Hospital at Home: A New Model of Home Care in Brazil / Hospitalización a domicilio: un nuevo modelo de atención domiciliaria en Brasil

Introducción: Home Care (HC) es directamente responsable por la reducción de la demanda de camas hospitalarias en Brasil. El modelo brasileño de hospitalización domiciliaria en el sector privado se basó en la atención continua de enfermería durante los últimos 30 años sin revisión adicional. Objetivos: Descubrir si el modelo brasileño de hospitalización domiciliaria se alinea con los diferentes modelos HC vigen-tes en todo el mundo, analizar sus limitaciones y desafíos y proponer un nuevo modelo rentable de atención domiciliaria en Brasil llamado Hospital at Home (HaH). Método: Revisión de artículos publicados en bases de datos, actas de congresos, guías de práctica clínica y regulaciones guberna-mentales entre 2006-2022. Se analizaron 920 pacientes atendidos en la modalidad de Hospitalización Domiciliaria por una empresa privada de HC en Brasil en noviembre de 2022. Resultados: Los modelos de HC europeos y norteamericanos no se basan en cuidados de enfermería continuos. Si analizó la elegibilidad de 920 pacientes atendidos en la modalidad de Hospitalización Domiciliaria por una empresa privada de HC en Brasil en noviembre de 2022 para inclusión en el nuevo modelo HaH, propuesto con 10 pilares basados en evidencia donde un equipo multidisciplinario es ayudado por enfoque de participación del socio de atención y una estrategia de gestión clínica basada en análisis de datos apoyados en recursos digitales de salud. Conclusiones: Creemos que el modelo HaH remodelará la hospitalización domiciliaria en Brasil, establecerá las bases para la atención domiciliaria basada en el valor y contribuirá a la sostenibilidad de la HC brasileña. (AU)

Introduction: Home Care (HC) is directly responsible for reducing the demand for hospital beds in Brazil. Brazilian Home Hospitalization model in the private sector was built on continuous nursing care for the last 30-years without further review. Objectives: Find if Brazilian Home Hospitalization model aligns with the different HC models in effect around the world, evaluate its limitations and challenges and propose a new cost-effective model of domiciliary care in Brazil called Hospital at Home (HaH). Method: Review of articles published in data bases, conference proceedings, clinical practice guidelines, and government regulations between 2006-2022. 920 patients receiving care in the Home Hospitalization modality by a private HC company in Brazil were analyzed in November 2022. Results: European and North American HC models are not built on continuous nursing care. 920 patients receiving care in the Home Hospitalization modality by a private HC company in Brazil had their eligibility assessed in November 2022 to be included in the new HaH model, proposed with 10 evidence-based pillars where a multidisciplinary team is aided by a care partner engagement approach and a clinical management strategy based on data analysis supported by digital health resources. Conclusions: We believe the HaH model will reshape home hospitalization in Brazil, set up the groundwork for value-based Home Care and contribute to the sustainability of Brazilian HC. (AU)

Home Care as a safe alternative during the COVID-19 crisis.

INTRODUCTION: There are several reports worldwide about the high mortality related to COVID-19 among residents of nursing homes. The worldwide concern about the safety of patients and professionals in these institutions is relevant. In Brasil, a large part of post-acute care and chronic patients is performed at home through Home Care (HC). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the incidence of COVID-19 in Home Care patients and the clinical outcomes of these patients; it also aims to assess the impact of the epidemic on the number of patients, new admissions, and hospitalizations. METHODS: A descriptive study of the COVID-19 cases that affected the population in care by Home Doctor (a private company of Home Care), between the months of March 2020 and May 2020 and analysis of the total number of patients, the hospitalization and death rate in the period compared to the pre-epidemic period. RESULTS: There were 31 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 21 of which were male, mean age 73 years. All patients had multiple comorbidities, the most prevalent were: Systemic Arterial Hypertension (54%) and Stroke (35%). The incidence of COVID-19 was 1% in the studied population. There were 10 hospitalizations with 5 hospital deaths and one case of home death (lethality 19%). Safe care was maintained, with a low death rate (0.6%) and hospitalization (6.1%). CONCLUSION: Home Care is able to maintain safe care during the pandemic due to COVID-19, with a low incidence of COVID-19, low hospitalization rate, and low mortality when compared to nursing homes institutions.

