Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the self-care and health condition of the older adults. CUIDAMOS+75. A mixed methods study protocol.

Aims: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health condition of people ≥75 years of age and on their family caregivers in Spain. Design: Multicentric, mixed method concurrent study. Methods: This work, which will be conducted within the primary care setting in 11 administrative regions of Spain, will include three coordinated studies with different methodologies. The first is a population-based cohort study that will use real-life data to analyze the rates and evolution of health needs, care provision, and services utilization before, during, and after the pandemic. The second is a prospective cohort study with 18 months of follow-up that will evaluate the impact of COVID-19 disease on mortality, frailty, functional and cognitive capacity, and quality of life of the participants. Finally, the third will be a qualitative study with a critical social approach to understand and interpret the social, political, and economic dimensions associated with the use of health services during the pandemic. We have followed the SPIRIT Checklist to address trial protocol and related documents. This research is being funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III since 2021 and was approved by its ethics committee (June 2022). Discussion: The study findings will reveal the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the older adults and their caregivers. This information will serve policymakers to adapt health policies to the needs of this population in situations of maximum stress, such as that produced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Trial Registration: Identifier: NCT05249868 [ClinicalTrials.gov].

A Technological Tool Aimed at Self-Care in Patients With Multimorbidity: Cross-Sectional Usability Study.

BACKGROUND: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been positioned as useful tools to facilitate self-care. The interaction between a patient and technology, known as usability, is particularly important for achieving positive health outcomes. Specific characteristics of patients with chronic diseases, including multimorbidity, can affect their interaction with different technologies. Thus, studying the usability of ICTs in the field of multimorbidity has become a key element to ensure their relevant role in promoting self-care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the usability of a technological tool dedicated to health and self-care in patients with multimorbidity in primary care. METHODS: A descriptive observational cross-sectional usability study was performed framed in the clinical trial in the primary care health centers of Madrid Health Service of the TeNDER (Affective Based Integrated Care for Better Quality of Life) project. The TeNDER technological tool integrates sensors for monitoring physical and sleep activity along with a mobile app for consulting the data collected and working with self-management tools. This project included patients over 60 years of age who had one or more chronic diseases, at least one of which was mild-moderate cognitive impairment, Parkinson disease, or cardiovascular disease. From the 250 patients included in the project, 38 agreed to participate in the usability study. The usability variables investigated were effectiveness, which was determined by the degree of completion and the total number of errors per task; efficiency, evaluated as the average time to perform each task; and satisfaction, quantified by the System Usability Scale. Five tasks were evaluated based on real case scenarios. Usability variables were analyzed according to the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients. A logistic regression model was constructed to estimate the factors associated with the type of support provided for task completion. RESULTS: The median age of the 38 participants was 75 (IQR 72.0-79.0) years. There was a slight majority of women (20/38, 52.6%) and the participants had a median of 8 (IQR 7.0-11.0) chronic diseases. Thirty patients completed the usability study, with a usability effectiveness result of 89.3% (134/150 tasks completed). Among the 30 patients, 66.7% (n=20) completed all tasks and 56.7% (17/30) required personalized help on at least one task. In the multivariate analysis, educational level emerged as a facilitating factor for independent task completion (odds ratio 1.79, 95% CI 0.47-6.83). The median time to complete the total tasks was 296 seconds (IQR 210.0-397.0) and the median satisfaction score was 55 (IQR 45.0-62.5) out of 100. CONCLUSIONS: Although usability effectiveness was high, the poor efficiency and usability satisfaction scores suggest that there are other factors that may interfere with the results. Multimorbidity was not confirmed to be a key factor affecting the usability of the technological tool. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05681065; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05681065.

Functional social support: A systematic review and standardized comparison of different versions of the DUFSS questionnaire using the EMPRO tool.

