Assistive technology in public policies: trends in the international debate and implications for Brazil.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study(1) were threefold: to identify the main topics related to the international debate on Assistive Technology (AT) public policies, to analyze the Brazilian case in light of these topics, and to extract lessons that could be applied in Brazil and other countries to advance progress in the field. METHODOLOGY: A qualitative study was conducted through a critical literature review, involving the search for, selection, and analysis of articles indexed in two information source portals and four databases from 2007 to 2023. International and Brazilian laws, reports, and other publications specifically related to AT policies were also included. RESULTS: The analysis of 186 articles and Brazilian documents facilitated the examination of four themes: AT policies from a human rights perspective, public procurement, service delivery systems, and national plans. A subset of 107 publications was then selected for detailed analysis. DISCUSSION: Initiatives such as implementing a national plan, establishing an AT research center, and creating a product catalog are considered virtuous. Enhancing the freedom of choice for products and developing public procurement mechanisms are identified as additional strategies to reinforce protections of human rights in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: Policy dynamics and national and international experiences suggest the potential for expanding initiatives and creating new solutions in Brazil. Universities and other scientific institutions emerge as promising loci for generating new knowledge to support the formulation of AT policies and facilitate their debate and further development.

Our aim in undertaking this critical literature review was to gain an understanding of the primary topics related to public policies in the field of Assistive Technology (AT).We have found that public procurement, service delivery systems, and national plans are the primary strategies that the State can employ to ensure rights related to AT.

Favorable Impact of Community Adherence Support Groups on Retention in Care and Viral Suppression Rates Among Persons with HIV Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Mozambique

The community adherence support group (CASG) was one of the first differentiated service delivery (DSD) models introduced in Mozambique. This study assessed the impact of this model on retention in care, loss to follow-up (LTFU), and viral suppression among antiretroviral therapy (ART)-treated adults in Mozambique. A retrospective cohort study included CASG-eligible adults enrolled between April 2012 and October 2017 at 123 health facilities in Zambézia Province. Propensity score matching (1:1 ratio) was used to allocate CASG members and those who never enrolled in a CASG. Logistic regressions were performed to estimate the impact of CASG membership on 6- and 12-month retention and viral load (VL) suppression. Cox proportional regression was used to model differences in LTFU. Data from 26,858 patients were included. The median age at CASG eligibility was 32 years and 75% were female, with 84% residing in rural areas. A total of 93% and 90% of CASG members were retained in care at 6 and 12 months, respectively, while 77% and 66% non-CASG members were retained during the same periods. The odds of being retained in care at 6 and 12 months were significantly higher among patients receiving ART through CASG support (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.19 [95% confidence interval; CI: 3.79-4.63], p < .001, and aOR = 4.43 [95% CI: 4.01-4.90], p < .001, respectively). Among 7,674 patients with available VL measurements, the odds of being virally suppressed were higher among CASG members (aOR = 1.14 [95% CI: 1.02-1.28], p < .001). Non-CASG members had a significantly higher likelihood of being LTFU (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.45 [95% CI: 3.20-3.73], p < .001). While Mozambique rapidly scales up multi-month drug dispensation as the preferred DSD model, this study emphasizes the continued importance of CASG as an efficacious DSD alternative, especially among patients residing in rural areas, where CASG acceptability is higher.

Effects of the WHO 8-step wheelchair-service-delivery process on wheelchair users in El Salvador: a cohort study.

