysis on the main risk factors for liver cancer in Hidalgo State, Mexico, including municipal disaggregation and comparison with the national level. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional, correlational, descriptive and comparative epidemiological study using Mexican governmental databases covering 1990-2019. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the databases of the General Directorate of Health Information (DGIS) was performed to analyze official death figures, hospital discharges and national and municipal population projections, using specific search criteria defined in the Global Burden of Disease classification, based on the risk factors for liver cancer. RESULTS: Liver cancer rates showed an evident rise in Hidalgo (183%), moving from 21st place in Mexico in 1990 to 9th place in 2019. This increase was correlated with alcoholism. An increasing trend for liver cancer deaths, of 133.89%, is projected for 2030. Females and the population over 60 years of age are more affected. There are some critical regions with liver cancer death rates twice the national rate or more. CONCLUSION: Targeted effective public health strategies should be structured by identifying, characterizing and regionalizing critical marginalized municipalities that are vulnerable to alcoholism and other risk factors for liver cancer. This approach may be helpful for other states in Mexico or similar countries.

Concept review of regionalized systems of acute care: Is regionalization the next frontier in sepsis care?

Regionalization has become a buzzword in US health care policy. Regionalization, however, has varied meanings, and definitions have lacked contextual information important to understanding its role in improving care. This concept review is a comprehensive primer and summation of 8 common core components of the national models of regionalization informed by text-based analysis of the writing of involved organizations (professional, regulatory, and research) guided by semistructured interviews with organizational leaders. Further, this generalized model of regionalized care is applied to sepsis care, a novel discussion, drawing on existing small-scale applications. This discussion highlights the fit of regionalization principles to the sepsis care model and the actualized and perceived potential benefits. The principal aim of this concept review is to outline regionalization in the United States and provide a roadmap and novel discussion of regionalized care integration for sepsis care.

The Association of Shared Care Networks With 30-Day Heart Failure Excessive Hospital Readmissions: Longitudinal Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Higher-than-expected heart failure (HF) readmissions affect half of US hospitals every year. The Hospital Reduction Readmission Program has reduced risk-adjusted readmissions, but it has also produced unintended consequences. Shared care models have been advocated for HF care, but the association of shared care networks with HF readmissions has never been investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the association of shared care networks with 30-day HF excessive readmission rates using a longitudinal observational study. METHODS: We curated publicly available data on hospital discharges and HF excessive readmission ratios from hospitals in California between 2012 and 2017. Shared care areas were delineated as data-driven units of care coordination emerging from discharge networks. The localization index, the proportion of patients who reside in the same shared care area in which they are admitted, was calculated by year. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the association between the localization index and the excessive readmission ratio of hospitals controlling for race/ethnicity and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: A total of 300 hospitals in California in a 6-year period were included. The HF excessive readmission ratio was negatively associated with the adjusted localization index (ß=-.0474, 95% CI -0.082 to -0.013). The percentage of Black residents within the shared care areas was the only statistically significant covariate (ß=.4128, 95% CI 0.302 to 0.524). CONCLUSIONS: Higher-than-expected HF readmissions were associated with shared care networks. Control mechanisms such as the Hospital Reduction Readmission Program may need to characterize and reward shared care to guide hospitals toward a more organized HF care system.

Nationwide survey of neonatal transportation practices in Italy.