Home Care as a safe alternative during the COVID-19 crisis

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: There are several reports worldwide about the high mortality related to COVID-19 among residents of nursing homes. The worldwide concern about the safety of patients and professionals in these institutions is relevant. In Brasil, a large part of post-acute care and chronic patients is performed at home through Home Care (HC). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the incidence of COVID-19 in Home Care patients and the clinical outcomes of these patients; it also aims to assess the impact of the epidemic on the number of patients, new admissions, and hospitalizations. METHODS: A descriptive study of the COVID-19 cases that affected the population in care by Home Doctor (a private company of Home Care), between the months of March 2020 and May 2020 and analysis of the total number of patients, the hospitalization and death rate in the period compared to the pre-epidemic period. RESULTS: There were 31 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 21 of which were male, mean age 73 years. All patients had multiple comorbidities, the most prevalent were: Systemic Arterial Hypertension (54%) and Stroke (35%). The incidence of COVID-19 was 1% in the studied population. There were 10 hospitalizations with 5 hospital deaths and one case of home death (lethality 19%). Safe care was maintained, with a low death rate (0.6%) and hospitalization (6.1%). CONCLUSION: Home Care is able to maintain safe care during the pandemic due to COVID-19, with a low incidence of COVID-19, low hospitalization rate, and low mortality when compared to nursing homes institutions.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: Diversos são os relatos mundiais a respeito da elevada mortalidade relacionada a COVID-19 entre os residentes de instituições de longa permanência. A preocupação demonstrada mundialmente sobre a segurança dos pacientes e profissionais nestas instituições é relevante. No Brasil grande parte dos cuidados pós-agudo e de pacientes crônicos é realizado no domicílio através da Atenção Domiciliar (AD). OBJETIVO: O estudo visa avaliar a incidência de COVID-19 em pacientes em Atenção Domiciliar e o desfecho clínico destes pacientes; objetiva avaliar o impacto da epidemia sobre número de pacientes totais, novas admissões e hospitalizações. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo dos casos de COVID-19 que acometeram população em atendimento pela Home Doctor (empresa privada de Atenção Domiciliar), entre os meses de março de 2020 a maio de 2020 e análise do número total de pacientes, da taxa de hospitalização e óbito no período comparado o período pré-epidemia. RESULTADOS: Ocorreram 31 casos confirmados de COVID-19, sendo 21 sexo masculino, idade média 73 anos. Todos os pacientes apresentavam múltiplas comorbidades, sendo as mais prevalentes: Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (54%) e Acidente Vascular Cerebral (35%). A incidência de COVID-19 foi de 1% na população estudada. Ocorreram 10 hospitalizações com 5 óbitos hospitalares e um caso de óbito domiciliar (letalidade 19%). A segurança do atendimento foi mantida, com baixa taxa de óbito (0,6%) e hospitalização (6,1%). CONCLUSÃO: A Atenção Domiciliar é capaz de manter atendimento seguro durante a pandemia por COVID-19, com baixa incidência de COVID-19, baixa taxa de hospitalização e baixa mortalidade quando comparada a instituições de longa permanência.

Fracture risk assessment in home care patients using the FRAX® tool.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ten-year risk of hip and osteoporotic fracture in home care patients using the FRAX® tool. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional observational study including patients aged ≥ 40 and ≤ 90 years and receiving home care from a private provider. The risk of fracture was calculated using an online calculator. High risk was defined as risk of hip fracture greater than 3% or risk of osteoporotic fracture greater than 20%. Data were expressed as absolute number (n), relative frequency (%), mean, standard deviation (±) and probability value (p). RESULTS: Eighty-three (37.7%) out of 222 patients were at high risk of fracture. Of these, 81 (36.7%) were at high risk of hip fracture, as follows: 18 patients aged 70-80 years (17 female) and 63 patients aged 80-90 years (51 female). High risk of osteoporotic fracture was limited to two female patients (0.1%) aged over 80 years. CONCLUSION: FRAX® analysis revealed similar fracture risks in the sample and the older adult population overall. Prospective investigation of fracture rates in home care patients, identification of true risk factors and construction of a home care patient-specific clinical score are warranted.

Point-of-care lung ultrasound in paediatric critical and emergency care.

Ultrasound techniques have been developed since the past century and are becoming more useful in different areas of medical knowledge. More recently, lung ultrasound gained importance throughout artefacts analysis to help clinical evaluation at bedside and became subject of interest in the paediatric intensive care and emergency department settings for both procedural and diagnostic purposes. The normal pattern of lung ultrasound is defined by the presence of lung sliding associated with A-lines whereas B-lines may be representative of pathologic findings. This review focuses on some of the most common pulmonary conditions, their respective sonographic features and clinical implications in the emergency department and paediatric intensive care unit.

