¿Por qué los graduados en medicina no quieren ser médicos de familia? / Why do medical graduates not want to be family doctors?

Objetivo: conocer la prioridad concedida a la elección de Medicina Familiar (MF) en Castilla-La Mancha (CLM) entre los opositores MIR de 2019-2022 que escogieron plaza en esta comunidad, y los factores asociados con esta elección. Métodos: se trata de un análisis de datos secundarios. De la web del Ministerio de Sanidad, se obtuvo información de 1.223 opositores: sexo, nacionalidad, puntuación en el examen y total, número en la oposición, especialidad y provincia elegidas. El análisis estadístico se ha realizado con SPSS 25.0: estadística descriptiva, comparación de proporciones y medianas, y cálculo de la probabilidad de elección de MF relacionada con el número en la oposición (Kaplan-Meier). Resultados: el 67,4% eran mujeres; el 89% eran españoles. Un 29,1% eligieron MF. Las medianas del número para elegirla aumentó a lo largo de los años: 7.106 (rango intercuartiles [RI]: 6.993,1-7.218,9), 7.511 (RI: 7.378,2-7.643,7), 8.159 (RI: 8.036,5-8.281,5), 8.821 (RI: 8.551,2-9.090,8), respectivamente de 2019 a 2022, con diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < 0,0001). Los valores correspondientes para el resto de especialidades no mostraron diferencias significativas entre los 4 años, pero eran significativamente inferiores (p < 0,0001) a las de MF. No existían diferencias por sexo para la elección de MF. Solo en 2020 fue más precoz la elección de MF en Albacete (p = 0,037), sin diferencias en el global de los 4 años en cuanto a la elección de provincia. Conclusión: la elección de plazas de MF en CLM se hace con números altos de la oposición MIR. En los últimos años se ha venido produciendo un progresivo retraso en dicha elección. (AU)

Aim: to ascertain the priority given to the choice of family medicine (FM) posts in Castilla-La Mancha (CLM) among resident intern competitive examination candidates in 2019 and 2022 who chose this autonomous community and the factors associated with this choice. Method: this is an analysis of secondary data. The following was obtained from the Spanish Ministry of Health website about 1223 candidates: sex, nationality, score in the examination; total, competitive examination position, specialty and province chosen. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 25.0: descriptive statistics, comparison of proportions and medians and probability of FM post choice related to candidate order (Kaplan-Meier). Results: a total of 67.4% were women; 89% were Spanish; 29.1% chose FM. The median number selecting FM increased over the years: 7.106 (interquartile range [IR]: 6993.1-7218.9), 7.511 (RI: 7378.2-7643.7), 8159 (RI: 8036, 5-8281.5), 8821 (RI: 8551.2-9090.8), respectively from 2019 to 2022, with statistically significant differences (P<0.0001). The corresponding values for the other specialties did not reveal any statistically significant differences among the four years. However, they were statistically significantly lower (P<0.0001) than those for FM. There were no differences by sex for choosing FM. Only in 2020 FM was chosen earlier in Albacete (P=0.037). There were no differences in the overall four-year period in regard to choice of province. Conclusion: FM posts in Castilla-La Mancha are chosen with high classification numbers from the resident intern entrance examinations. In recent years there has been a gradual delay in this choice. (AU)

At what stage in the undergraduate curriculum is it best to train in family medicine? A study from two medical schools in Spain.

BACKGROUND: A course in family medicine (FM) could dispel the possibility of negative stereotyping about this speciality, and instil in students a greater interest. However, when is it preferable: at the beginning or at the end of undergraduate training? OBJECTIVES: To determine changes in knowledge and attitudes towards FM by medical students completing a course in primary care at the beginning or the end of the undergraduate training and whether those changes anticipate the choice of speciality. METHODS: Students from Albacete and Seville medical schools (primary care course in second and sixth years, respectively) were asked to respond to the 'valuation of attitudes towards and knowledge of family medicine questionnaire' (CAMF). Students from Albacete answered before and after the course, and in Seville second-year students answered at the end of the first trimester. All students were invited to respond again at the end of their undergraduate training. Afterwards, we investigated the score on the speciality exam (order for the election from highest to lowest score) and their choice of speciality. The outcome measures were the MIR exam score, the number in the ranking, the chosen speciality and the result of the CAMF. RESULTS: In Albacete 88 and 64 and in Seville 50 and 98 students responded in their second and sixth years, respectively. In Albacete, mean CAMF scores were 15.4, 22.7 before and after the course, and 21.8 at the end while in Seville, 13.9 in the second year, and 23.5 in the sixth year. Logistic regression analysis showed an association of the choice of FM only with the score on the speciality exam (OR: 0.667; 95%CI: 0.553-0.806). CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences between CAMF scores at the end of undergraduate training. Only the score on the speciality exam predicts FM choice: the higher the score, the lower the probability of choosing FM.