BACKGROUND: Functional social support is one of the most established predictors of health, and the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire (DUFSS) is one of the most commonly used instruments to measure this parameter. The objective of this study is to systematically review the available evidence on the psychometric and administration characteristics of the different versions of the DUFSS and perform a standardized assessment though to a specifically designed tool. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, WOS and SCIELO databases. All articles that contained information on the development process of the instrument, the psychometric properties and aspects related to its administration were included, without restrictions based on publication date, language, or the version of the questionnaire that was studied. The selection and extraction procedure were carried out by two researchers. The articles finally included were peer-reviewed through a standardised assessment using the Evaluating the Measurement of Patient-Reported Outcomes (EMPRO) tool. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022342977. RESULTS: A total of 54 articles were identified. After eliminating duplicates and screening articles based on the selection criteria, 15 studies that examined the DUFSS questionnaire resulting in 4 different versions: 3 articles obtained the 8-item version; 11 the 11-item version; and a single article obtained two versions, the 14-item version and the 5-item version. At least 60% of them did so in a young adult population, predominantly female and with a medium-low socio-economic level or with characteristics of social vulnerability. The EMPRO evaluation showed that the 11-item version (54.01 total score) was the only one that had been studied on all recommended attributes and had higher total scores than the other versions: 8 items (36.31 total score), 14 items (27.48 total score) and 5 items (23.81 total score). This difference appears in all attributes studied, with the highest scores in "reliability (internal consistency)" and "validity". CONCLUSIONS: Of the 4 versions identified in the DUFSS questionnaire, the 11-item version was found to be optimal based on the EMPRO standardized tool. Although, a priori, we could prioritise its use in epidemiological studies over the other versions, it should be noted that this version should also be used with caution because there are attributes that have not been studied.

Improvement in Quality of Life With the Use of a Technological System Among Patients With Chronic Disease Followed Up in Primary Care (TeNDER Project): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Among chronic diseases, cognitive, neurological, and cardiovascular impairments are becoming increasingly prevalent, generating a shift in health and social needs. Technology can create an ecosystem of care integrated with microtools based on biosensors for motion, location, voice, and expression detection that can help people with chronic diseases. A technological system capable of identifying symptoms, signs, or behavioral patterns could provide notification of the development of complications of disease. This would help the self-care of patients with chronic disease and save health care costs, promoting the autonomy and empowerment of patients and their caregivers, improving their quality of life (QoL), and providing health professionals with monitoring tools. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a technological system (the TeNDER system) to improve quality of life in patients with chronic diseases: Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and cardiovascular disease. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial will be conducted with a follow-up of 2 months. The scope of the study will be the primary care health centers of the Community of Madrid belonging to the Spanish public health system. The study population will be patients diagnosed with Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, and cardiovascular disease; their caregivers; and health professionals. The sample size will be 534 patients (380 in the intervention group). The intervention will consist of the use of the TeNDER system. The system will monitor the patients by means of biosensors, and their data will be integrated into the TeNDER app. With the information provided, the TeNDER system will generate health reports that can be consulted by patients, caregivers, and health professionals. Sociodemographic variables and technological affinity will be measured, as will views on the usability of and satisfaction with the TeNDER system. The dependent variable will be the mean difference in QoL score between the intervention and control groups at 2 months. To study the effectiveness of the TeNDER system in improving QoL in patients, an explanatory linear regression model will be constructed. All analyses will be performed with the 95% CI and robust estimators. RESULTS: Ethics approval for this project was received on September 11, 2019. The trial was registered on August 14, 2020. Recruitment commenced in April 2021, and the expected results will be available during 2023 or 2024. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical trial among patients with highly prevalent chronic illnesses and the people most involved in their care will provide a more realistic view of the situation experienced by people with long-term illness and their support networks. The TeNDER system is in continuous development based on a study of the needs of the target population and on feedback during its use from the users: patients, caregivers, and primary care health professionals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05681065; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05681065. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/47331.

