Analyzes of the ICF Domain of Activity After a Neurological Early Mobility Protocol in a Public Hospital in Brazil.

Background: Early Mobility (EM) has been recognized as a feasible and safe intervention that improves functional outcomes in hospitalized patients. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) supports understanding of functioning and disability in multidimensional concepts and efforts have been taken to apply ICF in a hospital environment. EM protocols might be linked with the ICF component of activity and participation. The correlations between ICF, EM, and functional scales might help the multidisciplinary team to conduct the best rehabilitation program, according to patients' functional demands. Objectives: The primary outcome is to analyze the activity level of neurological inpatients on admission and delivery after a Neurological Early Mobility Protocol (NEMP) at intermediate care settings in a public hospital in Brazil using Activity Level categories, HPMQ, and MBI scores. The secondary outcome is to analyze the ICF performance qualifier, specifically in the activity domain, transposing HPMQ and MBI scores to the corresponding ICF performance qualifiers. Design: An international prospective study. Methods: NEMP was used to promote patients' mobility during a hospital stay in neurological ward settings. First, patients were categorized according to their Activity Levels (ALs) to determine the NEMP phase to initiate the EM protocol. ALs also were evaluated in the first and last sessions of NEMP. Thereafter, the Hospitalized Patient Mobility Questionnaire (HPMQ) was applied to identify whether patients needed assistance during the performance of hospital activities as well as the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Both measures were applied in NEMP admission and discharge, and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to compare data in these two time points. HPMQ and MBI scores were re-coded in the correspondent ICF performance qualifier. Results: Fifty-two patients were included with age of 55 ± 20 (mean ± SD) years and a length of hospital stay of 33 ± 21 days. Patients were classified along ALs categories at the admission/discharge as follows: AL 0 n = 6 (12%)/n = 5 (9%); AL 1 n = 12 (23%)/n = 6 (12%); AL 2 n = 13 (25%)/n = 8 (15%); AL 3 n = 10 (19%)/n = 13 (25%); AL 4 n = 11 (21%)/n = 20 (39%). HPMQ data revealed progressions for the activities of bathing (p < 0.001), feeding (p < 0.001), sitting at the edge of the bed (p < 0.001), sit to stand transition (p < 0.001), orthostatism (p < 0.001) and walking (p < 0.001). Transposing HPMQ activities into ICF performance qualifiers, improvements were shown in bathing (d510.3 to d510.1-severe problem to mild problem) and sitting at the edge of the bed (d4153.2 to d4153.1-moderate problem to mild problem). At MBI score were observed an average of 36 [IQR-35. (95% CI 31.5; 41.1)] on NEMP admission to 52 at discharge [IQR-50 (95% CI 43.2; 60.3)] (p < 0.001). Recoding MBI scores into ICF there were improvements from severe problem (3) to moderate problem (2). Limitations: The delay in initiating NEMP compared to the period observed in the literature (24-72 h). The study was carried out at only one center. Conclusions: This study suggests that neurological inpatients, in a public hospital in Brazil had low activity levels as could be seen by MBI and HPMQ scores and in the ICF performance qualifier. However, improvements in the evaluated measures and ICF activity domain were found after NEMP. The NEMP protocol has been initiated much longer than 72 h from hospital admission, a distinct window than seen in the literature. This enlargement period could be a new perspective for hospitals that are not able to apply mobility in the earliest 24-72 h.

Ações de cuidado na maternidade para prematuros tardios / Care actions at maternity wardsfor late preterms

Objective: To reflect about care actions toward late preterms and their mothers, based on good practices for newborn care. Methods: Reflexive-theoretical essay that discusses care actions in the first 24 hours of life of late preterms and the connection of said actions with good practices for newborn care. Results: It is worth highlighting the importance of care in the first hour of life of late preterms, especially stimulation through skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding and thermoregulation. Further Considerations: Informing families about late prematurity is an aspect of great relevance to these newborns' health, along with including assistance-oriented actions to be taken by several professionals in view of the specific care needs of late preterms.

Objetivo: Refletir acerca das ações de cuidados aos prematuros tardios e suas mães apoiado nas boas práticas para a atenção ao recém-nascido. Métodos: Ensaio teórico-reflexivo, o qual discute as ações de cuidado nas primeiras 24 horas de vida dos prematuros tardios e sua relação com as boas práticas para a atenção ao recém-nascido.Resultados: Destaca-se a importância do cuidado na primeira hora de vida de prematuros tardios, especialmente o estímulo ao contato pele a pele e à amamentação, e a termorregulação. Considerações Finais: Fornecer informação à família sobre a prematuridade tardia é um dos aspectos de grande relevância no cuidado a estes recém-nascidos e incluir ações assistenciais de diversos profissionais frente à necessidade dos cuidados aos prematuros tardios.

Prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the Surgical Wards of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, Trinidad and Tobago / Prevalencia del estafilococo dorado resistente a la meticilina en las salas quirúrgicas del Hospital General de Puerto España, Trinidad y Tobago

ABSTRACT Objective: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is associated with soft tissue infections in surgical patients. In severe cases, it may result in pneumonia, septicaemia and osteomyelitis. Limited data are available with regard to its prevalence and associations in the Caribbean. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MRSA in patients hospitalized in the surgical wards of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital (POSGH), Trinidad and Tobago, and determine associated risk factors. Methods: Over the period of April 1 to August 1, 2013, all patients from the surgical wards of the POSGH who had had wound swabs taken were identified. Demographic data included duration of hospital stay, surgical and medical history, antibiotic use and type of wound swab. Microbiological reports were then retrieved and analyses done. Results: A total of 153 patients had wound swabs taken. There were 38 patients (24%) infected with Staphylococcus aureus, with 15 (39.5%) growing MRSA. Increased susceptibility to MRSA was associated with age, gender, ethnicity, duration of hospital stay, co-morbidities, previous antibiotic use, previous surgery and the type of wound (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of MRSA in the surgical wards of the POSGH was 39.5% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Risk factors included the age range of 60-69 years, patients with co-morbidities, hospital stays of longer than one week, previous surgery and prior use of antibiotics. We recommend more awareness of this problem in the practice of Caribbean medicine to improve infection rates.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El estafilococo dorado resistente a la meticilina (EDRM) se asocia con infecciones de tejidos blandos en pacientes quirúrgicos. En casos severos, puede dar lugar a pulmonía, septicemia y osteomielitis. Los datos disponibles con respecto a su prevalencia y asociaciones en el Caribe son limitados. Este estudio persigue evaluar la prevalencia de EDRM en pacientes hospitalizados en las salas quirúrgicas del Hospital General de Puerto de España (POSGH, siglas en inglés) en Trinidad y Tobago, y determinar los factores de riesgo asociados. Métodos: Durante el período del 1 de abril al 1 de agosto de 2013, fueron identificados todos los pacientes de las salas quirúrgicas del Hospital POSGH a quienes se les había practicado frotis de las heridas. Los datos demográficos incluyeron la duración de la estadía hospitalaria, las historias clínicas y quirúrgicas, el uso de antibióticos, y el tipo de frotis de la herida. Luego se obtuvieron los informes microbiológicos y se realizaron los análisis. Resultados: A un total de 153 pacientes se le tomaron frotis de heridas. Hubo 38 pacientes (24%) infectados con estafilococos dorados, de los cuales 15 (3.5%) presentaban EDRM creciente. El aumento de la susceptibilidad a EDRM se asoció con la edad, el género, la etnicidad, la duración de la estadía hospitalaria, las co-morbilidades, el uso previo de antibióticos, las cirugías previas, y el tipo de herida (p < 0.05). Conclusión: La prevalencia de EDRM en las salas quirúrgicas del Hospital POSGH fue 39.5% de aislados de estafilococos dorados. Los factores de riesgo incluyeron un rango de edad de 60-69 años, pacientes con co-morbilidades, estancia hospitalaria de más de una semana, cirugía previa, y uso previo de antibióticos. Recomendamos tomar más conciencia de este problema en la práctica médica en el Caribe a fin de mejorar las tasas de infección.

Reflections of nurses in search of a theoretical framework for maternity care / Reflexiones de enfermeras en búsqueda del referencial teórico de atención en la maternidad / Reflexões de enfermeiras na busca do referencial teórico para assistência na maternidade