PURPOSE: To test the hypotheses that, after the delivery of manual wheelchairs following the WHO 8-step service-delivery process, wheelchair-related health and quality of life, wheelchair skills, wheelchair use, and poverty probability would improve; and that the number of wheelchair repairs required, adverse events, caregiver burden, and the level of assistance provided would decrease. METHODS: This was a longitudinal, prospective within-subject study including 247 manual wheelchair users, and 119 caregivers, in El Salvador who received a wheelchair following the WHO 8-step process as well as maintenance reminders. Outcome measurements were performed via structured questionnaires and dataloggers at the initial assessment, at wheelchair delivery, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Significant improvements in wheelchair-related health indicators (all with p < 0.004) and quality of life (p = 0.001), and a significant reduction in national and "extreme" poverty probability (p = 0.004 and p = 0.012) were observed by six months. Wheelchair use significantly decreased (p = 0.011 and p = 0.035) and wheelchair skills increased (p = 0.009). Caregiver burden did not change (p = 0.226) but the number of activities of daily living (ADLs) that required no assistance significantly increased (p = 0.001) by three months and those who required complete assistance decreased (p = 0.001). No changes were observed in wheelchair repairs (p = 0.967) and breakdowns over time with new wheelchairs. CONCLUSIONS: Wheelchair service delivery using the WHO 8-step process on manual wheelchair users in El Salvador has positive effects on health and quality of life, wheelchair skills, caregiver assistance levels, and poverty. Further research is needed to determine the relative contributions of the intervention components.Implications for RehabilitationProviding manual wheelchairs using the 8-step process of the WHO has benefits on health and quality of life, wheelchair skills, caregiver assistance levels, and poverty.The WHO 8-steps service delivery process for manual wheelchairs can be used in less-resourced settings.

Implementing medical abortion through telemedicine in Colombia: a qualitative study.

The non-governmental organisation Profamilia developed and implemented medical abortion through telemedicine in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This service is now integrated as an alternative to in-person care and available to abortion-seekers across Colombia. Previous research has emphasised bottlenecks in abortion provision, but less is known about implementation processes and experiences. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of telemedicine for medical abortion from the perspectives of key informants involved in the implementation in Colombia. We conducted 15 in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals, coordinators and support staff implementing telemedicine for medical abortion in the early phase of implementation, between March and October 2021. We analysed the data using the framework method and applied the normalisation process theory in our analysis and interpretation of findings. Our findings show that strong leadership, organisational efforts on pre-implementation training, monitoring and evaluation, and collaboration between diversely skilled and experienced providers are essential for successful implementation. Participants were generally positive towards the use of telemedicine for medical abortion; concerns related to effectiveness, safety and safeguarding existed mainly among providers with less clinical experience. We identified contextual barriers, such as social opposition, regulatory barriers, providers' unavailability, and poor phone and internet connections in rural areas, which impacted the feasibility of the intervention negatively. In conclusion, to ensure stakeholders' buy-in and for the service to reach all abortion seekers in need, future implementation endeavours must address concerns about safety and effectiveness, and tackle identified contexual barriers.Plain Language SummaryIn telemedicine for medical abortion, all or some components of abortion care, such as initial consultations, home delivery of abortion medication, and post-abortion follow up are provided with the use of telecommunications. Telemedicine for medical abortion has been shown to be a safe and effective form of service delivery.In this study, we interviewed 15 healthcare providers and staff involved in the implementation of a telemedicine service for medical abortion in Colombia to determine whether they deemed the service to be acceptable and feasible. We found that collaboration between providers of different backgrounds and levels of experience, appropriate training and strong leadership were key factors for successfully implementing the service. However, some healthcare providers, especially those with less clinical experience, were concerned that telemedicine for medical abortion may not be safe and may risk the health and well-being of abortion-seekers. Further, social opposition to abortion, unclear regulation and limited access to technology were identified as barriers that need to be addressed to ensure the service reaches all abortion-seekers in need.In conclusion, despite contextual barriers and some provider's concerns about medical safety, telemedicine for medical abortion was viewed as a positive and feasible form of service delivery in Colombia.

Scarcity in abundance? Spatial inequalities in Rheumatoid Arthritis in a health system with financial equity.

BACKGROUND: This paper estimates spatial inequalities of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in Colombia and explores correlates of those disparities from a health system perspective. METHODS: We apply descriptive epidemiology to healthcare administrative records for estimation of crude and age-standardized prevalences, and health systems thinking for identification of barriers to effective access in RA diagnosis. RESULTS: The crude and age-standardized RA prevalence for Colombia in 2018 is estimated at 0.43% and 0.36%, respectively. In the contributory regime, the binding constraint is effective access to rheumatologists in rural and sparsely populated areas; this constraint in workforce affects service delivery, and ultimately comes from the lack of a differentiated model for effective provision of healthcare in those areas (governance). CONCLUSIONS: There are opportunities for implementation of public health policies and health system interventions that would lead to a better identification of RA patients and the subsequent more precise estimation of RA prevalence, and most importantly, to reduce exposition to risk factors and accurate diagnosis and treatment of RA patients.