BACKGROUND: Despite regionalization of perinatal care provides for the "in utero" transfer of high-risk pregnancies, there will always be a number of neonates who undergo acute inter-facility transport. The presence of a well-organized Neonatal Emergency Transport Service (NETS) can prevent and reduce risks of transportation, especially for very preterm infants, and is therefore mandatory for any program of regionalization of perinatal care. Italian National Health System is highly decentralized and Regions are autonomous to structure, plan and delivery their regional health services. Consequently, organization models and resources available vary widely and significant regional differences in access and quality of health services have been reported in the past years. A national survey was conducted in 2015 by the neonatal transport study group of the Italian Society of Neonatology with the aim to describe neonatal transfer practices and to assess the Neonatal Emergency Transport Services (NETS) status in the 20 Italian regions. METHODS: A questionnaire regarding neonatal transfer practices and NETS activity for the previous year (2014) was sent to the 44 NETS operating in the 20 Italian regions. Demographic data were obtained from the Italian National Statistical Institute (ISTAT). RESULTS: The overall survey response rate was 100%. In 2014, only 12 (60%) of the 20 Italian regions were fully covered by NETS, 3 (15%) regions were partially covered, while neonatal transport was not available in 5 (25%) regions. Overall, in 2014, the 44 NETS operating in Italy transported a total of 6387 infants, including 522 (8.17%) having a gestational age < 28 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The organization of NETS in Italy is devolved on a regional basis, resulting in a large heterogeneity of access and quality to services across the country. Where available, NETS are generally well-equipped and organized but limited volume of activities often cannot guarantee adequate levels of skills of personnel or an appropriate cost-efficiency ratio. The regions reported with lack of NETS have managed, or are trying, to fill the gap, but continuing efforts to reduce regional differences in the availability and quality of services are still needed.

Factors Associated with the Transfer Decision in Resuscitated Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Presenting to a Hospital with Limited Targeted Temperature Management Capability in Korea.

This study aimed to identify factors associated with the decision to transfer resuscitated patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who were initially examined at hospitals with limited targeted temperature management capability (HLTC) in Korea. We included adult patients with OHCA who were initially transported to HLTC from 2012 to 2015. We limited the study population with OHCA who were admitted or transferred. Potential factors associated with the transfer decision were categorized as patient- or hospital-level characteristics. The primary outcome was emergency department disposition: transfer out versus admission to HLTC. A stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with the outcome. Of the 64,696 patients with OHCA, 37,705 (58.3%) were initially transported to HLTC. Approximately 44.7% of patients were transferred out. In terms of patient-level factors, age, socioeconomic status, and initial electrocardiogram rhythm were associated with the transfer decision. Hospital factors, such as percutaneous coronary intervention capability of HLTC (adjusted odds ratio = 0.16; 95% confidence interval = 0.14-0.19) and location of the metropolitan or urban hospital, were negatively associated with the transfer decision. Several hospital and patient factors were associated with the decision to transfer out patients with OHCA who were initially examined at HLTC.

Programa mais médicos: análise a partir de um modelo lógico / Mais médicos program: analysis from a logical model

OBJETIVO: Aplicar o modelo lógico ao Programa Mais Médicos e pré-avaliar o programa do Distrito Federal. MÉTODO: Aplicação do modelo lógico ao Programa mais médicos e análise quantitativa de dados do programa do Distrito Federal. Os indicadores foram acompanhados anualmente, para o Brasil e para o Distrito Federal, de 2013 a 2015 e as demais variáveis no período anterior (Janeiro/2011 a Julho/2013) e posterior (Agosto/2013 a Dezembro/2015) à adesão do Distrito Federal ao Programa Mais Médicos. RESULTADOS: Metas, atividades e produtos não foram identificados na construção do modelo lógico. As variáveis e indicadores analisados demonstraram, de forma geral, sugestão de ganhos positivos com a implantação do programa no Distrito Federal. Houve aumento em 32% da cobertura populacional por equipes da atenção básica, aumento do número de médicos e equipes na Estratégia Saúde da Família (p< 0,001), melhora da cobertura de pré-natal e de consultas aos maiores de 60 anos (p<0,001), além de aumento de visitas médicas domiciliares (p<0,005). CONCLUSÃO: Com relação a construção do Programa Mais médicos, faltam aspectos importantes do ponto de vista estrutural de um projeto, porém no Distrito Federal conseguimos observar resultados significativos.

