Aplicación de la Telemática en el monitoreo remoto de Bancos de Muestras Biológicas. Estudio Preliminar

Las serotecas son espacios destinados para el resguardo de Muestras Biológicas (MB) de procesos diagnósticos y científicos. El Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (IICS) cuenta con ocho congeladores de Ultra Baja Temperatura (UBT) distribuidos en dos serotecas. El sistema de monitoreo diseñado se evaluó durante cuatro meses, mientras registraba y enviaba alertas de tres UBT instalados en una de las serotecas y de su temperatura ambiente. Se recabó información de los usuarios respecto al rango de las temperaturas de cada UBT, tipo de MB almacenadas y su criterio de conservación. Se emplearon controladores de temperatura con sensores PT 100 conectados a un convertidor RS485/Ethernet en cada congelador. El sistema monitoreó, registró y alertó vía correo electrónico a los usuarios y técnicos biomédicos sobre los incidentes por temperaturas fuera del rango y falla de comunicación. En total se registraron 25 incidentes, 17 referentes al tiempo de apertura de puerta, 5 por temperatura elevada del ambiente y 3 por problemas en la conexión de red. La aplicación de la telemática fue determinante para monitorear en tiempo real las temperaturas de los congeladores UBT y del ambiente para garantizar que la cadena de frío no se vea afectada. De esta forma se cuenta con una herramienta que notifica a los usuarios de serotecas y biobancos los incidentes eléctricos o eventos que afecten el rango de temperatura necesario para la preservación de los materiales biológicos, permitiéndoles realizar una intervención oportuna y así garantizar la correcta preservación de las MB.

The serum banks are spaces used for the protection of Biological Samples (BS) of diagnostic and scientific processes. The Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (IICS) has eight Ultra Low Temperature (ULT) freezers distributed in two serum banks. The designed monitoring system was evaluated for four months, while recording and sending alerts of three ULTs installed in one of the serum banks and their ambient temperature. Information was collected from users regarding the temperature range of each ULT, type of stored BS and their conservation criteria. Temperature controllers with PT 100 sensors connected to an RS485/Ethernet converter were used in each freezer. The system monitored, recorded and alerted users and biomedical technicians via email about incidents due to temperatures outside the range and communication failure. In total, 25 incidents were recorded, 17 related to door opening time, 5 due to high ambient temperature and 3 due to network connection problems. The application of telematics was decisive in monitoring the temperatures of the ULT freezers and the environment in real time to ensure that the cold chain was not affected. In this way, there is a tool that notifies users of serum banks and biobanks of electrical incidents or events that affect the temperature range necessary for the preservation of biological materials, allowing them to perform a timely intervention and thus guaranteeing the correct preservation of the BS.

[Evaluation of the telematic consultation in endocrine surgery during confinement due to COVID-19]. / Evaluación de la consulta telemática en cirugía endocrina durante el confinamiento por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19) made necessary to remodel the hospital's clinical consultations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the telematic consultation in endocrine surgery, as well as to select the group of patients susceptible to perform a telematic consultation in the future according to this assessment. METHODS: The study population were patients who had a clinical consultation by telephone. The evaluation was made with the Net Promoter Score (NPS). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: SPSS v.28, X2 test and a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 55 patients were analyzed. The NPS was +16, 24 promoters (43.6%) and 15 detractors (27.2%). There were differences between those whose main reason for consultation was malignant pathology (OR 4.5; p = 0.033). The NPS between malignant vs. non-malignant pathology was -13 vs. +38 (p > 0.001). The evaluation of the telematic consultations for the future was: telephone (83% very well), video call (58%), videoconference (19%). CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of the telephone consultation has been good, finding a better assessment among patients with non-malignant pathology. Its future implementation could be necessary, being the telephone the preferred way.