ABSTRACT Objective: To define a theoretical framework to guide the systematization of nursing care in a maternity unit in the South of Brazil. Method: This was the preliminary stage of a qualitative methodological study, based on an educational activity and the assumptions of Paulo Freire, involving 15 nurses, between August and November 2015. The aim of data analysis was to identify emerging themes. Results: The following themes emerged: knowledge of nurses about nursing theories; barriers to implementing and systematizing nursing care; the importance of a framework to guide practice and; educational activities as opportunities to systematize nursing care. Conclusion: The discussion process involved in establishing the theoretical framework enabled reflections about nursing practices, reinforcing the importance of theoretical frameworks to guide work processes and enhance quality of care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Definir el referencial teórico de respaldo para implantar la sistematización de la atención de enfermería en maternidad del sur de Brasil. Método: Etapa preliminar de estudio metodológico, de abordaje cualitativo de datos, realizado a partir de práctica educativa guiada por los supuestos de Paulo Freire, con 15 enfermeras, entre agosto y noviembre de 2015. El análisis de datos buscó identificar los temas emergentes. Resultados: Como temas emergentes fueron hallados: Conocimiento de las enfermeras sobre Teorías de Enfermería; Dificultades para implementación de sistematización de la atención de enfermería; Importancia del referencial para respaldar la práctica; y La práctica educativa como posibilidad de concreción de la sistematización de la atención de enfermería. Conclusión: El proceso de discusión para obtener el referencial teórico permitió reflexiones sobre la práctica, reforzando la importancia de un referencial teórico para orientar su proceso de trabajo y la optimización de la calidad de la atención.

RESUMO Objetivo: definir o referencial teórico para sustentar a implantação da sistematização da assistência de enfermagem em uma maternidade do sul do Brasil. Método: trata-se da etapa preliminar de um estudo metodológico, com abordagem qualitativa dos dados, realizada a partir de uma prática educativa, guiada pelos pressupostos de Paulo Freire, com 15 enfermeiras, no período de agosto a novembro de 2015. A análise de dados buscou identificar os temas emergentes. Resultados: como temas emergentes foram elencados: Conhecimento das enfermeiras sobre Teorias de Enfermagem; Dificuldades para implementação da sistematização da assistência de enfermagem; Importância do referencial para subsidiar a prática e; e A prática educativa como possibilidade para efetivação da sistematização da assistência de enfermagem. Conclusão: o processo de discussão para a obtenção do referencial teórico permitiu reflexões sobre a prática, reforçando a importância de um referencial teórico para guiar o processo de trabalho e fortalecimento da qualidade da assistência.

Evaluación del ambiente electromagnético en salas de rehabilitación / Evaluation of the electromagnetic environment in rehabilitation wards

Se realizó un estudio del ambiente electromagnético en 2 departamentos de electroterapia del municipio Palma Soriano de Santiago de Cuba, a fin de obtener el patrón de distribución para diferentes modos de operatividad y explotación del equipamiento médico-terapéutico. Para la caracterización electromagnética de los ambientes evaluados se elaboró un protocolo de medición a partir del análisis de normas internacionales y se empleó un medidor isotrópico que mostró los resultados a través de mapas de contorno. El equipo electromédico Magnetomed, modelo 7200 fue el que más aportó, aunque el valor máximo de la inducción magnética obtenido (19,7 µT) estuvo por debajo del límite de exposición establecido y por encima del límite de exposición sugerido por el Grupo de Trabajo Bioiniciativa. Se recomienda limitar la permanencia de personas en sus proximidades mientras está en funcionamiento.

A study of the electromagnetic environment was carried out in 2 electrotherapy departments of Palma Soriano in Santiago de Cuba, in order to obtain the distribution pattern for different operability ways and exploitation of the medical-therapeutic equipment. For the electromagnetic characterization of the evaluated environments a measurement protocol was elaborated starting from the analysis of international standards and an isotropic measure was used that showed the results through contour maps. The electro-medical device Magnetomed, model 7200 was the one that contributed the most, although the maximum value of the obtained magnetic induction (19.7 µT) was below the established exhibition limit and above the exhibition limit suggested by the Bioiniciativa Work Group. It is recommended to limit the permanency of people around, while it is in operation.

Incorporation of the health care system in the west.

A reflection is made, from an interpretative perspective, on the historical evolution of health care in the West. It starts from the moment that this became a way to intervene the sick and an instrument for healing diseases, focusing on original documents and written sources which account for results of historical research, which range from XV century until today. To do this, it tries to understand the health care as an ideographic body of knowledge consisting of five pieces of a puzzle composed by: the state policy of hospitals accumulation implemented in Spain, the accumulation of medical practices in what is currently Germany, the hospital wards in England, the nosological rationality in France, and the US sanitizing machine; all these movements as producers of closely linked health care developments, that are nothing more than collective actions regulated by social norms around health.