Attributes and Organizational Factors that Enabled Innovation in Health Care Service Delivery during the COVID-19 Pandemic - Case Studies from Brazil, Canada and Japan.

Innovation by health service organizations can enable adaptation to and transformation of challenges caused by health shocks. Drawing on results from case studies in Brazil, Canada, and Japan, this study looked at innovations the study hospitals introduced in response to challenges caused by COVID-19 to identify: 1) attributes of the innovations that make them conducive to adoption; and 2) organizational factors that facilitate the creation and implementation of innovative health care approaches during health system shocks. Qualitative information was gathered using key informant interviews, participatory observations at the study hospitals and a review of relevant documentation. A thematic approach was used for analysis, and a cross-country comparison framework was prepared to synthesize findings from the case studies in the three countries. In response to the disruptions caused by COVID-19, the study hospitals undertook innovative changes in services, processes, organizational structures, and operational policy. The driving force behind the innovations was the need and urgency generated by the unprecedented nature of the pandemic. With COVID-19, if an innovation met the perceived needs of hospitals and provided an operational advantage, some level of complexity in the implementation appeared to be acceptable. The study findings suggest that for hospitals to create and implement innovations in response to health shocks, they need to: have adaptive and flexible organizational structures; build and maintain functioning communication systems; have committed leadership; ensure all staff share an understanding of hospital organizational and professional missions; and establish social networks that facilitate the creation and implementation of new ideas.

Mental Health Services in Colombia: A National Implementation Study.

Laws in Latin American countries are based on scientific evidence that calls for mental health services to move to the community. These care modalities have implementation problems. The objective of this article is to describe the implementation of the services proposed in Law 1616 of 2013 of Colombia (Mental Health Law): emergencies, hospitalization, community-based rehabilitation, pre-hospital care, day hospital for children and adults, Drug Addiction Care Center, groups support and mutual aid, telemedicine, and home and outpatient care. We used a mixed study, with a cross-sectional descriptive quantitative component, where an instrument was used to determine the level of implementation of these services, consisting of a scale that established the availability and use of these services, in addition to the climate of implementation of the services and community mental health strategies, in addition to a qualitative determination of barriers and facilitators of implementation. We found a low availability of all services in departments such as Amazonas, Vaupés, Putumayo, and Meta and an implementation of services in Bogotá and Caldas. The least implemented services are the community ones, and those with the greatest presence at the territorial level are emergencies and hospitalization. We conclude that low- and middle-income countries have few community models and invest a large part of their technical and economic effort in emergencies and hospitalization. There are difficulties in the implementation of most of the services proposed by Colombian legislation related to mental health.

Traducción y adaptación de la Escala de Continuidad de Servicios de Salud Mental de Alberta en un contexto latinoamericano

Introducción: La continuidad de atención es considerada como un proceso que involucra una atención ordenada, un movimiento ininterrumpido de personas entre los diversos elementos del sistema de prestación de servicios. No existe evidencia suficiente en cuanto a instrumentos de medición en Iberoamérica. Por lo anterior, el objetivo del presente estudio consiste en describir el proceso de traducción, adaptación cultural a un contexto latinoamericano, así como la consistencia interna y validez de constructo de la Escala de Continuidad de Servicios de Salud Mental de Alberta (ACSS-MH). Método: Este instrumento fue sometido a la evaluación de validez de contenido por expertos y este fue aplicado a una población rural en un contexto colombiano. Se realizaron pruebas de consistencia interna y validez de constructo para cada una de las partes de la escala. Resultados: Bajo el consenso del experto, se realizan cambios en algunos ítems, buscando una mejor adaptabilidad del instrumento a las características lingüísticas del español, sin perder de vista el objetivo de evaluación de cada uno de los ítems del cuestionario original. El resultado del análisis de la parte A convergió en 5 componentes que explican el 69,69% de la varianza con 24 ítems; de igual forma, el análisis de la parte B agrupó 13 ítems en cuatro componentes, los cuales explican el 72.02% de la varianza. Conclusiones: este instrumento podría ser implementado para mejorar la prestación de los servicios en salud mental en contextos latinoamericanos, donde la continuidad del cuidado ha presentado importantes dificultades.