Predictors for choosing the specialty of Family Medicine from undergraduate knowledge and attitudes.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: A cold climate towards primary care (PC) within medical academia could form a barrier against choosing family medicine (FM) as a career option. This study was designed to determine whether medical students' knowledge of and attitudes towards FM predicted their career choice. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study conducted at two different medical schools. METHODS: After completing a PC course at the Albacete Medical School in 2005-2006, 81 second-year students were asked to give responses to a questionnaire. In their sixth year (2009-2010), 79 students in Albacete and 42 in Seville (taken as an unexposed cohort) were asked to give responses too. Their choice of specialty was investigated in 2011. RESULTS: In Albacete, the questionnaire was answered by 79 second-year and 76 sixth-year students; in Seville, it was answered by 26 sixth-year students. After completing the PC course, 69.3% said they would like to become a family doctor. This percentage decreased to 40.3% at the end of the undergraduate course (P < 0.0001). In the sixth year, the attitudes towards FM worsened, yet these were significantly more favorable than those in Seville. Only 12 students chose FM; they obtained significantly worse scores in their specialty selection examination than their peers (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In the Albacete Medical School, the students' opinion about FM worsened over the undergraduate course, although it was still better than the Seville students' stance. In any case, FM was seen to be a minority option.

Predictors for choosing the specialty of Family Medicine from undergraduate knowledge and attitudes / Preditores da escolha da especialidade Medicina de Família a partir de competências e atitudes de alunos de graduação

ABSTRACT: CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: A cold climate towards primary care (PC) within medical academia could form a barrier against choosing family medicine (FM) as a career option. This study was designed to determine whether medical students' knowledge of and attitudes towards FM predicted their career choice. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study conducted at two different medical schools. METHODS: After completing a PC course at the Albacete Medical School in 2005-2006, 81 second-year students were asked to give responses to a questionnaire. In their sixth year (2009-2010), 79 students in Albacete and 42 in Seville (taken as an unexposed cohort) were asked to give responses too. Their choice of specialty was investigated in 2011. RESULTS: In Albacete, the questionnaire was answered by 79 second-year and 76 sixth-year students; in Seville, it was answered by 26 sixth-year students. After completing the PC course, 69.3% said they would like to become a family doctor. This percentage decreased to 40.3% at the end of the undergraduate course (P < 0.0001). In the sixth year, the attitudes towards FM worsened, yet these were significantly more favorable than those in Seville. Only 12 students chose FM; they obtained significantly worse scores in their specialty selection examination than their peers (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In the Albacete Medical School, the students' opinion about FM worsened over the undergraduate course, although it was still better than the Seville students' stance. In any case, FM was seen to be a minority option.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Um clima frio para a atenção primária na academia médica constitui uma barreira para escolher Medicina de Família (MF) como opção de carreira. Este estudo foi concebido para determinar se o conhecimento e as atitudes dos estudantes de medicina em relação à MF predizem a escolha da carreira. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de coorte realizado em duas faculdades de medicina. MÉTODOS: Depois de terem completado um curso de Cuidados Primários na Faculdade de Medicina de Albacete, em 2005-2006, 81 alunos do segundo ano foram convidados a responder a um questionário. No seu sexto ano (2009-2010), 79 estudantes de Albacete assim como 42 de Sevilha, tomados como coorte não exposta, foram convidados a responder também. Todos eles foram investigados sobre a escolha da especialidade em 2011. RESULTADOS: Em Albacete, 79 e 76 estudantes responderam no segundo e sexto anos, respectivamente, e 26 em Sevilha. Depois de terem concluído o curso de cuidados primários, 69,3% disseram que gostariam de se tornar médicos de família. Esta percentagem diminuiu para 40,3% no final da graduação (P < 0,0001). No sexto ano, as atitudes com relação à MF pioraram, mas estas foram significativamente mais favoráveis do que as de Sevilla. Apenas 12 alunos escolheram a MF; eles obtiveram pontuação significativamente piores no exame do que seus pares (P < 0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: Na Faculdade de Medicina de Albacete, a opinião dos alunos sobre a MF ao longo da graduação piorou; contudo ainda era melhor que as dos estudantes de Sevilha. Em qualquer caso, MF foi opção minoritária.