Effectiveness of a game-based educational strategy e-EDUCAGUIA for implementing antimicrobial clinical practice guidelines in family medicine residents in Spain: a randomized clinical trial by cluster.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have teaching potential for health professionals in training clinical reasoning and decision-making, although their use is limited. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a game-based educational strategy e-EDUCAGUIA using simulated clinical scenarios to implement an antimicrobial therapy GPC compared to the usual dissemination strategies to improve the knowledge and skills on decision-making of family medicine residents. Additionally, adherence to e-EDUCAGUIA strategy was assessed. METHODS: A multicentre pragmatic cluster-randomized clinical trial was conducted involving seven Teaching Units (TUs) of family medicine in Spain. TUs were randomly allocated to implement an antimicrobial therapy guideline with e-EDUCAGUIA strategy ( intervention) or passive dissemination of the guideline (control). The primary outcome was the differences in means between groups in the score test evaluated knowledge and skills on decision-making at 1 month post intervention. Analysis was made by intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis. Secondary outcomes were the differences in mean change intrasubject (from the baseline to the 1-month) in the test score, and educational game adherence and usability. Factors associated were analysed using general linear models. Standard errors were constructed using robust methods. RESULTS: Two hundred two family medicine residents participated (104 intervention group vs 98 control group). 100 medicine residents performed the post-test at 1 month (45 intervention group vs 55 control group), The between-group difference for the mean test score at 1 month was 11 ( 8.67 to 13.32) and between change intrasubject was 11,9 ( 95% CI 5,9 to 17,9). The effect sizes were 0.88 and 0.75 respectively. In multivariate analysis, for each additional evidence-based medicine training hour there was an increase of 0.28 points (95% CI 0.15-0.42) in primary outcome and in the change intrasubject each year of increase in age was associated with an improvement of 0.37 points and being a woman was associated with a 6.10-point reduction. 48 of the 104 subjects in the intervention group (46.2%, 95% CI: 36.5-55.8%) used the games during the month of the study. Only a greater number of evidence-based medicine training hours was associated with greater adherence to the educational game ( OR 1.11; CI 95% 1.02-1.21). CONCLUSIONS: The game-based educational strategy e-EDUCAGUIA shows positive effects on the knowledge and skills on decision making about antimicrobial therapy for clinical decision-making in family medicin residents in the short term, but the dropout was high and results should be interpreted with caution. Adherence to educational games in the absence of specific incentives is moderate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02210442 . Registered 6 August 2014.

Sex differences in social support perceived by polymedicated older adults with multimorbidity. MULTIPAP study.

The beneficial effects of social support on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life are well known. Using the baseline data of the MULTIPAP study (n = 593), an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out that analyzed the sex differences in the social support perceived by polymedicated adults aged 65 to 74 years with multimorbidity. The main outcome variable was social support measured through the Duke-UNC-11 Functional Social Support (DUFSS) questionnaire in its two dimensions (confident support and affective support). For both sexes, the perception of functional social support was correlated with being married or partnered and having a higher health-related quality of life utility index. In women, it was correlated with a higher level of education, living alone, and treatment adherence, and in men with higher monthly income, prescribed drugs and fewer diagnosed diseases.

School Nurse Practice: A Descriptive Spanish Study.

This study aimed to describe the profile and practices of school nurses working at a network of educational centers in Spain. This was a descriptive study of the documented actions of 107 school nurses between September 2018 and June 2021 in 54 educational centers (55.6% private and 44.4% subsidized). The profile of the school nurses was young (average age 33.8 [standard deviation (SD) = 7.7] years) and predominantly female (91.6%) with a diverse and multidisciplinary education, primarily at the postgraduate level (specialized mainly in emergency care, nursing/school health, and pediatrics/neonatology). They carried out 256,499 interventions. The most frequent types of incidents they treated were accidents (30.4%) and disease-related episodes (22.2%). The interventions were usually brief (average time 7.7 min) and were resolved by the school nurse (99.1%), and the main recipients were students (87.3%). The highest incidence of interventions occurs during breaks between classes. Acute interventions occupied most of the school nurses' time, leaving little opportunity for health education (0.3%). School nurses played an important role in preserving and promoting the health of school populations and cost-savings to healthcare systems with the actions that they performed. Descriptions of these actions are essential when advocating for the continuation and expansion of school nursing services.