Objective: Describe the process of translation, cultural adaptation to Colombia, as well as the internal consistency and construct validity of the Alberta Continuity of Services Scale for Mental Health (ACSS-MH). Methods: This instrument was subdued to the evaluation of validity of the content by experts and this was applied to a rural population in a Colombian context. Were performed tests of internal consistency and construct validity for each of the parts of the scale. Results: Under the consensus of the expert, it is made changes on some items, looking for a better adaptability of the instrument to the linguistic characteristics of Spanish, without losing sight of the evaluation objective of each one of the items on the original questionnaire. The result of the analysis of part A converged in 5 components that explain the 69.69% of the variance with 24 Items; Similarly, the analysis of part B grouped 13 items into four components, which explain the 72.02% of the variance. Discussion: This scale could be implemented to improve the provision of mental health services in Latin American contexts, where continuity of care has presented significant difficulties.

A sub-group evaluation of the multi-month dispensing strategy for differentiated HIV care: is personalization of care guidelines warranted in Haiti?

BACKGROUND: Differentiated care strategies are rapidly becoming the norm for HIV care delivery globally. Building upon an interest in tailoring antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery for client-centered needs, the Ministry of Health and Population in Haiti formally endorsed multiple-month dispenses (MMD) in the 2016 national ART guidelines This study explores heterogeneity in retention in care with MMD for specific Haitian populations living with HIV and evaluates if a targeted algorithm for optimal ART prescription intervals is warranted in Haiti. METHODS: This study included ART-naïve individuals who started ART on or after January 1st, 2017 in Haiti. To identify subgroups in which to explore heterogeneity of retention, we implemented a double-lasso regression method to determine which individual characteristics would define the subgroups. Characteristics evaluated for potential subgroup definition included: sex, age category, WHO clinical stage, and body mass index category. We employed instrumental variable models to estimate the causal effect of increasing ART dispensing length on ART retention, by client subgroup. The outcome of interest was retention in care after one year in treatment. We then estimated the marginal effect of a 30-day increase to ART dispensing length to retention in care for each of these subgroups. RESULTS: There was evidence for heterogeneity in the effect of extending ART dispensing intervals on retention by WHO clinical stage. We observed significant improvements to retention in care at one year with a 30-day increase in ART dispense length for all subgroups defined by WHO clinical stages 1-4. The effects ranged from a 14.7% increase (95% CI: 12.4-17.0) to the likelihood of retention for people with HIV in WHO stage 1 to a 21.6% increase (95% CI: 18.7-24.5) to the likelihood of retention for those in WHO stage 3. CONCLUSIONS: All the subgroups defined by WHO clinical stage experienced a benefit of extending ART intervals to retention in care at one year. Though the effect did differ slightly by WHO stage, the effects went in the same direction and were of similar magnitude. Therefore, a standardized recommendation for MMD among those living with HIV and new on ART is appropriate for Haiti treatment guidelines.

Developmental kindergarten classroom intervention for spatial relational terms

ABSTRACT Purpose Relational ability is a key attribute of language. Knowledge of relational terms, including spatial terms, can facilitate development of relational ability. Acquisition of spatial terms can be challenging and necessitates experience and input due to the abstractness of the concepts. Service delivery models for school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are changing from traditional "pull-out" therapy to intervention in the classroom. Response to Intervention (RtI) and multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) frameworks have expanded SLPs' roles to working with all children at-risk for academic difficulties. Methods Given the importance of spatial terms, and the changing roles and service delivery models for school-based SLPs, this investigation evaluated a six-week classroom-based intervention targeting spatial terms in a developmental kindergarten classroom of five-year-old children. Results At post-test, more than half of the children who did not understand the targeted spatial terms at pre-test demonstrated understanding of the words first, front, last, behind, center, below, under, and right by correctly identifying pictures representing these words. Around and left were the only two words learned by fewer than half of the children. Conclusion These findings augment research used by SLPs providing language support to children within the first tier of Response to Intervention or multi-tiered system of support.

Remote delivery of a therapeutic intervention to court-mandated youths of Haitian descent during COVID-19.