Impacto del SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) en la docencia teórico-práctica de la neuroanatomía humana / Impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on the theoretical-practical teaching of human neuroanatomy

Introducción: Durante el curso 2019-2020, debido a la situación provocada por la COVID-19, Neuroanatomía humana (cuarto semestre, grado de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza), que en condiciones normales combina teoría y práctica presenciales, se planteó de manera telemática, mediante la aportación al alumnado de material didáctico a través de la intranet Anillo Digital Docente-Moodle© e Instagram©, así como por tutorías vía Google Meet©. Material y métodos: Con objeto de poder comprobar el grado de satisfacción de la docencia teórico-práctica presencial frente a la telemática, se realizaron con el alumnado dos cuestionarios (pre-COVID-19 y durante la COVID-19) de cuatro y seis preguntas cerradas, respectivamente, con cinco opciones de respuesta según una escala de Likert. Además, se plantearon dos preguntas abiertas en cada cuestionario. Por parte del profesorado, la valoración fue en una reunión de coordinación de la asignatura tras finalizar el período lectivo. Resultados: Las encuestas de satisfacción las respondió el 71% de los alumnos (68/95). La falta de asistencia no sufre variación significativa en ambas situaciones con respecto a la asistencia a las clases teóricas y prácticas, pero sí los motivos causantes de ausencia: los primeros fueron principalmente profesionales, y los segundos, de conectividad. El alumnado valora la docencia teórica presencial frente a la telemática de forma muy parecida, mientras que, a nivel práctico, sigue prefiriendo la presencialidad, lo que coincide con el profesorado. Conclusión: Esta evaluación permite constatar que la docencia teórica de la asignatura por vía telemática es viable, siempre y cuando el alumnado disponga de una buena conectividad, pero no así la parte práctica, donde la presencialidad es imprescindible actualmente.(AU)

Introduction: During the 2019-2020 academic year, and due to the situation caused by COVID-19, Human Neuroanatomy (4th semester- Degree of Medicine- University of Zaragoza) which under conditions of normality combines in-person theory and practice, had to consider itself in a telematic way by providing students with teaching materials through intranet ADD (Digital Teaching Ring)- Moodle©, Instagram©, as well as tutoring via Google Meet©. Material and methods: In order to be able to check the degree of satisfaction of the theoretical teaching- face-to-face versus telematic teaching, 2 questionnaires were carried out by the students (pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19), of 4 and 6 closed questions respectively, with 5 answer options, according to Likert scale. In addition, 2 open questions were raised in each questionnaire. On the part of the teachers, was valued in a coordination meeting of the subject, after the end of the teaching period: Results: Satisfaction surveys were answered by 71% of students (68/95). The lack of attendance does not suffer a significant variation in both situations, but the reasons that have led to the absence, being the first being mainly professional, and the second reasons for connectivity. Students value in-person theoretical teaching versus telematics in a very similar way, while on a practical level, they continue to prefer face-to-face, coinciding with the teachers. Conclusion: This evaluation confirms that the theoretical teaching of the subject via telematics is viable, as long as the students have good connectivity, but not the practical part, where attendance is essential today.(AU)

Cambios en el manejo ambulatorio de pacientes con cáncer de próstata durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. Revisión bibliográfica y aporte de nuestro grupo en atención telemática / Changes in the ambulatory care of prostate cancer patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Literature review and contribution of our group in telematic care

Introducción y objetivo: La pandemia por COVID-19ha supuesto un cambio en la atención a pacientes en el ámbito urológico, especialmente con cáncer de próstata.El objetivo de este trabajo es mostrar los cambios en el manejo a nivel ambulatorio individualizando para cada perfil de paciente la atención telemática.Materiales y métodosSe han revisado artículos publicados desde marzo del 2020 hasta enero del 2021. Se han seleccionado aquellos que aportaban los mayores niveles de evidencia en cuanto al riesgo en distintos aspectos: cribado, diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento del cáncer de próstata.ResultadosDesarrollamos una clasificación según prioridades, en diferentes etapas de la enfermedad (cribado, diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento) adaptando a esta el tipo de control: presencial o telefónico. Establecemos 4 opciones: prioridad A o baja, en la que la atención será telefónica en todos los casos; prioridad B o intermedia, en la que si el paciente valorado telefónicamente se considera subsidiario de visita presencial, esta se citará dentro de los 3 meses posteriores; prioridad C o alta, el paciente será visto presencial con un margen para la visita de 1 a 3 meses, y prioridad D o muy alta, la visita deberá ser siempre presencial con un margen de hasta 48 h y considerada muy preferente.ConclusionesLa atención telemática en cáncer de próstata representa una oportunidad para desarrollar nuevos protocolos de actuación y seguimiento que deberán ser analizados exhaustivamente en futuros trabajos con el fin de conformar un entorno seguro y garantizar resultados oncológicos para los pacientes. (AU)