Fracture risk assessment in home care patients using the FRAX® tool / Estimativa do risco de fratura óssea em pacientes em Atenção Domiciliar por meio da ferramenta FRAX®

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the ten-year risk of hip and osteoporotic fracture in home care patients using the FRAX® tool. Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional observational study including patients aged ≥ 40 and ≤ 90 years and receiving home care from a private provider. The risk of fracture was calculated using an online calculator. High risk was defined as risk of hip fracture greater than 3% or risk of osteoporotic fracture greater than 20%. Data were expressed as absolute number (n), relative frequency (%), mean, standard deviation (±) and probability value (p). Results Eighty-three (37.7%) out of 222 patients were at high risk of fracture. Of these, 81 (36.7%) were at high risk of hip fracture, as follows: 18 patients aged 70-80 years (17 female) and 63 patients aged 80-90 years (51 female). High risk of osteoporotic fracture was limited to two female patients (0.1%) aged over 80 years. Conclusion FRAX® analysis revealed similar fracture risks in the sample and the older adult population overall. Prospective investigation of fracture rates in home care patients, identification of true risk factors and construction of a home care patient-specific clinical score are warranted.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o risco de fratura de quadril e fratura osteoporótica, em 10 anos, em pacientes em atenção domiciliar, de acordo com a ferramenta FRAX®. Métodos Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, observacional realizados com pacientes de uma empresa de Assistência Domiciliar com idade ≥40 e ≤90 anos. Foi avaliado o risco de fratura por meio da calculadora on-line, tendo sido considerado elevado risco de fratura de quadril acima de 3% e elevado risco de fratura osteoporótica quando acima de 20%. Os dados foram expressos em número absoluto (n), frequência relativa (%), média, desvio padrão (±) e valor de significância (p). Resultados Dos 222 pacientes, 83 (37,7%) apresentaram alto risco de fratura, sendo 81 (36,7%) casos por elevado risco de fratura de quadril. Destes, 18 deles tinham idade entre 70 e 80 anos (sendo 17 do sexo feminino) e 63 entre 80 e 90 anos (sendo 51 do sexo feminino). O risco elevado de fratura osteoporótica ocorreu em apenas duas pacientes do sexo feminino (0,1%), ambas com idade acima de 80 anos. Conclusão O risco de fratura óssea verificado pela ferramenta FRAX® foi semelhante na população do estudo em relação ao da população idosa em geral. A avaliação prospectiva da incidência de fraturas nos pacientes em Atenção Domiciliar, a identificação dos reais fatores de risco e a personalização do escore clínico para este grupo de pacientes se fazem necessárias.

The Role of Focused Echocardiography in Pediatric Intensive Care: A Critical Appraisal.

Echocardiography is a key tool for hemodynamic assessment in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Focused echocardiography performed by nonspecialist physicians has a limited scope, and the most relevant parameters assessed by focused echocardiography in Pediatric ICU are left ventricular systolic function, fluid responsiveness, cardiac tamponade and pulmonary hypertension. Proper ability building of pediatric emergency care physicians and intensivists to perform focused echocardiography is feasible and provides improved care of severely ill children and thus should be encouraged.

Fulminant myocarditis associated with the H1N1 influenza virus: case report and literature review.

A case of fulminant myocarditis associated with the H1N1 influenza virus. This case report describes the patient's clinical course and emphasizes the importance of bedside echocardiography as an aid in the early diagnosis and management of children with severe myocardial dysfunction. It also discusses aspects relevant to the treatment and prognosis of fulminant myocarditis. The patient was a female, 4 years and 8 months old, previously healthy and with a history of flu symptoms in the past two weeks. The patient was admitted to the emergency room with signs of hemodynamic instability, requiring ventilatory support and vasoactive drugs. The laboratory tests, chest X-ray and echocardiogram suggested the presence of myocarditis. The test for H1N1 in nasopharyngeal secretions was positive. The patient evolved to refractory cardiogenic shock despite the clinical measures applied and died 48 hours after admission to the intensive care unit. The H1N1 influenza virus is an etiological agent associated with acute myocarditis, but there are few reported cases of fulminant myocarditis caused by the H1N1 virus. The identification of signs and symptoms suggestive of fulminant progression should be immediate, and bedside echocardiography is a useful tool for the early detection of myocardial dysfunction and for therapeutic guidance. The use of immunosuppressive therapy and antiviral therapy in acute myocarditis of viral etiology is controversial; hence,the treatment is based on hemodynamic and ventilatory support. The use of hemodynamic support by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation emerges as a promising treatment.