The threat generated by the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered sudden institutional changes in an effort to reduce viral spread. Restrictions on group gatherings and in-person engagement have increased the demand for remote service delivery. These restrictions have also affected the delivery of court-mandated interventions. However, much of the literature has focused on populations that voluntarily seek out face-to-face medical care or mental health services, whereas insufficient attention has been paid to telehealth engagement of court-mandated populations. This article draws on data gathered on an NIH/NIDA-funded study intervention implemented with juvenile justice-involved youths of Haitian heritage in Miami-Dade County, Florida, during the COVID-19 public health crisis. We explore the process of obtaining consent, technological access issues, managing privacy, and other challenges associated with remote delivery of family-based therapy to juvenile justice-involved youth. Our aim is to provide some insights for consideration by therapists, healthcare workers, advocates, researchers, and policymakers tasked with finding alternative and safer ways to engage nontraditional populations in health services. The clinical trial registration number is NCT03876171.

Glancing at the past and course-setting for the future: lessons from the last decade of research on medication abortion in high-income countries.

OBJECTIVE: Although medication abortion has become more common in high-income countries, the procedure has not yet met early expectations for widening access to abortion. High-quality evidence can serve as a catalyst for changes in policy and practice. To direct research priorities, it is important to understand where quality evidence is concentrated and where gaps remain. High-income countries have developed a body of evidence that may have implications for the future of medication abortion. This literature review assesses the characteristics and quality of published studies on medication abortion conducted in the last 10 years in high-income countries and indicates future areas for research to advance policy and practice, and broaden access. STUDY DESIGN: A structured search for literature resulted in 207 included studies. A framework based upon the World Health Organization definition of sub-tasks for medication abortion was developed to categorize research by recognized stages of the medication abortion process. Using an iterative and inductive approach, additional sub-themes were created under each of these categories. Established quality assessment frameworks were drawn upon to gauge the internal and external validity of the included research. RESULTS: Studies in the US and the UK have dominated research on MA in high-income countries. The political and social contexts of these countries will have shaped of this body of research. The past decade of research has focused largely on clinical aspects of medication abortion. CONCLUSION: Researchers should consider refocusing energies toward testing service delivery approaches demonstrating promise and prioritizing research that has broader generalizability and relevance outside of narrow clinical contexts. Although medication abortion is more commonly available worldwide, it is not being used as often as people thought it would be, particularly in high income countries. In order to encourage changes in policy and practice that would allow greater use, we need good quality evidence. If we can understand where we do not have enough research and where we have good amounts of research, we can determine where to invest energies in further studies. Many high-income countries have produced research on medication abortion that could influence policy and practice in similarly resourced contexts. I conducted a literature review to be able to understand the type and quality of research on medication abortion conducted in high-income countries in the past 10 years. I conducted the review in an organized way to make sure that the papers reviewed discussed studies that I thought would be important for answering this question. The literature review found 207 papers. Each of these papers were reviewed and organized them by theme. I also used existing methods to determinine the quality of each study. Most of the research came from the US and the UK. Furthermore, most of the research conducted in the past 10 years was focused on clinical studies of medication abortion. In future studies, researchers should focus more on new ways of providing medication abortion to women that offers greater access. Also, the studies should be designed so that the results have meaning for a broader group of people or situations beyond where the study was done.

What does informal access to misoprostol in Colombia look like? A mystery client methodology in Bogotá and the Coffee Axis.

INTRODUCTION: In 2006, abortion was decriminalised in Colombia under certain circumstances. Yet, women avail themselves of ways to terminate pregnancy outside of the formal health system. This study explored how drug sellers engage with women who attempt to purchase misoprostol from them. METHODS: A mapping exercise was undertaken to list small-chain and independent drug stores in two regions in Colombia. A sample (n=558) of drug stores was selected from this list and visited by mystery clients between November and December 2017. Mystery clients sought to obtain a medication to bring back a delayed period, and described the experience, the information obtained and the medications proffered in exit interviews. RESULTS: Misoprostol was offered for purchase in 15% of the visits; in half of visits, only information about misoprostol was shared, while no information about misoprostol was provided on the remaining visits. Over half of sellers who refused to sell any medication provided referrals, most commonly to an abortion provider. Among visits which included discussion of misoprostol, two out of five sellers provided dosage instructions with most recommending the minimum adequate dosage. Mystery clients received little information on the physical effects to expect with the use of misoprostol and possible complications. CONCLUSIONS: As misoprostol is being obtained from some drug sellers without a prescription, capacitating this cadre with at least a minimum of standardised information on dosage, routes of administration and expected effects and outcomes have the potential to improve reproductive health outcomes for women who choose to terminate pregnancies this way in Colombia.