AIM: Apply the logical model to Mais Médicos (More Doctors) program and evaluate the program of the Federal District. METHODS: Application of the logical model to Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program and quantitative data analysis from the Federal District program. Annual indicators were extracted from Brazilian and Federal District data from 2013 to 2015 and the other variables in the first (January / 2011 to July / 2013) and the second (August / 2013 to December / 2015) periods to the accession of Federal District to the Mais Médicos Program. RESULTS: Goals, activities and products were not detected in the logical model performance. The evaluated variables and indicators suggested, in a general way, positive effects with the implementation of the program in the Federal District. Increasing population covered by basic health care teams (32%), increasing number of doctors and teams in the Family Health Strategy (p<0,001), higher prenatal coverage and consultations among patients over 60-y old (p<0,001) and also higher number of home visits (p<0,005) were detected. CONCLUSION: Concerning the Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program implementation, important aspects from the main structural project are missing, but significant results were noticed in the Federal District Program.

University and public health system partnership: A real-life intervention to improve asthma management.

OBJECTIVE: Asthma is under-diagnosed in many parts of the world. We aimed to assess the outcome of a capacitating program on asthma for non-specialist physicians and other healthcare professionals working in the public system in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. METHODS: A group of 16 asthma specialists developed a one-year capacitating program in 11 healthcare clinics in the Northern District of the city, which included lectures on asthma, training on inhalation device use and spirometry, and development of an asthma management protocol. Researchers visited one health unit 2-4 times monthly, working with doctors on patients' care, discussing cases, and delivering lectures. Asthma education was also directed to the general population, focusing on recognition of signs and symptoms and long-term treatment, including production of educational videos available on YouTube. Outcome measures were the records of doctors' prescriptions of individual asthma medications pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Prior to the program, 3205 units of inhaled albuterol and 2876 units of inhaled beclomethasone were delivered by the Northern District pharmacy. After the one-year program, there was increase to 4850 units (51.3%) for inhaled albuterol and 3526 units (22.6%) for inhaled beclomethasone. The albuterol increase followed the recommendation given to the non-specialist doctors by the asthma experts, that every patient with asthma should have inhaled albuterol as a rescue medication, by protocol. No increase was observed in other districts where no capacitating program was conducted. CONCLUSION: A systematic capacitating program was successful in changing asthma prescription profiles among non-specialist doctors, with increased delivery of inhaled albuterol and beclomethasone.

Uma análise da luta das entidades médicas brasileiras diante do Programa Mais Médicos / An analysis of the Brazilian medical associations struggles confronting the More Doctors Program / Un análisis de la lucha de las entidades médicas ante el Programa Más Médicos

Buscamos analisar a agenda política das principais entidades médicas nacionais brasileiras e suas lutas em torno do Programa Mais Médicos do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. Trata-se de pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, de nível exploratório e de caráter analítico, baseada em diversas fontes que veicularam posições dessas entidades, de maio de 2010 a dezembro de 2014, e em publicações da imprensa, de junho de 2013 a dezembro de 2014, que foram sistematizadas segundo categorias elaboradas a partir da própria análise. Identificamos que as entidades médicas brasileiras realizaram intensa atuação conjunta, integrando interesses voltados aos setores público e privado. O apogeu se deu entre junho e outubro de 2013, nas mobilizações de resistência ao Programa Mais Médicos. Entretanto, registramos que divergências em torno das lutas contra este Programa fragilizaram as articulações políticas dessas entidades que haviam sido construídas nos últimos anos.

We sought to analyze the political agenda of the main Brazilian national medical entities and their struggles around the More Doctors Program implemented by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. It is a research of qualitative nature, of exploratory level and of analytical character, based on several sources presenting positions of these entities, from May 2010 to December 2014, and in press publications, from June 2013 to December 2014, systematized according to categories elaborated from the analysis itself. We identified that the Brazilian medical entities performed intense joint action integrating interests directed to the public and private sectors. The apogee took place between June and October of 2013, through mobilizations of resistance to the More Doctors Program. However, we note that divergences around the struggles against this Program have weakened the political links of these entities that had been built in recent years.

