Effects of aging on optical quality and visual function.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the effects of aging on visual function and optical quality in a healthy adult population and provide reference values for different age ranges. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study with 198 healthy volunteers from 31 to 70 years of age. The visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) at 3, 6, 12 and 18 cycles per degree (cpd) frequencies were assessed, together with values of optical quality and intraocular scattering obtained with a double-pass system (Optical Quality Analysis System - OQAS), specifically the modulation transfer function cutoff frequency (MTFcutoff ), the Strehl ratio, the OQAS values (OV) at contrasts of 100, 20 and nine per cent and the objective scatter index (OSI). We studied the change of these variables with age and obtained standard values for optical quality and intraocular scattering parameters for four age groups: 31 to 40, 41 to 50, 51 to 60 and 61 to 70 years. RESULTS: We found significant correlations between age and all variables analysed and significant differences among the age groups considered except for CS (3 cpd) (p = 0.067). Ageing particularly affected low-contrast parameters, such as the OV nine per cent and the OSI, which decreased to 37 and 50 per cent of their original values, respectively. The OSI was found to provide high sensitivity and specificity values, when healthy and caratactous eyes were considered. The results suggest that optical deficits are compensated until 50 years of age with sensory and perceptual factors, as smaller changes were found for visual function than for objective measurements of optical quality and intraocular scattering. CONCLUSIONS: Measures of optical quality assessed by subjective psychophysical and objective techniques varied differently with age. Values obtained for each age group can be used to determine normal limits of optical quality and intraocular scattering for diagnosis of ocular conditions.

[Clinical simulation as a training tool for clinical teams and care change facilitator]. / La simulación clínica: entrenamiento de equipos clínicos y facilitador de cambios asistenciales.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to describe and show the results of a simulation training interprofesional program to meet a training need of Surgical area professionals in management in cardiovascular surgery emergencies in Valdecilla Hospital. MATERIAL: The activity was aimed to train at the 42 nurses in rotation in the surgical area, nursing assistances, cardiovascular surgeons and anesthetists. For it was made a study of the training needs and were designed clinical simulation escenarios, theoretical sessions as well in workshops usual workplace. RESULTS: The training project was conducted in four phases between May 21 to June 18, 2012, within which were 3 clinical cases for multidisciplinary training in emergency usual CCV. With the full participation of 65 professionals and 17 instructors, after further analysis to cases, results were achieved improved teamwork, and picked up, several changes to be made in the organization of the service. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical simulation mode responds to adult learning, based on their own experience and personal reflection, and all in an environment that does not risk to patients or professionals. It is really helpful and flexible to meet different institutional challenges and where participants highlighted two key aspects in this activity such as the multidisciplinary team where they could train the professional standard and the possibility of analysis and reflection after the event to share experiences and look for areas of improvement among all the clinical team.

La simulación clínica. Entrenamiento de equipos clínicos y facilitador de cambios asistenciales / Clinical simulation as a training tool for clinical teams and care change facilitator

Objetivo. Describir y mostrar los resultados de un programa de formación interprofesional basado en simulación clínica para para dar respuesta a una necesidad formativa de los profesionales del área quirúrgica del Hospital Valdecilla en el manejo de las urgencias vitales en cirugía cardiovascular (CCV). Material. La actividad fue dirigida para entrenar a las 42 enfermeras de turno rotatorio del área quirúrgica junto con personal auxiliar, cirujanos cardiovasculares y anestesistas. Para ello se realizó un estudio de las necesidades formativas y se diseñaron jornadas de entrenamiento mediante simulación clínica, además de sesiones teóricas y talleres in situ en el lugar habitual de trabajo. Resultados. El proyecto formativo se realizó en cuatro fases entre el 21 de mayo al 18 de junio del 2012, dentro de las cuales se efectuaron tres casos clínicos para el entrenamiento multidisciplinar de urgencias habituales en CCV, con la participación total de 65 profesionales y 17 instructores; gracias a los análisis posteriores a los casos, se alcanzaron resultados de mejora del trabajo en equipo y se recogieron diferentes cambios a realizar en la organización clínica del servicio. Conclusiones. La simulación clínica responde al modo de aprendizaje de los adultos, basado en la propia experiencia y la reflexión personal, y todo ello en un entorno que no pone en riesgo a pacientes, ni a profesionales. Es realmente útil y flexible para hacer frente a diferentes retos institucionales; y los participantes resaltaron dos aspectos clave: el caracter multidisciplinar, pudiendo entrenar el equipo habitual de profesionales, y la posibilidad del análisis y reflexión posterior al caso para compartir experiencias y buscar áreas de mejora entre todo el equipo clínico (AU)

Objective: The objective of this article is to describe and show the results of a simulation training interprofesional program to meet a training need of Surgical area professionals in management in cardiovascular surgery emergencies in Valdecilla Hospital. Material: The activity was aimed to train at the 42 nurses in rotation in the surgical area, nursing assistances, cardiovascular surgeons and anesthetists. For it was made a study of the training needs and were designed clinical simulation escenarios, theoretical sessions as well in workshops usual workplace. Results: The training project was conducted in four phases between May 21 to June 18, 2012, within which were 3 clinical cases for multidisciplinary training in emergency usual CCV. With the full participation of 65 professionals and 17 instructors, after further analysis to cases, results were achieved improved teamwork, and picked up, several changes to be made in the organization of the service. Conclusions: Clinical simulation mode responds to adult learning, based on their own experience and personal reflection, and all in an environment that does not risk to patients or professionals. It is really helpful and flexible to meet different institutional challenges and where participants highlighted two key aspects in this activity such as the multidisciplinary team where they could train the professional standard and the possibility of analysis and reflection after the event to share experiences and look for areas of improvement among all the clinical team (AU)