A network analysis framework to improve the delivery of mosquito abatement services in Machala, Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Vector-borne disease places a high health and economic burden in the American tropics. Comprehensive vector control programs remain the primary method of containing local outbreaks. With limited resources, many vector control operations struggle to serve all affected communities within their districts. In the coastal city of Machala, Ecuador, vector control services, such as application of larvicides and truck-mounted fogging, are delivered through two deployment facilities managed by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health. Public health professionals in Machala face several logistical issues when delivering mosquito abatement services, namely applying limited resources in ways that will most effectively suppress vectors of malaria, dengue, and encephalitis viruses. METHODS: Using a transportation network analysis framework, we built models of service areas and optimized delivery routes based on distance costs associated with accessing neighborhoods throughout the city. Optimized routes were used to estimate the relative cost of accessing neighborhoods for mosquito control services in Machala, creating a visual tool to guide decision makers and maximize mosquito control program efficiency. Location-allocation analyses were performed to evaluate efficiency gains of moving service deployment to other available locations with respect to distance to service hub, neighborhood population, dengue incidence, and housing condition. RESULTS: Using this framework, we identified different locations for targeting mosquito control efforts, dependent upon management goals and specified risk factors of interest, including human population, housing condition, and reported dengue incidence. Our models indicate that neighborhoods on the periphery of Machala with the poorest housing conditions are the most costly to access. Optimal locations of facilities for deployment of control services change depending on pre-determined management priorities, increasing the population served via inexpensive routes up to 34.9%, and reducing overall cost of accessing neighborhoods up to 12.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Our transportation network models indicate that current locations of mosquito control facilities in Machala are not ideal for minimizing driving distances or maximizing populations served. Services may be optimized by moving vector control operations to other existing public health facilities in Machala. This work represents a first step in creating a spatial tool for planning and critically evaluating the systematic delivery of mosquito control services in Machala and elsewhere.

Access to paediatric cancer care treatment in Mexico: responding to health system challenges and opportunities.

In Mexico, paediatric cancer is the leading cause of death for children aged 0-18 years. This study analyses the main challenges for paediatric cancer care from the perspective of three key health systems functions: stewardship, financing and service delivery. The study used a mixed methods approach comprised of: (1) a scoping literature review, (2) an analysis of 2008-18 expenditures on paediatric cancer by the Fund for Protection against Catastrophic Expenditures (FPGC) of Seguro Popular and (3) a nation-wide survey of the supply capacity of 59 Ministry of Health (MoH) and 39 Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) hospitals engaged in paediatric cancer care. The study found that while Mexico has made substantial progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) for paediatric cancer treatment, serious gaps persist. FPGC funds for paediatric cancer increased from 2008 to 2011 to reach US$36 million and then declined to US$13.6 million in 2018, along with the number of covered cases. The distribution of health professionals and paediatric oncology infrastructure is uneven between MoH and IMSS hospitals and across Mexican regions. Both institutions share common barriers for continuous and co-ordinated health care and lack monitoring activities that cripple their capacity to apply uniform standards for high-quality cancer care. In conclusion, achieving universal and effective coverage of paediatric cancer treatment is a critical component of UHC for Mexico. This requires periodic and ongoing assessment of health system performance specific to paediatric cancer to identify gaps and propose strategies for continued investment and improvement of access to care and health outcomes for this important cause of premature mortality.

Physical rehabilitation in the context of a landslide that occurred in Brazil.