Introduction and objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes in the management of urology patients, especially those with prostate cancer.The aim of this work is to show the changes in the ambulatory care practices by individualized telematic care for each patient profile.Materials and methodsArticles published from March 2020 to January 2021 were reviewed. We selected those that provided the highest levels of evidence regarding risk in different aspects: screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of prostate cancer.ResultsWe developed a classification system based on priorities, at different stages of the disease (screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up) to which the type of care given, in-person or telephone visits, was adapted. We established 4 options, as follows: in priority A or low, care will be given by telephone in all cases; in priority B or intermediate, if patients are considered subsidiary of an in-person visit after telephone consultation, they will be scheduled within 3 months; in priority C or high, patients will be seen in person within a margin from 1 to 3 months and in priority D or very high, patients must always be seen in person within a margin of up to 48hours and considered very preferential.ConclusionsTelematic care in prostate cancer offers an opportunity to develop new performance and follow-up protocols, which should be thoroughly analyzed in future studies, in order to create a safe environment and guarantee oncologic outcomes for patients. (AU)

Changes in the ambulatory care of prostate cancer patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Literature review and contribution of our group in telematic care.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes in the management of urology patients, especially those with prostate cancer. The aim of this work is to show the changes in the ambulatory care practices by individualized telematic care for each patient profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles published from March 2020 to January 2021 were reviewed. We selected those that provided the highest levels of evidence regarding risk in different aspects: screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of prostate cancer. RESULTS: We developed a classification system based on priorities, at different stages of the disease (screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up) to which the type of care given, in-person or telephone visits, was adapted. We established 4 options, as follows: in priority A or low, care will be given by telephone in all cases; in priority B or intermediate, if patients are considered subsidiary of an in-person visit after telephone consultation, they will be scheduled within 3 months; in priority C or high, patients will be seen in person within a margin from 1 to 3 months and in priority D or very high, patients must always be seen in person within a margin of up to 48 h and considered very preferential. CONCLUSIONS: Telematic care in prostate cancer offers an opportunity to develop new performance and follow-up protocols, which should be thoroughly analyzed in future studies, in order to create a safe environment and guarantee oncologic outcomes for patients.

Docencia de Medicina de Familia en la Universidad durante la pandemia por el coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 / Teaching Family Medicine at the University during the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic

Introducción: La pandemia por el coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) ha cambiado los estilos de vida, de trabajo y por supuesto de formación y docencia. Objetivo: Evaluar la formación vía telemática de la asignatura de Medicina Familia en la Universidad de Castilla la Mancha. Métodos: Se propuso implementar una metodología de clases telemáticas, permitiendo al estudiante auto gestionar su tiempo y recibir los contenidos a distancia. Se evaluó posteriormente la aceptación de la nueva metodología a través de encuestas de satisfacción y se evaluó comparativamente el efecto de metodología en las calificaciones del alumnado. Resultados: Se obtuvo resultados favorables con un promedio global al curso de 4,95 sobre 5 para el año 2020 y 4,85 y 4,87 para los años 2018 y 2019. Las notas obtenidas sobre todo en el examen de teoría es superior a la de estos años. Conclusión: Se concluye que la modalidad telemática es una metodología de aprendizaje valorada positivamente por los alumnos con repercusión favorable en sus resultados académicos.(AU)