Effectiveness of the MULTIPAP Plus intervention in youngest-old patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy aimed at improving prescribing practices in primary care: study protocol of a cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The progressive ageing of the population is leading to an increase in multimorbidity and polypharmacy, which in turn may increase the risk of hospitalization and mortality. The enhancement of care with information and communications technology (ICT) can facilitate the use of prescription evaluation tools and support system for decision-making (DSS) with the potential of optimizing the healthcare delivery process. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the complex intervention MULTIPAP Plus, compared to usual care, in improving prescriptions for young-old patients (65-74 years old) with multimorbidity and polypharmacy in primary care. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a pragmatic cluster-randomized clinical trial with a follow-up of 18 months in health centres of the Spanish National Health System. Unit of randomization: family physician. Unit of analysis: patient. POPULATION: Patients aged 65-74 years with multimorbidity (≥ 3 chronic diseases) and polypharmacy (≥ 5 drugs) during the previous 3 months were included. SAMPLE SIZE: n = 1148 patients (574 per study arm). INTERVENTION: Complex intervention based on the ARIADNE principles with three components: (1) family physician (FP) training, (2) FP-patient interview, and (3) decision-making support system. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome is a composite endpoint of hospital admission or death during the observation period measured as a binary outcome, and the secondary outcomes are number of hospital admission, all-cause mortality, use of health services, quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), functionality (WHODAS), falls, hip fractures, prescriptions and adherence to treatment. Clinical and sociodemographic factors will be explanatory variables. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The main result is the difference in percentages in the final composite endpoint variable at 18 months, with its corresponding 95% CI. Adjustments by the main confounding and prognostic factors will be performed through a multilevel analysis. All analyses will be carried out in accordance to the intention-to-treat principle. DISCUSSION: It is important to prevent the cascade of negative health and health care impacts attributable to the multimorbidity-polypharmacy binomial. ICT-enhanced routine clinical practice could improve the prescription process in patient care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04147130 . Registered on 22 October 2019.

How to Improve Healthcare for Patients with Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy in Primary Care: A Pragmatic Cluster-Randomized Clinical Trial of the MULTIPAP Intervention.

(1) Purpose: To investigate a complex MULTIPAP intervention that implements the Ariadne principles in a primary care population of young-elderly patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy and to evaluate its effectiveness for improving the appropriateness of prescriptions. (2) Methods: A pragmatic cluster-randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 38 family practices in Spain. Patients aged 65-74 years with multimorbidity and polypharmacy were recruited. Family physicians (FPs) were randomly allocated to continue usual care or to provide the MULTIPAP intervention based on the Ariadne principles with two components: FP training (eMULTIPAP) and FP patient interviews. The primary outcome was the appropriateness of prescribing, measured as the between-group difference in the mean Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) score change from the baseline to the 6-month follow-up. The secondary outcomes were quality of life (EQ-5D-5 L), patient perceptions of shared decision making (collaboRATE), use of health services, treatment adherence, and incidence of drug adverse events (all at 1 year), using multi-level regression models, with FP as a random effect. (3) Results: We recruited 117 FPs and 593 of their patients. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the between-group difference for the mean MAI score change after a 6-month follow-up was -2.42 (95% CI from -4.27 to -0.59) and, between baseline and a 12-month follow-up was -3.40 (95% CI from -5.45 to -1.34). There were no significant differences in any other secondary outcomes. (4) Conclusions: The MULTIPAP intervention improved medication appropriateness sustainably over the follow-up time. The small magnitude of the effect, however, advises caution in the interpretation of the results given the paucity of evidence for the clinical benefit of the observed change in the MAI. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02866799.

Training primary care professionals in multimorbidity management: Educational assessment of the eMULTIPAP course.