Frequency and characteristics of Internet use by Spanish teenagers. A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Internet has completely changed communication among people in today's world, especially among young users. The objective of this study is to establish the frequency of Internet use by teenagers, and most used apps. POPULATION AND METHODS: This was a crosssectional study. In November 2013, students attending two mandatory secondary schools in Albacete were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire with close-ended and open questions. Questionnaires were completed in the classroom, either "online" or "with pen and paper". Answers were entered in a computer database using the SPSS 17.0 software. Statistical analysis included a comparison of proportions (χ² test) and mean/median values (Student's t test/non-parametric tests). RESULTS: Nine hundred and sixty-seven students participated; their mean age was 13.8 years old (range: 11-20); 53.5% were girls. Most students (70.9%) lived in the city. Most belonged to a middle (51.3%) and high (34.8%) socioeconomic status. Also most students went online on a daily basis (73.4%); only 0.9% indicated that they never did. The most frequently used apps included WhatsApp (77.1%), social networks (70.1%) and music apps (66.6%). Among girls, the most common Internet use was social networks (p= 0.004), WhatsApp (p < 0.0001), Instagram (p < 0.0001) and listening to music (p= 0.004). Boys most commonly used the Internet to browse the web (p < 0.0001), Skype (p=0.001), play (p < 0.0001) andwatchmovies or TV shows (p= 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Internet takes up a large part of the time in adolescents' lives, especially as a means of communications, being WhatsApp and social networks the most commonly used apps.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Internet ha transformado la comunicación entre las personas en el mundo actual, especialmente en el caso de los más jóvenes. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la frecuencia de uso de Internet por adolescentes, así como las aplicaciones utilizadas. POBLACIÓN Y MÉTODOS: Se trata de un estudio transversal. En noviembre de 2013, los estudiantes de la escuela secundaria obligatoria de dos institutos de Albacete fueron invitados a responder un cuestionario autoadministrable, con preguntas de respuesta abierta y cerrada. Contestaron en las aulas, "on line" o con "lápiz y papel". Las respuestas fueron introducidas en una base de datos informatizada, con el programa SPSS 17.0. El análisis estadístico ha incluido comparación de proporciones (chi cuadrado) y de medias/medianas (t de Student/pruebas no paramétricas). RESULTADOS: Participaron 967 estudiantes, con media de edad de 13,8 años (rango: 11-20); 53,5% de mujeres. La mayoría (70,9%) vivían en la ciudad. La clase social era mayoritariamente media (51,3%) y alta (34,8%). La mayoría se conectaba a Internet a diario (73,4%); solo 0,9% decía no conectarse nunca. Las aplicaciones más utilizadas eran WhatsApp (77,1%), redes sociales (70,1%) y relacionadas con música (66,6%). Se ha encontrado una mayor frecuencia de utilización por las mujeres de redes sociales (p= 0,004), WhatsApp (p <0,0001), Instagram (p <0,0001) y escuchar música (p= 0,004). Los varones navegaban más (p <0,0001), utilizaban Skype (p= 0,001), jugaban (p <0,0001) y veían películas o series (p= 0,035). CONCLUSIONES: Internet ocupa una gran parte del tiempo de los adolescentes, especialmente como medio de comunicación, y WhatsApp y las redes sociales son las aplicaciones que utilizan con más frecuencia.

[Choice of Family Medicine at the exams for Spanish resident doctors in 2011 and 2013]. / Elección de Medicina Familiar en los exámenes para médicos residentes españoles de 2011 y 2013.

BACKGROUND: Family Medicine (FM) is regarded as one of the specialities less interesting to those who choose for resident physicians (MIR) in Spain. Our objective is to know the priority given to the choice of FM in 2011 and 2013 MIR exams, and what factors might be associated with this choice. METHODS: We obtained information on the website of the Ministry of Health for the graduates who could choose a speciality (11552 y 9182). The variables analyzed were: number obtained in the opposition, sex, speciality chosen, chosen city, medical school where they studied (for 117 and 155 students of a previous cohort study). We calculated the probability of choice of FM in relation to the order number in the exam and the other variables (Kaplan-Meier). RESULTS: 1963 and 1772 chose FM, respectively in 2011 and 2013. The median of the order number to choose FM was 7894 (95%CI:7720-8068) and 6561 (95%CI:6442-6680). There were gender differences, as women chose FM with fewer number and a higher proportion (p<0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Graduates enrolled in the MIR exam have not special preference for FM. Women show a greater interest in this speciality.