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) coronavirus pandemic has changed lifestyles, work styles and, of course, training and teaching. Objective: To evaluate the training via telematics of the subject of Family Medicine at the University of Castilla la Mancha. Methods: it was proposed to implement a methodology of telematic classes, allowing the student to self-manage their time and receive the contents at a distance. The acceptance of the new methodology was subsequently evaluated through satisfaction surveys and the effect of the methodology on the students' grades was evaluated comparatively. Results: Favorable results were obtained with a global average for the course of 4.95 out of 5 for the year 2020 and 4.85 and 4.87 for the years 2018 and 2019. The specks obtained above all in the theory exam are higher than that of these years. Conclusion: It is concluded that the telematic modality is a learning methodology valued positively by the students with a favorable impact on their academic results.(AU)

Result of the implementation of telematic consultations in orthopaedic surgery and traumatology during COVID-19 laparoscopic surgery. / Resultado de la implantación de consultas telemáticas en cirugía ortopédica y traumatología durante la pandemia COVID-19.

The COVID pandemic has made telematic consultations a basic tool in daily practice. AIMS: The main objective of the study is to assess the results of the application of telematic consultations to limit the mobility of patients. The operational objectives are; to propose a consultation plan, to know how attendance limits consultations and to define which pathologies benefit the most from this plan. METHODS: A scheme is proposed with the creation of pre-scheduled clinic to assess suitability and the possibility of carrying them out in a single non face-to-face act. RESULTS: Phone call to 5,619 patients were made with a lack of response of 19%. The cases of 74% of the patients that answered were resolved virtually. There is a difference between units, obtaining a higher answering rate from patients appointed to specific clinic units, OR = 0.60, or to general trauma ones, OR = 0.67. The lowest answering rate was obtained from those derived from the emergency department. Twenty per cent of the consultations were not accompanied by complementary tests that would have favored the resolution in a single act. The general trauma consultations, OR = 0.34, postoperative control, OR = 0.49, and specific unit ones, OR = 0.40, were the ones that better met this requirement. Out of the remaining patients, the general trauma consultations, OR = 0.50, and those referred to units, OR = 0.54, were the ones that had a higher resolution rate without in- person consultation. CONCLUSIONS: The cases of 74% of the patients who answered the phone call were resolved virtually. Cases of 20% of the patients cannot be solved in a single act because they are derived without complementary tests. Osteosynthesis and postoperative arthroscopic follow-up consultations are the ones that need to be carried out in person the most.

Innovación tecnológica en servicios diagnósticos públicos del Paraguay / Technological innovations in public diagnostic services of Paraguay

A través de innovaciones tecnológicas basadas enlas tecnologías de la información y comunicación(TIC) pueden desarrollarse sistemas de telediagnósticoventajosos para mejorar la atención de lasalud de poblaciones remotas que no tienen accesoa los médicos especialistas. Este estudio realizadopor la Unidad de Telemedicina del Ministeriode Salud Pública y Bienestar Social (MSPBS) encolaboración con el Dpto. de Ingeniería Biomédicae Imágenes del Instituto de Investigaciones enCiencias de la Salud de la Universidad Nacional deAsunción (IICS-UNA) y la Universidad del PaísVasco (UPV/EHU) sirvió para evaluar la utilidadde un sistema de telediagnóstico en la salud pú-blica. Fueron analizados los resultados obtenidospor el sistema de telediagnóstico de 54 hospitalesregionales, distritales, especializados y centros desalud del MSPBS. Fueron realizados 182.406 diagnósticosremotos de enero del 2014 a noviembrede 2016 a través del sistema. Del total, el 37,32% (68.085) correspondieron a estudios de tomografía,62,00 % (113.059) a electrocardiografía(ECG), 0,68 % (1243) a electroencefalografía(EEG) y 0,01 % (19) a ecografía. Se observó unadiferencia importante en el coste de diagnóstico remotoen relación al diagnóstico “cara a cara”, enel análisis se incorporaron los costos de implantacióny mantenimiento de la TIC para el diagnósticoremoto y los costos de transporte, alimentación yoportunidad para el diagnóstico “cara a cara”. Lareducción del coste a través del diagnóstico remoto supone un beneficio importante para cada ciudadanodel interior del país toda vez que el costepromedio de diagnóstico remoto para cada hospitalsea igual o inferior al coste total del diagnósticocara a cara...