Multimorbidity (MM) is a widespread problem and it poses unsolved issues like the healthcare professionals' training. A training curriculum has been proposed, but it has not been sufficiently explored in a clinical context. The eMULTIPAP course is part of the MULTIPAP complex intervention, applied through a pragmatic controlled, cluster randomized clinical trial to general practitioners (GP) and his/her patients with MM with 12 months follow-up. The eMULTIPAP course is based on problem-based learning, constructivism and Ariadne principles. It has been assessed according to the Kirkpatrick model and has shown knowledge improvement and high applicability of learning with more motivation to consider MM in the clinical practice. It has also improved the Medication Appropriateness Index at 6-months and at 12- months. We conclude that the eMULTIPAP course generates significant changes in GP's learning, enhancing clinical practice in multimorbidity scenarios.

Enfermedades crónicas en población pediátrica: comorbilidades y uso de servicios en atención primaria / Chronic diseases in the paediatric population: Comorbidities and use of primary care services

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los grupos de morbilidad ajustados (GMA) están siendo utilizados en la estratificación de los pacientes crónicos en atención primaria (AP). El objetivo del estudio fue describir las características, prevalencia de comorbilidades y utilización de servicios en AP de los pacientes crónicos pediátricos y analizar factores asociados al peso de complejidad según GMA. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional descriptivo transversal. Se incluyeron los pacientes<18 años de una zona básica de salud clasificados como crónicos según los GMA de la historia clínica electrónica de AP de la Comunidad de Madrid. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, clínico-asistenciales y de uso de servicios en AP. Análisis univariado, bivariado y regresión lineal. RESULTADOS: De los 2.961 pacientes<18 años se identificaron como crónicos 423 (15,7%), de los que 408 (96,5%) eran de bajo riesgo. Su edad media fue 9,5 (DE=4,7) años y el 54,1% eran varones. La media de enfermedades crónicas fue 1,1 (DE=0,4) y el 11,3% tenían multimorbilidad. Las enfermedades más prevalentes fueron: asma (6,1%), trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) (1,8%) y obesidad (1,4%). La media de visitas/año al pediatra fue 4,9 (DE=6,3). Se asoció a mayor peso de complejidad la edad<5 años (coeficiente B [CB]=2,6; IC 95%=2,1; 3,1), número de enfermedades crónicas (CB=1,6; IC 95%=1,1; 2,1) y contactos anuales con AP (CB=0,1; IC 95%=0,06;0,11). CONCLUSIONES: En población pediátrica encontramos un número importante de pacientes con enfermedades crónicas, siendo el asma, el TDAH y la obesidad las enfermedades más prevalentes. El uso de servicios de AP fue elevado. La mayor complejidad responde a la edad lactante y la preescolar, a la multimorbilidad y a los mayores contactos con AP

INTRODUCTION: Adjusted morbidity groups (AMG) are being used in the stratification of chronic patients in Primary Care (PC). The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics, prevalence of comorbidities, and use of PC services by chronic paediatric patients as well as to analyse factors associated with the weight of complexity according to AMG. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted on patients <18 years-old from a basic health area, classified as chronic according to the AMG of the Madrid Primary Care computerised clinical records. Sociodemographic and clinical-care variables were collected, as well as the use of services in PC. Univariate, bivariate and linear regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: A total of 2,961 patients<18 years were included, of whom 423 (15.7%) were identified as chronic, and 408 (96.5%) were low risk patients. Their mean age was 9.5 (SD=4.7) years, and 54.1% were male. The mean of chronic diseases was 1.1 (SD=0.4) and 11.3% had multiple morbidity. The most prevalent diseases were asthma (6.1%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (1.8%), and obesity (1.4%). The mean number of visits to the paediatrician was 4.9 (SD=6.3). Age<5 years-old (Coefficient B [CB]=2.6, 95% CI=2.1, 3.1), number of chronic diseases (CB=1.6, 95% CI=1.1; 2.1), and annual contacts with PC (CB=0.1, 95% CI=0.06; 0.11) were associated with greater complexity weight. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of patients with chronic diseases were found in the paediatric population. The most prevalent diseases were asthma, ADHD, and obesity. The use of PC services was high. The greatest complexity corresponded to nursing and pre-school age, multiple morbidity, and higher number of contacts with PC