BACKGROUNDS: The efforts to develop research and training on physical rehabilitation in regards to disasters is considered recent worldwide. In the late evening of the 11th up until the 12th of January of 2011, the most massive natural disaster occurred in Brazil with extremely heavy downpour, abrupt flood, as well as landslides on multiple areas of the Mountain Region of Rio de Janeiro. The objective of this research was to investigate the challenges in terms of physical rehabilitation provided by this event METHODS: The cross-sectional mixed method's study, which was conducted in the city of Nova Friburgo, used two different data sources: hospital records on traumatic injuries pre and post disaster, and interviews with key informants - victims who suffered injuries related to the disaster, professionals from rehabilitation services in the municipality, and also the city's health service management. Pearson's chi-squared test was performed to evaluate statistical significance between the week of a given incident and the type of injury. Interviews were transcribed and analysed through content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2326 hospital records and 27 interviews were analysed. The proportion of traumatic injury in the municipal emergency service increased from 16% in the prior week, to 40% in the week post-disaster (p <  0.0001). Different injuries were identified: multiple fractures, crushing, amputation, perforation of soft tissues, inhalation of dust and establishment of chronic conditions through stress. Despite this scenario, out of the 16 health professionals interviewed, twelve did not observe an increase in the demand for outpatient rehabilitation services after the disaster. Interviews with the victims revealed that the pathways for care ran into different barriers. From 11 victims interviewed, only one received complete physiotherapy care through the public health services in the city, while all others hired additional assistance, received volunteer services, had assistance in other cities or remained without rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: The needs for rehabilitation increased after the disaster; however, the demand was repressed due to different barriers such as competing needs and possible lack of medical referral. Recommendations were made, including the action of performing a search of victims with rehabilitation needs.

Utilisation of second-trimester spontaneous and induced abortion services in public hospitals in Mexico, 2007-2015.

BACKGROUND: Data on utilisation of in-facility second-trimester abortion services are sparse. We describe temporal and geographical trends in utilisation of in-facility second-trimester abortion services across Mexico. METHODS: We used 2007-2015 data from Mexico's Automated Hospital Discharge System (SAEH) to identify second-trimester abortive events (ICD O02-O08) in public hospitals across Mexico's 32 states. We described utilisation, calculated rates using population data, and used logistic regression to identify woman- and state-level factors (municipality-level marginalisation, state-level abortion law) associated with utilisation of second-trimester versus first-trimester services. RESULTS: We identified 145 956 second-trimester abortions, or 13.4% of total documented hospitalizations for abortion between 2007 to 2015. The annual utilisation rate of second-trimester abortion remained constant, between 0.5 to 0.6 per 1000 women aged 15-44 years. Women living in highly marginalised municipalities had 1.43 higher odds of utilising abortions services in their second versus their first trimester, when compared with women in municipalities with low marginalisation (95% CI 1.18 to 1.73). Living in a state with a health or fetal anomaly exception to abortion restrictions was not associated with higher utilisation of second-trimester abortion services. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest there is a need for all types of second-trimester abortion services in Mexico. To improve health outcomes for Mexican women, especially the most vulnerable, access to safe second-trimester abortion services must be ensured through the implementation of current legal exceptions and renewed attention to the training of healthcare providers.

Impact of Mobile Crisis Services on Emergency Department Use Among Youths With Behavioral Health Service Needs.

OBJECTIVE: Youths are using emergency departments (EDs) for behavioral health services in record numbers, even though EDs are suboptimal settings for service delivery. In this article, the authors evaluated a mobile crisis service intervention implemented in Connecticut with the aim of examining whether the intervention was associated with reduced behavioral health ED use among those in need of services. METHODS: The authors examined two cohorts of youths: 2,532 youths who used mobile crisis services and a comparison sample of 3,961 youths who used behavioral health ED services (but not mobile crisis services) during the same fiscal year. Propensity scores were created to balance the two groups, and outcome analyses were used to examine subsequent ED use (any behavioral health ED admissions and number of behavioral health ED admissions) in an 18-month follow-up period. RESULTS: A pooled odds ratio of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.66-0.84) indicated that youths who received mobile crisis services had a significant reduction in odds of a subsequent behavioral health ED visit compared with youths in the comparison sample. The comparable result for the continuous outcome of number of behavioral health ED visits yielded an incidence risk ratio of 0.78 (95% CI=0.71-0.87). CONCLUSIONS: Using comparison groups, the authors provided evidence suggesting that community-based mobile crisis services, such as Mobile Crisis, reduce ED use among youths with behavioral health service needs. Replication in other years and locations is needed. Nevertheless, these results are quite promising in light of current trends in ED use.