Nuestro objetivo fue analizar la agenda política de las principales entidades médicas nacionales brasileñas y sus luchas frente al programa Más Médicos del Ministerio de la Salud de Brasil. Se trata de investigación de naturaleza cualitativa, de nivel exploratorio y de carácter analítico con base en diversas fuentes que publicaron posiciones de esas entidades, desde mayo de 2010 a diciembre de 2014 y en publicaciones de la prensa, de junio de 2013 a diciembre de 2104, que han sido sistematizadas según categorías elaboradas a partir del propio análisis. Identificamos que las entidades médicas brasileñas realizaron una intensa actuación conjunta integrando intereses enfocados en los sectores público y privado. El apogeo fue entre junio y octubre de 2013 en las movilizaciones de resistencia al Programa Más Médicos. No obstante, registramos que las divergencias alrededor de las luchas contra este Programa fragilizaron las articulaciones políticas de esas entidades que se habían construido en los últimos años.

Creating a library holding group: an approach to large system integration.

PURPOSE: Faced with resource constraints, many hospital libraries have considered joint operations. This case study describes how Providence Health & Services created a single group to provide library services. METHODS: Using a holding group model, staff worked to unify more than 6,100 nonlibrary subscriptions and 14 internal library sites. RESULTS: Our library services grew by unifying 2,138 nonlibrary subscriptions and 11 library sites and hiring more library staff. We expanded access to 26,018 more patrons. CONCLUSIONS: A model with built-in flexibility allowed successful library expansion. Although challenges remain, this success points to a viable model of unified operations.

Análise comparativa sobre a implantação do Programa Mais Médicos em agregados de municípios do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / A comparative analysis of the implementation of the Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program in municipalities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Resumo A partir da implantação de uma estratégia programática governamental, o Programa Mais Médicos (PMM), tem ocorrido a inserção e o incremento da ocupação e atividade profissional médica em serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) em todo o país. Considerada tal iniciativa, que resultados de curto prazo podem ser identificados e comparados entre agregados de municípios do Rio Grande do Sul? O artigo apresenta um estudo de caso-controle de agregados municipais, a partir de dados de fontes secundárias, com propósito exploratório e análise descritiva de um conjunto selecionado de indicadores correlatos aos serviços de APS. Observou-se o incremento de indicadores estruturais nos agregados de municípios com implantação do PMM. Para os indicadores de resultados selecionados, observou-se discreto incremento na produção de serviços nos agregados com PMM, contudo, não foram identificadas diferenças de impactos entre os agregados casos e controles. Estes resultados podem ter sido influenciados pelo exíguo tempo decorrido desde a implantação do PMM, por subnotificações de registro médicos no cadastro de estabelecimentos de saúde (CNES), além da predominância de caráter substitutivo de ocupações médicas nos municípios selecionados para o estudo e com PMM implantado.

Abstract The Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program has led to an increase in the number of doctors and medical treatment in primary health care services across Brazil. This article presents the results of a case-control study of groups of municipalities based on secondary data sources. It aims to explore and discuss a set of indicators of primary health care service delivery. An improvement in performance against structural indicators was observed in municipalities where the program was implemented. With respect to the outcome indicators, a slight improvement in service delivery was observed in municipalities where the program was implemented. However, no difference was observed in impacts between the case and control municipalities. These results may have been influenced by the fact that the program has only been underway for a limited time, by underreporting of doctors by the National Health Facilities Register (CNES, acronym in Portuguese), and the predominantly substitutive nature of the allocation of medical professionals under the program in the selected municipalities.

Pulmonary Embolism Mortality in Brazil from 1989 to 2010: Gender and Regional Disparities / Mortalidade por Embolia Pulmonar no Brasil entre 1989 e 2010: Disparidades Regionais e por Gênero

Abstract Background: A significant variation in pulmonary embolism (PE) mortality trends have been documented around the world. We investigated the trends in mortality rate from PE in Brazil over a period of 21 years and its regional and gender differences. Methods: Using a nationwide database of death certificate information we searched for all cases with PE as the underlying cause of death between 1989 and 2010. Population data were obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). We calculated age-, gender- and region-specific mortality rates for each year, using the 2000 Brazilian population for direct standardization. Results: Over 21 years the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) fell 31% from 3.04/100,000 to 2.09/100,000. In every year between 1989 and 2010, the ASMR was higher in women than in men, but both showed a significant declining trend, from 3.10/100,000 to 2.36/100,000 and from 2.94/100,000 to 1.80/100,000, respectively. Although all country regions showed a decline in their ASMR, the largest fall in death rates was concentrated in the highest income regions of the South and Southeast Brazil. The North and Northeast regions, the lowest income areas, showed a less marked fall in death rates and no distinct change in the PE mortality rate in women. Conclusions: Our study showed a reduction in the PE mortality rate over two decades in Brazil. However, significant variation in this trend was observed amongst the five country regions and between genders, pointing to possible disparities in health care access and quality in these groups.