Social support, social context and nonadherence to treatment in young senior patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy followed-up in primary care. MULTIPAP Study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of nonadherence to treatment and its relationship with social support and social context in patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy followed-up in primary care. METHODS: This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study with an analytical approach. A total of 593 patients between 65-74 years of age with multimorbidity (≥3 diseases) and polypharmacy (≥5 drugs) during the last three months and agreed to participate in the MULTIPAP Study. The main variable was adherence (Morisky-Green). The predictors were social support (structural support and functional support (DUFSS)); sociodemographic variables; indicators of urban objective vulnerability; health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L-VAS & QALY); and clinical variables. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression models and robust estimators were performed. RESULTS: Four out of ten patients were nonadherent, 47% had not completed primary education, 28.7% had an income ≤1050 €/month, 35% reported four or more IUVs, and the average perceived health-related quality of life (HRQOL) EQ-5D-5L-VAS was 65.5. The items that measure functional support, with significantly different means between nonadherent and adherent patients were receiving love and affection (-0.23; 95%CI: -0.40;-0.06), help when ill (-0.25; 95%CI: -0.42;-0.08), useful advice (-0.20; 95%CI: -0.37;-0.02), social invitations (-0.22; 95%CI:-0.44;-0.01), and recognition (-0.29; 95%CI:-0.50;-0.08). Factors associated with nonadherence were belonging to the medium vs. low tertile of functional support (0.62; 95%CI: 0.42;0.94), reporting less than four IUVs (0.69; 95%CI: 0.46;1.02) and higher HRQOL perception (0.98; 95%CI: 0.98;0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients 65-74 years of age with multimorbidity and polypharmacy, lower functional support was related to nonadherence to treatment. The nonadherence decreased in those patients with higher functional support, lower urban vulnerability and higher perceived health status according to the visual analog scale of health-related quality of life.

[Chronic diseases in the paediatric population: Comorbidities and use of primary care services]. / Enfermedades crónicas en población pediátrica: comorbilidades y uso de servicios en atención primaria.

INTRODUCTION: Adjusted morbidity groups (AMG) are being used in the stratification of chronic patients in Primary Care (PC). The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics, prevalence of comorbidities, and use of PC services by chronic paediatric patients as well as to analyse factors associated with the weight of complexity according to AMG. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted on patients <18 years-old from a basic health area, classified as chronic according to the AMG of the Madrid Primary Care computerised clinical records. Sociodemographic and clinical-care variables were collected, as well as the use of services in PC. Univariate, bivariate and linear regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: A total of 2,961 patients<18 years were included, of whom 423 (15.7%) were identified as chronic, and 408 (96.5%) were low risk patients. Their mean age was 9.5 (SD=4.7) years, and 54.1% were male. The mean of chronic diseases was 1.1 (SD=0.4) and 11.3% had multiple morbidity. The most prevalent diseases were asthma (6.1%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (1.8%), and obesity (1.4%). The mean number of visits to the paediatrician was 4.9 (SD=6.3). Age<5 years-old (Coefficient B [CB]=2.6, 95% CI=2.1, 3.1), number of chronic diseases (CB=1.6, 95% CI=1.1; 2.1), and annual contacts with PC (CB=0.1, 95% CI=0.06; 0.11) were associated with greater complexity weight. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of patients with chronic diseases were found in the paediatric population. The most prevalent diseases were asthma, ADHD, and obesity. The use of PC services was high. The greatest complexity corresponded to nursing and pre-school age, multiple morbidity, and higher number of contacts with PC.