Introducción: la Medicina Familiar (MF) está considerada entre las especialidades que menos interesan a quienes optan por ser médicos internos residentes (MIR) en España. Nuestro objetivo es describir la prioridad concedida a la elección de MF en las convocatorias MIR 2011 y 2013, y qué factores podrían estar asociados con esta elección. Métodos: de la web del Ministerio de Sanidad de España se obtuvo información de los opositores que optaron a plaza (11552 y 9182). Las variables analizadas han sido: número obtenido en la oposición, sexo, especialidad elegida, ciudad elegida, facultad donde estudiaron (para 117 y 155 en un estudio de cohorte previo). Se calculó la probabilidad de elección de MF en relación con el número de orden en la oposición y otras variables (Kaplan-Meier). Resultados: la MF fue elegida por 1963 y 1772, respectivamente en 2011 y 2013. La mediana del número en la oposición para elegir MF fue 7894 (IC 95 % 7720-8068) y 6561 (IC 95 % 6442-6680). Existían diferencias por sexo: las mujeres elegían MF con menor número y en mayor proporción (p < 0.00001). Conclusiones: los opositores MIR no tienen una especial preferencia por la MF. Las mujeres muestran un mayor interés por esta especialidad.

Effectiveness of a combined strategy to improve therapeutic compliance and degree of control among patients with hypercholesterolaemia: a randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: In subjects with hypercholesterolaemia, cholesterol values remain above guideline levels. One of the limiting factors to the achievement of goals in such patients is therapeutic non-adherence. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an intervention designed to improve control of hypercholesterolaemic patients, consisting of a combined strategy that would include the delivery of printed information, treatment-compliance check cards and the dispatch of text messages as complementary measures in support of the intervention at the general practitioner's practice. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomised, parallel-group clinical trial will be conducted at the family medicine outpatient facilities of eight health centres in three of Spain's Autonomous Regions (Comunidades Autónomas), covering a total of 358 subjects aged 18 years or over with diagnosis of hypercholesterolaemia. Patients in the intervention group will be supplied with printed material with information on the disease and its management, mobile-telephone text messages with guideline summaries, reminders of forthcoming appointments and/or arrangements for making new appointments in the event of non-attendance, and self-report cards to check compliance with recommendations. Both groups -intervention and control- will receive routine recommendations from their physicians in accordance with current European clinical practice guidelines for hypercholesterolaemia and cardiovascular risk management. As regards the measurements to be made, the main variable is the proportion of subjects who attain the low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels set as a target across a follow-up period of 24 months. The secondary variables are as follows: adherence to recommendations on lifestyle and adherence to drug treatment; variation in lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk levels; appearance of cardiovascular events; physical activity; food consumption; smoking habit; anthropometric measures; blood pressure; health problems; use of hypolipidaemic agents; socio-demographic data; beliefs and expectations about preventive recommendations; and degree of satisfaction with the combined strategy. DISCUSSION: Should this intervention prove effective, a recommendation could be issued on the application of this combined strategy to subjects with hypercholesterolaemia. It is a simple, relatively inexpensive intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02314663.

Elección de las plazas de Medicina de Familia en Castilla-La Mancha en las oposiciones MIR de 2011 y 2013 / Choice for family medicine posts in Castilla-La Mancha in the 2011 and 2013 MIR entrance examinations

Objetivo: Conocer la prioridad concedida a la elección de Medicina de Familia (MF) en Castilla- La Mancha (CLM) entre los opositores MIR 2011 y 2013 que escogieron plaza en esta comunidad, y los factores asociados con esta elección. Método: Estudio transversal. Ámbito: Académico. Participantes: 279 opositores en 2011 y 206 en 2013. Mediciones y resultados principales: De la web del Ministerio de Sanidad se obtuvo el número en la oposición, el sexo y la especialidad y ciudad elegidas. Se disponía de información adicional de graduados en la Universidad de CLM. Análisis estadístico: probabilidad de elección de MF relacionada con número de orden en oposición, global y en función de otras variables (Kaplan-Meier). Resultados: En 2011, MF fue elegida por un 34,4 %. La mediana del número para elegir MF fue 7.701 (rango intercuartiles [RI]:4.962-10.430), significativamente mayor a otras especialidades (p<0,0001). No existían diferencias por sexo para la elección de MF frente al resto de especialidades. Los de la Universidad de CLM elegían MF con menor número que los demás (medianas: 4.463 y 8.980), aunque en menor proporción (13,2 y 37,8 %, respectivamente) (p<0,00001). Los resultados correspondientes en 2013 eran: 34 % eligen MF; mediana: 7.362 (RI: 4.765- 8.541) (p<0,0001); sin deferencias por sexo; los de la Universidad de CLM elegían MF con menor número (6.704 y 7.622) y menor proporción (19,05 y 35,68 %, respectivamente) (p=0,004). Conclusión: La elección de plazas de MF en CLM se realiza con números altos de la oposición MIR. Los graduados en Albacete la eligen con mejor número que el resto de opositores, aunque muestran poco interés por ella (AU)