Resumo Fundamento: Uma significativa variação nas tendências de mortalidade por embolia pulmonar (EP) foi documentada em todo o mundo. Investigamos as tendências na taxa de mortalidade por EP no Brasil no período de 21 anos, assim como suas diferenças regionais e de gênero. Métodos: Utilizando uma base de dados nacionais de certificados de óbito, buscamos todos os casos de EP como causa básica de morte entre 1989 e 2010. Dados populacionais foram obtidos no Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Calculamos as taxas de mortalidade específica por idade, gênero e região para cada ano, usando a população brasileira do ano 2000 para padronização direta. Resultados: Nos 21 anos, a taxa de mortalidade padronizada por idade (TMPI) caiu 31%, passando de 3,04/100.000 para 2,09/100.000. Em cada ano entre 1989 e 2010, a TMPI foi maior nas mulheres do que nos homens, tendo ambos mostrado uma significativa tendência decrescente, de 3,10/100.000 para 2,36/100.000 e de 2,94/100.000 para 1,80/100.000, respectivamente. Embora todas as regiões do país tenham apresentado um declínio em suas taxas de mortalidade padronizada por idade, as maiores quedas concentraram-se nas regiões de mais alta renda do Sul e Sudeste do Brasil. As regiões Norte e Nordeste, que têm as mais baixas rendas, apresentaram uma queda menos marcante nas taxas de mortalidade, sem qualquer alteração na taxa de mortalidade por EP nas mulheres. Conclusões: Nosso estudo mostrou uma redução na taxa de mortalidade por EP nas duas décadas no Brasil. Entretanto, houve uma significativa variação nessa tendência entre as cinco regiões do país e entre gêneros, indicando uma possível disparidade no acesso aos cuidados de saúde e sua qualidade nesses grupos.

Análise do processo de implantação do “Projeto Mais Médicos para o Brasil” no estado do Rio Grande do Sul / Analysis of the implementation process of the \"Project More Doctors to Brazil\" in Rio Grande do Sul state

Quais os impactos de curto prazo ocorridos a partir dos ciclos iniciais de implantação do “Programa Mais Médicos” (PMM) em municípios do Rio Grande do Sul? Essa dissertação versa um sobre subtipo de ensaio comunitário acerca da problemática em questão, com estudo agregado com múltiplos grupos, longitudinal em série temporal retrospectiva, a partir de dados de fontes secundárias, com análise descritiva de propósito exploratório. Trata-se de 10 grupos conformados por agregados de municípios do Rio Grande do Sul, selecionados e estratificados em 5 faixas populacionais, estando pareados pela condição de implantação e não implantação do PMM. Realizou-se análise comparativa e descritiva de um conjunto selecionado de indicadores correlatos aos serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). De um modo geral, observou-se o incremento de indicadores de estrutura nos agregados de municípios com implantação do PMM, notadamente nos agregados com faixas de menores populações. Em termos de indicadores de resultados observou-se discreto incremento na produção de serviços nos agregados com implantação do PMM, contudo, não foram identificadas diferenças significativas de internações por causas sensíveis e de outros indicadores de impacto próprios da APS. As hipóteses mais plausíveis para explicar os achados estão referidas ao exíguo tempo decorrido entre a implantação do PMM e a realização do estudo, além da constatação de que nos ciclos iniciais de implantação do programa houve predominância de caráter substitutivo de trabalho profissional médico nos municípios selecionados para o estudo.