[Health services utilization in Primary Care in patients with chronic conditions according to risk levels]. / Utilización de los servicios de salud de Atención Primaria en los pacientes crónicos según nivel de riesgo.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic patients suffer a greater number of health problems and have greater needs for assistance and care. The objective was to describe the use of health services in Primary Care in patients with chronic conditions according to risk level by adjusted morbidity groups (AMG) and analyze the associated factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. We included patients ≥18 years-old identified as chronic by the stratification tool according to AMG in a basic health area in the Community of Madrid with an assigned population of 18,107 inhabitants. Sociodemographic, clinical-care and use of services variables were collected and were classified according to the "behavioral" model in predisposing, need or facilitators factors. Univariate, bivariate and multiple linear regression adjusted with robust estimators was performed. RESULTS: 9,443 chronic patients (52.1% of the population in the selected zone) were identified, mean age of 57.8 (SD=18.7); 62.1% women. According to their risk level 4.7% were high risk, 18.7% medium risk and 76.6% low risk. The mean number of contacts per year was 14.1 (SD=15.2); 34.4 (SD=27.9) in high risk; 21.8 (SD=17.2) in medium risk and 10.1 (SD=10.2) in low risk. 7.5 (SD=7.1) contacts were with the doctor and 12.9 (SD=12.9) were face-to-face. The factors associated with higher use of services were high risk (Coefficient B[CB]=12.6; IC95%=11-14.2), immobilization (CB=8.8; IC95%=7.3-10.4), polypharmacy (CB=6; IC95%=5-8.6), female sex (CB=1; IC95%=0.4-1.5), number of chronic diseases (CB=1; IC95%=0.8-1.2) and age (CB=0.03; IC95%=0.01-0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The health services utilization in Primary Care in chronic patients is high and increased according with the risk level by AMG. The contact with the doctor is superior to nurse and the most frequent type is face-to-face. The greater utilization of services responds to predisposing factors (female sex and age) and above all to need factors (high risk, immobility, multimorbidity and polypharmacy).

OBJETIVO: Los pacientes crónicos sufren mayor número de problemas de salud y tienen mayores necesidades de asistencia y cuidados. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la utilización de servicios de salud de Atención Primaria en los pacientes crónicos según el nivel de riesgo asignado por los grupos de morbilidad ajustados (GMA), así como analizar los factores asociados. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes ≥ 18 años identificados como crónicos por el estratificador GMA en una zona básica de salud de la Comunidad de Madrid, con una población adscrita de 18.107 habitantes. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, clínico-asistenciales y de utilización de servicios, y se clasificaron según el modelo "conductual" en "factores predisponentes", "factores de necesidad" o "factores facilitadores". Se empleó un análisis univariado, bivariado y multivariante, ajustando un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple con estimadores robustos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 9.443 pacientes crónicos (el 52,1% de la población de la zona seleccionada), con una edad media de 57,8 años (Desviación estándar [DE]=18,7), siendo mujeres el 62,1%. El 4,7% eran pacientes de alto riesgo, el 18,7% de medio riesgo y el 76,6% presentaba bajo riesgo. La media de contactos/año fue de 14,1 (DE=15,2). 34,4 (DE=27,9) en alto riesgo, 21,8 (DE=17,2) en riesgo medio y 10,1 (DE=10,2) en bajo riesgo. De estos contactos, 7,5 (DE=7,1) fueron con médico y 12,9 (DE=12,9) presenciales. Los factores asociados a mayor utilización fueron el riesgo alto (Coeficiente B [CB]=12,6; IC95%=11,1-14,2), el estar inmovilizado (CB=8,8; IC95%=7,3-10,4), la polimedicación (CB=6; IC95%=5,1-6,9), el ser mujer (CB=1; IC95%=0,4-1,5), el número de enfermedades crónicas (CB=1; IC95%=0,8-1,2) y la edad (CB=0,03; IC95%=0,01-0,05). CONCLUSIONES: La utilización de servicios de Atención Primaria en los pacientes crónicos es elevada y aumenta según el nivel de riesgo asignado por los GMA. El contacto con el médico es superior frente al de la enfermería, y el tipo más frecuente es presencial. La mayor utilización responde a factores predisponentes (ser mujer y la edad) y, sobre todo, de necesidad clínica (alto riesgo, multimorbilidad, polimedicación e inmovilidad).