Implementación, resultados iniciales y sostenibilidad de la reforma de servicios de salud mental en el Perú, 2013-2018 / Implementation, initial results, and sustainability of the mental health services reform in Peru, 2013-2018

RESUMEN Se analiza la implementación, resultados iniciales y sostenibilidad de innovaciones en la prestación, financiamiento y gestión de servicios de salud mental en el Perú, realizadas en el periodo 2013-2018. Aplicando nuevos mecanismos de financiamiento y estrategias de gestión pública se implementaron 104 Centros de Salud Mental Comunitarios y ocho Hogares Protegidos que muestran ser más eficientes que los hospitales psiquiátricos. El conjunto de los 29 centros creados entre 2015 y 2017, produjeron en el 2018 un número equivalente en atenciones (244 mil vs. 246 mil) y atendidos (46 mil vs. 48 mil) que el conjunto de los tres hospitales psiquiátricos, pero con el 11% de financiamiento y el 43% de psiquiatras. Se está cambiando la forma de atender la salud mental en el Perú involucrando a ciudadanos y comunidades en el cuidado continuo y creando mejores condiciones para el ejercicio de los derechos en salud mental. La reforma en salud mental comunitaria ha ganado amplio respaldo de sectores políticos, internacionales, académicos y medios de comunicación. Se concluye que la reforma de los servicios de salud mental de base comunitaria en el Perú es viable y sostenible. Está en condiciones para escalar a todo el sector salud en todo el territorio nacional, sujeto al compromiso de las autoridades, el incremento progresivo de financiamiento público y las estrategias colaborativas nacionales e internacionales.

ABSTRACT This paper analyzes the implementation, initial results, and sustainability of innovations in the provision, financing, and management of mental health services in Peru, carried out during 2013-2018. By applying new financing mechanisms and public management strategies, 104 Community Mental Health Centers and eight Protected Homes were implemented, which prove to be more efficient than psychiatric hospitals. The set of 29 centers created between 2015 and 2017 produced in 2018 an equivalent number in consultations (244,000 vs. 246,000) and patients attended (46,000 vs. 48,000) than the set of three psychiatric hospitals, but with 11% of financing and 43% of psychiatrists. The way mental health care is being provided is changing in Peru by involving citizens and communities in ongoing care and creating better conditions for the exercise of mental health rights. Community mental health reform has gained broad support from political, international, and academic sectors, and from the media. We conclude that the reform of community-based mental health services in Peru is viable and sustainable. It is in a position to scale up the entire health sector throughout the country, subject to the commitment of the authorities, the progressive increase in public financing, and national and international collaborative strategies.

Abandonment of assistive products: assessing abandonment levels and factors that impact on it.

PURPOSE: To investigate the levels and factors that influence the abandonment of assistive products by users of a local reference rehabilitation center. METHODS: This observational study involved users who received services and assistive products provided by our center of rehabilitation. Users were identified using the records of the center and their responses about the abandonment were collected through face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: The abandonment level of assistive products was 19.38%. 83.5% of the users use at least one of the assistive products they have received. Rigid and folding frame wheelchairs, with and without postural support devices, as well as shower wheelchairs, presented the lowest abandonment levels, followed by canes and lower limb orthoses. Upper limb orthoses, Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis(KAFO), walkers, crutches and lower and upper limb prostheses all presented higher abandonment levels. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous use of mutiple assistive products, users perception on the importance of using them, and completing the rehabilitation treatment were found to impact on the short and long-term use of products. The study offers inputs to decision making and planning for assistive technology provision in developing countries with regard to expected demand and service delivery. Implications for Rehabilitation Data about the abandonment of assistive products in Sao Paulo, Brazil, could assist informing decision making on provision and servicing of these products in similar settings. The strong correlation found between abandonment levels and the simultaneous use of multiple devices should be taken into account by health professionals when prescribing assistive products and providing guidance to users. The need for follow up on the use of assistive products after discharge from rehabilitation treatment becomes strikingly clear, as data show that completing treatment is significantly relevant when evaluating abandonment levels. As assistive products users' perception about the importance of using these devices is shown to be significant in explaining abandonment, it is mandatory that health and rehabilitation professionals take it into account when providing guidance and training users.