What are the short-term impacts occurred in the early cycles implementation of the "More Doctors Program" (PMM) in municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul? This research focuses on one community trial subtype, added to multiple groups, in longitudinal retrospective time series, based on data from secondary sources, with descriptive analysis of exploratory purpose. It is conformed by 10 groups clusters of municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul, selected and stratified into five population groups, being matched by the deployment condition and not implementation of PMM. We carried out comparative and descriptive analysis of a selected set of indicators related to the services of Primary Health Care (PHC).In general, there was the structure of indicators of growth in clusters of municipalities with implementation of PMM, especially in conglomerates with smaller populations tracks. In terms of outcome indicators showed a slight increase in the production of services in conglomerates with implementation of PMM, however, significant differences in hospital admissions were identified by sensitive causes and other APS's own impact indicators. The most plausible hypotheses to explain the findings are referred to the narrow time between the implementation of the PMM and the study, besides the fact that in the early cycles of program implementation was substitute character predominance of medical professional working in selected municipalities to the study.

Introducing the No Preventable Harms campaign: creating the safest health care system in the world, starting with catheter-associated urinary tract infection prevention.

BACKGROUND: Endemic health care-associated safety problems, including health care-associated infection, account for substantial morbidity and mortality. We outline a regional No Preventable Harms campaign to reduce these safety problems and describe the initial results from the first initiative focusing on catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention. METHODS: We formed a think tank composed of multidisciplinary experts from within a 7-hospital Midwestern Veterans Affairs network to identify hospital-acquired conditions that had strong evidence on how to prevent the harm and outcome data that could be easily collected to evaluate improvement efforts. The first initiative of this campaign focused on CAUTI prevention. Quantitative data on CAUTI rates and qualitative data from site visit interviews were used to evaluate the initiative. RESULTS: Quantitative data showed a significant reduction in CAUTI rates per 1,000 catheter days for nonintensive care units across the region (2.4 preinitiative and 0.8 postinitiative; P = .001), but no improvement in the intensive care unit rate (1.4 preinitiative and 2.1 postinitiative; P = .16). Themes that emerged from our qualitative data highlight the need for considering local context and the importance of communication when developing and implementing regional initiatives. CONCLUSIONS: A regional collaborative can be a valuable strategy for addressing important endemic patient safety problems.

A workshop on asthma management programs and centers in Brazil: reviewing and explaining concepts.

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of a workshop regarding asthma management programs and centers (AMPCs) in Brazil, so that they can be used as a tool for the improvement and advancement of current and future AMPCs. METHODS: The workshop consisted of five presentations and the corresponding group discussions. The working groups discussed the following themes: implementation of asthma management strategies; human resources needed for AMPCs; financial resources needed for AMPCs; and operational maintenance of AMPCs. RESULTS: The workshop involved 39 participants, from all regions of the country, representing associations of asthma patients (n = 3), universities (n = 7), and AMPCs (n = 29). We found a direct relationship between a lack of planning and the failure of AMPCs. Based on the experiences reported during the workshop, the common assumptions about AMPCs in Brazil were the importance of raising awareness of managers; greater community participation; interdependence between primary care and specialized care; awareness of regionalization; and use of medications available in the public health system. CONCLUSIONS: Brazil already has a core of experience in the area of asthma management programs. The implementation of strategies for the management of chronic respiratory disease and their incorporation into health care system protocols would seem to be a natural progression. However, there is minimal experience in this area. Joint efforts by individuals with expertise in AMPCs could promote the implementation of asthma management strategies, thus speeding the creation of treatment networks, which might have a multiplier effect, precluding the need for isolated centers to start from zero.