Through based on information and communicationtechnologies (ICT), advantageous telediagnosticsystems can be developed to improve the healthcare of remote populations that do not have accessto specialist doctors. This study was carried outby the Telemedicine Unit of the Ministry of PublicHealth and Social Welfare (MSPBS – acronym inspanish) in collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Medical Imaging ofthe Institute of Research in Health Sciences of theNational University of Asunción (IICS-UNA acronymin spanish) and the University of the BasqueCountry (UPV / EHU acronym in spanish) servedto evaluate the utility of a telediagnostic system inpublic health. The results obtained by the telediagnosticsystem of 54 regional, district, specializedhospitals and health centers of the MoH (MSPBS)were analyzed. A total of 18.406 remote diagnoseswere performed from January 2014 to November2016 through the system. Of the total, 37.32%(68,085) corresponded to tomography studies(CT), 62.00% (113.059) to electrocardiography(ECG), 0.68% (1243) to electroencephalography(EEG) and 0.01% (19) to ultrasound. A significantdifference was observed in the cost of remote diagnosisin relation to the “face-to-face” diagnosis,in the analysis the costs of implementation andmaintenance of the ICT for the remote diagnosisand transport, feeding and opportunity costs forthe diagnosis “face to face” diagnosis,in the analysis the costs of implementation andmaintenance of the ICT for the remote diagnosisand transport, feeding and opportunity costs forthe diagnosis “face to face” were incorporatedinto the analysis. Reducing costs through remotediagnosis is an important benefit for every citizenof the interior of the country, since the average costof remote diagnosis for each hospital is equal toor less than the total cost of face-to-face diagnosis...

[Impact of the incorporation of a nurse in an inflammatory bowel disease unit]. / Impacto de la incorporación de la enfermera a una unidad de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.

INTRODUCTION: Multidisciplinary units are needed because of the growing complexity and volume of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the healthcare, economic and research impact of incorporating a nurse into the IBD unit of the Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital. METHODS: We prospectively recorded the activity carried out by the nurse of the IBD unit from March 2010 to December 2014. RESULTS: During this period, healthcare demand progressively increased, with 1,558 patients being attended by our unit. The healthcare provided by the nurse included 5,293 electronic mails and 678 telephone calls. We estimated that this activity represented a saving of 3,504 in-person medical consultations and 852 accident and emergency department visits. Other activities consisted of monitoring treatments with biological and non-biological agents (8,371 laboratory tests), extraction of 342 blood samples, follow-up of 1047 diagnostic tests and consultations with other medical specialties, health education in self-administration of drugs in 114 patients, the performance of 158 granulocyte apheresis procedures, and participation in 25 research projects. CONCLUSION: The incorporation of a specialised nurse in an IBD unit had major economic, healthcare and research benefits.

Level of response to telematic questionnaires on Health Related Quality of Life on total knee replacement.

UNLABELLED: Questionnaires measuring health-related quality of life are difficult to perform and obtain for patients and professionals. Computerised tools are now available to collect this information. The objective of this study was to assess the ability of patients undergoing total knee replacement to fill in health-related quality-of-life questionnaires using a telematic platform. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety eight consecutive patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were included. Participants were given an access code to enter the website where they had to respond to 2 questionnaires (SF8 and the reduced WOMAC), and 3 additional questions about the difficulty in completing the questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 98 patients agreed to participate: 45 males and 53 females (mean age 72.7 years). Fourteen did not agree to participate due to lack of internet access. Of the final 84 participants, 50% entered the website, and only 36 answered all questions correctly. Of the patients who answered the questionnaire, 80% were helped by a relative or friend, and 22% reported difficulty accessing internet. CONCLUSION: The use of telematic systems to respond to health-related quality of life questionnaires should be used cautiously, especially in elderly population. It is likely that the population they are directed at is not prepared to use this type of technology. Therefore, before designing telematics questionnaires it must be ensured that they are completed properly.