Utilización de los servicios de salud de Atención Primaria en los pacientes crónicos según nivel de riesgo / Health services utilization in Primary Care in patients with chronic conditions according to risk levels

OBJETIVO: Los pacientes crónicos sufren mayor número de problemas de salud y tienen mayores necesidades de asistencia y cuidados. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la utilización de servicios de salud de Atención Primaria en los pacientes crónicos según el nivel de riesgo asignado por los grupos de morbilidad ajustados (GMA), así como analizar los factores asociados. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes ≥ 18 años identificados como crónicos por el estratificador GMA en una zona básica de salud de la Comunidad de Madrid, con una población adscrita de 18.107 habitantes. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, clínico-asistenciales y de utilización de servicios, y se clasificaron según el modelo "conductual" en "factores predisponentes", "factores de necesidad" o "factores facilitadores". Se empleó un análisis univariado, bivariado y multivariante, ajustando un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple con estimadores robustos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 9.443 pacientes crónicos (el 52,1% de la población de la zona seleccionada), con una edad media de 57,8 años (Desviación estándar [DE]=18,7), siendo mujeres el 62,1%. El 4,7% eran pacientes de alto riesgo, el 18,7% de medio riesgo y el 76,6% presentaba bajo riesgo. La media de contactos/año fue de 14,1 (DE=15,2). 34,4 (DE=27,9) en alto riesgo, 21,8 (DE=17,2) en riesgo medio y 10,1 (DE=10,2) en bajo riesgo. De estos contactos, 7,5 (DE=7,1) fueron con médico y 12,9 (DE=12,9) presenciales. Los factores asociados a mayor utilización fueron el riesgo alto (Coeficiente B [CB]=12,6; IC95%=11,1-14,2), el estar inmovilizado (CB=8,8; IC95%=7,3-10,4), la polimedicación (CB=6; IC95%=5,1-6,9), el ser mujer (CB=1; IC95%=0,4-1,5), el número de enfermedades crónicas (CB=1; IC95%=0,8-1,2) y la edad (CB=0,03; IC95%=0,01-0,05). CONCLUSIONES: La utilización de servicios de Atención Primaria en los pacientes crónicos es elevada y aumenta según el nivel de riesgo asignado por los GMA. El contacto con el médico es superior frente al de la enfermería, y el tipo más frecuente es presencial. La mayor utilización responde a factores predisponentes (ser mujer y la edad) y, sobre todo, de necesidad clínica (alto riesgo, multimorbilidad, polimedicación e inmovilidad)

OBJECTIVE: Chronic patients suffer a greater number of health problems and have greater needs for assistance and care. The objective was to describe the use of health services in Primary Care in patients with chronic conditions according to risk level by adjusted morbidity groups (AMG) and analyze the associated factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. We included patients ≥18 years-old identified as chronic by the stratification tool according to AMG in a basic health area in the Community of Madrid with an assigned population of 18,107 inhabitants. Sociodemographic, clinical-care and use of services variables were collected and were classified according to the "behavioral" model in predisposing, need or facilitators factors. Univariate, bivariate and multiple linear regression adjusted with robust estimators was performed. RESULTS: 9,443 chronic patients (52.1% of the population in the selected zone) were identified, mean age of 57.8 (SD=18.7); 62.1% women. According to their risk level 4.7% were high risk, 18.7% medium risk and 76.6% low risk. The mean number of contacts per year was 14.1 (SD=15.2); 34.4 (SD=27.9) in high risk; 21.8 (SD=17.2) in medium risk and 10.1 (SD=10.2) in low risk. 7.5 (SD=7.1) contacts were with the doctor and 12.9 (SD=12.9) were face-to-face. The factors associated with higher use of services were high risk (Coefficient B[CB]=12.6; IC95%=11-14.2), immobilization (CB=8.8; IC95%=7.3-10.4), polypharmacy (CB=6; IC95%=5-8.6), female sex (CB=1; IC95%=0.4-1.5), number of chronic diseases (CB=1; IC95%=0.8-1.2) and age (CB=0.03; IC95%=0.01-0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The health services utilization in Primary Care in chronic patients is high and increased according with the risk level by AMG. The contact with the doctor is superior to nurse and the most frequent type is face-to-face. The greater utilization of services responds to predisposing factors (female sex and age) and above all to need factors (high risk, immobility, multimorbidity and polypharmacy)