Miocardite fulminante associada ao vírus influenza H1N1: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Fulminant myocarditis associated with the H1N1 influenza virus: case report and literature review

Caso de miocardite fulminante associada ao vírus influenza H1N1, em que foi descrita a evolução clínica do paciente e enfatizada a importância do ecocardiograma à beira do leito como auxílio no diagnóstico precoce e manejo de crianças com disfunção miocárdica grave, além de terem sido discutidos aspectos relevantes relacionados à terapêutica e ao prognóstico da miocardite fulminante. Trata-se de paciente do sexo feminino, 4 anos e 8 meses, previamente hígida, com história de quadro gripal há 2 semanas. Admitida no pronto-socorro com sinais de instabilidade hemodinâmica, necessitando de suporte ventilatório e drogas vasoativas. Exames laboratoriais, radiografia de tórax e ecocardiograma sugestivos de miocardite. Pesquisa positiva para H1N1 em secreção de nasofaringe. Evoluiu com choque cardiogênico refratário a despeito das medidas clínicas, indo a óbito em 48 horas após admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva. O vírus influenza H1N1 é agente etiológico associado a quadros de miocardite aguda, porém poucos são os casos relatados de miocardite fulminante pelo vírus H1N1. A identificação de sinais e sintomas sugestivos de evolução fulminante deve ser imediata e o ecocardiograma à beira do leito é uma ferramenta útil para detecção precoce de disfunção miocárdica e orientação terapêutica. O uso de terapia imunossupressora, em casos de miocardite fulminante de etiologia viral, é controverso, bem como o de terapia antiviral, de tal forma que o tratamento baseia-se em suporte hemodinâmico e ventilatório. O uso de suporte hemodinâmico, por meio de oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea, aparece como terapia promissora.

A case of fulminant myocarditis associated with the H1N1 influenza virus. This case report describes the patient's clinical course and emphasizes the importance of bedside echocardiography as an aid in the early diagnosis and management of children with severe myocardial dysfunction. It also discusses aspects relevant to the treatment and prognosis of fulminant myocarditis. The patient was a female, 4 years and 8 months old, previously healthy and with a history of flu symptoms in the past two weeks. The patient was admitted to the emergency room with signs of hemodynamic instability, requiring ventilatory support and vasoactive drugs. The laboratory tests, chest X-ray and echocardiogram suggested the presence of myocarditis. The test for H1N1 in nasopharyngeal secretions was positive. The patient evolved to refractory cardiogenic shock despite the clinical measures applied and died 48 hours after admission to the intensive care unit. The H1N1 influenza virus is an etiological agent associated with acute myocarditis, but there are few reported cases of fulminant myocarditis caused by the H1N1 virus. The identification of signs and symptoms suggestive of fulminant progression should be immediate, and bedside echocardiography is a useful tool for the early detection of myocardial dysfunction and for therapeutic guidance. The use of immunosuppressive therapy and antiviral therapy in acute myocarditis of viral etiology is controversial; hence, the treatment is based on hemodynamic and ventilatory support. The use of hemodynamic support by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation emerges as a promising treatment.

Focused cardiac ultrasound: a training course for pediatric intensivists and emergency physicians.

BACKGROUND: Focused echocardiographic examinations performed by intensivists and emergency room physicians can be a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing the hemodynamic status of critically ill children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the learning curve achieved using a theoretical and practical training program designed to enable pediatric intensivists and emergency physicians to conduct targeted echocardiograms. METHODS: Theoretical and practical training sessions were conducted with 16 pediatric intensivist/emergency room physicians. The program included qualitative analyses of the left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) functions, evaluation of pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade and valvular regurgitation and measurements of the distensibility index of the inferior vena cava (dIVC), ejection fraction (EF) and cardiac index (CI). The practical training sessions were conducted in the intensive care unit; each student performed 24 echocardiograms. The students in training were evaluated in a practical manner, and the results were compared with the corresponding examinations performed by experienced echocardiographers. The evaluations occurred after 8, 16 and 24 practical examinations. RESULTS: The concordance rates between the students and echocardiographers in the subjective analysis of the LV function were 81.3% at the first evaluation, 96.9% at the second evaluation and 100% at the third evaluation (p < 0.001). For the dIVC, we observed a concordance of 46.7% at the first evaluation, 90.3% at the second evaluation and 87.5% at the third evaluation (p = 0.004). The means of the differences between the students' and echocardiographers' measurements of the EF and CI were 7% and 0.56 L/min/m2, respectively, after the third stage of training. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed training was demonstrated to be sufficient for enabling pediatric physicians to analyze subjective LV function and to measure dIVC, EF and CI. This training course should facilitate the design of other echocardiography training courses that could be implemented in medical residency programs to improve these physicians' technical skills and the care of critically ill patients.