Objective: To establish priority given to the choice for family medicine (FM) posts in Castilla-La Mancha among MIR 2011 and 2013 candidates who chose this community and factors associated with this choice. Method: Cross-sectional study. Scope: Academic. Participants: 279 candidates in 2011 and 206 in 2013. Main analysed data and results: the following was obtained from the ministry of health website; number of candidates, sex and chosen city and specialization. Additional information on Castilla-La Mancha University graduates was available. Statistical analysis: likelihood of FM post choice related to candidate order and overall number and was based on other variables (Kaplan-Meier). Results: In 2011, FM was chosen by 34.4%. The median of the number who chose FM was 7,701 (interquartile range [IQR]: 4.962-10.430), significantly higher than other specializations (p<0,0001). There were no differences in sex for the choice of FM compared to other specializations. Those of the Castilla-La Mancha University opted for FM in lower numbers than the rest (medians: 4.463 and 8.980), although in a lower proportion (13.2 and 37.8% respectively) (p<0,00001). The corresponding results in 2013 were: 34% opt for FM; median: 7.362 (RI: 4.765-8.541) (p<0,0001); no differences by sex; those of the Castilla-La Mancha University chose FM in lower number (6.704 and 7.622) and proportion (19.05 y 35.68%, respectively) (p=0,004). Conclusion: The choice of FM posts in Castilla-La Mancha is made in high numbers from the MIR entrance examinations. The graduates in Albacete choose it in higher numbers than other candidates, although they show little interest in it (AU)

Valoración de un proyecto de “triage” de urgencias por enfermería en atención primaria / Evaluation of a primary care nursing emergencies triage project

Objetivo: Conocer la valoración, por parte de enfermeras y estudiantes de enfermería, sobre cambios organizativos para la instauración de un sistema de “triage” de urgencias en atención primaria. Diseño del estudio: Estudio cualitativo, tipo grupo focal. Emplazamiento: Atención primaria. Participantes: Enfermeras de atención primaria y estudiantes de tercer curso de enfermería. Método: Se constituyeron dos grupos, uno formado por siete enfermeras, pertenecientes a centros de salud urbano, rurales y SUAP; y un segundo grupo formado por cinco estudiantes de tercer curso de enfermería. Se realizó una videograbación de las reuniones y posteriormente se llevó a cabo un proceso de análisis y síntesis de la información. Resultados: Se constató un acuerdo en ambos grupos sobre la factibilidad de esta tarea y, en general, se consideraban con suficiente cualificación para su desempeño. Se subrayó asimismo la importancia de que no recaiga sobre el área administrativa la responsabilidad de decidir quién y cuándo debe atender a un paciente que requiere atención inmediata. En el grupo de enfermeras se hizo especial hincapié en que este proyecto no sería viable con las cargas de trabajo actuales, por lo que planteaban la necesidad de aumentar las plantillas o introducir cambios organizativos. Los estudiantes se mostraban interesados por asumir este tipo de tareas, aunque desearían una mayor formación específica en su currículo académico. Consideraban fundamental delimitar tareas y protocolizar actividades. Conclusiones: Enfermeras cualificadas en el trabajo en atención primaria y estudiantes de enfermería en la fase final de su formación coinciden en la factibilidad de implantar un sistema de “triage” para pacientes que requieren atención inmediata en un centro de salud (AU)

Objective: To ascertain the evaluation of nurses and nursing students on organisational changes for the establishment of a triage system for primary care emergencies. Design: Focus group qualitative study. Location: Primary Care. Participants: Primary health care nurses and third year nursing students. Method: Two groups were formed, one of seven nurses from city, rural and SUAP healthcare centres and a second group made up of five third year nursing students. A video recording was made of the meetings and later a process of analysis and synthesis of the information was carried out. Results: There was agreement between both groups on the feasibility of this task and, in general, they considered themselves sufficiently qualified to perform it. Likewise, importance was given to the fact that responsibility for deciding who should attend to a patient needing immediate care, and when, should not fall on the administrative area. In the nursing group, special emphasis was placed on the fact that this project would not be viable with current workloads and, for this reason, they put forward the need to increase the workforce or to bring in organisational changes. The students showed interest in taking on this kind of task, although they would wish for greater specific training in their academic curriculum. They considered definition of tasks and regulation of activities to be fundamental. Conclusions: Qualified nurses at work in primary care and nursing students nearing the end of their training agree on the feasibility of implementing a triage system for patients requiring immediate attention at a healthcare centre (AU)