OBJETIVO: Relatar os resultados de uma oficina de trabalho sobre programas e centros de atenção a asmáticos (PCAAs) no Brasil para que possam servir como instrumento para melhoria e avanço dos PCAAs existentes e criação de novos. MÉTODOS: A oficina de trabalho constituiu-se de cinco apresentações e discussões em grupos. Os grupos de trabalho discutiram os seguintes temas: implementação de uma linha de cuidado em asma; recursos humanos necessários para os PCAA; recursos necessários para financiar os PCAA; e manutenção do funcionamento dos PCAAs. RESULTADOS: A oficina envolveu 39 participantes de todas as regiões do país, representando associações de asmáticos (n = 3), centros universitários (n = 7) e PCAAs (n = 29). Evidenciou-se uma relação direta entre a ausência de planejamento e o insucesso dos PCAAs. Com base nas experiências brasileiras elencadas durante a oficina, as premissas comuns foram a importância da sensibilização do gestor, maior participação da comunidade, interdependência entre a atenção primária e a especializada, observação da regionalização e utilização dos medicamentos disponíveis no sistema público de saúde. CONCLUSÕES: O Brasil já tem um núcleo de experiências na área programática da asma. A implementação de uma linha de cuidado em doenças respiratórias crônicas e sua inclusão nas redes de saúde parecem ser o caminho natural. Porém, a experiência nessa área ainda é pequena. Agregar pessoas com experiência nos PCAAs na elaboração da linha de cuidado em asma encurtaria tempo na criação de redes de atenção com possível efeito multiplicador, evitando que se partisse do zero em cada local isolado.

A workshop on asthma management programs and centers in Brazil: reviewing and explaining concepts / Programas e centros de atenção a asmáticos no Brasil; uma oficina de trabalho: revisitando e explicitando conceitos

Objective: To report the results of a workshop regarding asthma management programs and centers (AMPCs) in Brazil, so that they can be used as a tool for the improvement and advancement of current and future AMPCs. Methods: The workshop consisted of five presentations and the corresponding group discussions. The working groups discussed the following themes: implementation of asthma management strategies; human resources needed for AMPCs; financial resources needed for AMPCs; and operational maintenance of AMPCs. Results: The workshop involved 39 participants, from all regions of the country, representing associations of asthma patients (n = 3), universities (n = 7), and AMPCs (n = 29). We found a direct relationship between a lack of planning and the failure of AMPCs. Based on the experiences reported during the workshop, the common assumptions about AMPCs in Brazil were the importance of raising awareness of managers; greater community participation; interdependence between primary care and specialized care; awareness of regionalization; and use of medications available in the public health system. Conclusions: Brazil already has a core of experience in the area of asthma management programs. The implementation of strategies for the management of chronic respiratory disease and their incorporation into health care system protocols would seem to be a natural progression. However, there is minimal experience in this area. Joint efforts by individuals with expertise in AMPCs could promote the implementation of asthma management strategies, thus speeding the creation of treatment networks, which might have a multiplier effect, precluding the need for isolated centers to start from zero. .

Objetivo: Relatar os resultados de uma oficina de trabalho sobre programas e centros de atenção a asmáticos (PCAAs) no Brasil para que possam servir como instrumento para melhoria e avanço dos PCAAs existentes e criação de novos. Métodos: A oficina de trabalho constituiu-se de cinco apresentações e discussões em grupos. Os grupos de trabalho discutiram os seguintes temas: implementação de uma linha de cuidado em asma; recursos humanos necessários para os PCAA; recursos necessários para financiar os PCAA; e manutenção do funcionamento dos PCAAs. Resultados: A oficina envolveu 39 participantes de todas as regiões do país, representando associações de asmáticos (n = 3), centros universitários (n = 7) e PCAAs (n = 29). Evidenciou-se uma relação direta entre a ausência de planejamento e o insucesso dos PCAAs. Com base nas experiências brasileiras elencadas durante a oficina, as premissas comuns foram a importância da sensibilização do gestor, maior participação da comunidade, interdependência entre a atenção primária e a especializada, observação da regionalização e utilização dos medicamentos disponíveis no sistema público de saúde. Conclusões: O Brasil já tem um núcleo de experiências na área programática da asma. A implementação de uma linha de cuidado em doenças respiratórias crônicas e sua inclusão nas redes de saúde parecem ser o caminho natural. Porém, a experiência nessa área ainda é pequena. Agregar pessoas com experiência nos PCAAs na elaboração da linha de cuidado em asma encurtaria tempo na criação de redes de atenção com possível efeito multiplicador, evitando que se partisse do zero em cada local isolado. .