Se hace una reflexión, desde una perspectiva interpretativa, sobre la evolución histórica de la atención de la salud en Occidente. Se parte desde el momento en que esta se transformó en una manera de intervenir a los enfermos y en un instrumento para la curación de las enfermedades, centrándose en documentos y fuentes originales escritas que dan cuenta de resultados de investigaciones históricas, las cuales abarcan desde el siglo XV hasta hoy. Para ello, trata de comprender la atención de la salud como un cuerpo ideográfico de conocimientos, integrado por cinco piezas de un rompecabezas compuesto por: La política estatal de acumulación de hospitales implementada en España, la acumulación de las prácticas médicas en lo que hoy es Alemania, el hospital de pabellones en Inglaterra, la racionalidad nosológica en Francia y la máquina sanitaria en Estados Unidos; todos estos movimientos como productores de unos desarrollos asistenciales sanitarios estrechamente vinculados, que no son otra cosa que acciones colectivas reguladas por normas sociales en torno a la salud.

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: spread of specific lineages among patients in different wards at a Brazilian teaching hospital.

This study aimed to characterize meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) lineages circulating in a Brazilian teaching hospital. MRSA isolates from nasal swabs were evaluated to assess antimicrobial susceptibility, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec), Panton-Valentine leucocidin status, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profile and multi-locus sequence type (MLST) analysis. Eighty-three MRSA isolates were analysed. SCCmec III (43.4%) and IV (49.4%) were predominant. ST1-IV (USA400) was more common in internal medicine (P = 0.002) whereas 'clone M' (SCCmec III) was more common in the medical and surgical intensive care unit (P = 0.004), and all isolates were ST5-IV (USA800) in dermatology (P < 0.001). These data improved the understanding of the MRSA epidemiology inside the hospital and helped to establish effective control measures.

The effects of discharge to an intermediate care unit after a critical illness: a 5-year cohort study.

PURPOSE: The impact of the intermediate care unit (IMCU) on post-intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes is controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed admissions from January 2003 to December 2008 from a mixed ICU in a teaching hospital in Brazil with a high patient-to-nurse ratio (3.5:1 on the ICU, 11:1 on the IMCU, 20-25:1 on the ward). A retrospective propensity-matched analysis was performed with data from 690 patients who were discharged after at least 3 days of ICU stay. RESULTS: Of the 690 patients, 160 (23%) were discharged to the IMCU. A total of 399 propensity-matched patients were compared: 298 were discharged to the ward and 101 were discharged to the IMCU. Ninety-day mortality rate was similar between the IMCU and ward patients (22% vs 18%, respectively, P = .37), as was the unplanned ICU readmission rate (P = .63). In a multivariate logistic regression, discharge to the IMCU had no effect on the 90-day mortality rate (P = .27). CONCLUSIONS: In a resource-limited setting with a high patient-to-nurse ratio, discharge to IMCU had no impact on 90-day mortality rate and on unplanned readmission rate. The impact of discharge to the IMCU on the outcome for critically ill patients should be evaluated in further studies.

Ideação suicida em pacientes internados em enfermarias de clínica médica: prevalência e sintomas depressivos / Suicidal ideation in patients admitted to general medical wards: prevalence and associated depressive symptoms

OBJETIVO: Verificar a frequência de ideação suicida e os sintomas depressivos associados a ela nos pacientes internados em enfermarias de clínica médica. MÉTODOS: Todos os adultos consecutivamente admitidos nas enfermarias de clínica médica de um hospital universitário foram randomizados e avaliados durante a primeira semana de internação. Coletaram-se dados sociodemográficos e aplicaram-se: o Patient Health Questionnaire (a pergunta sobre ideação suicida), o Inventário Beck de Depressão e o índice Charlson de comorbidade física. Utilizaram-se os testes t de Student, do qui-quadrado e a regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Dos 1.092 sujeitos, 79 (7,2%) apresentaram ideação suicida. Na análise multivariada, foram capazes de discriminar esses pacientes, após controlar para sexo, idade, comorbidade física e presença de uma síndrome depressiva, os seguintes sintomas, quando presentes em intensidade moderada a grave: tristeza [RR: 3,18; IC 95% = 1,78-5,65; p < 0,001], sensação de fracasso [RR: 2,01; IC 95% = 1,09-3,72; p = 0,03], perda do interesse nas pessoas [RR: 2,69; IC 95% = 1,47-4,94; p = 0,001] e insônia [RR: 1,74; IC 95% = 1,05-2,89; p = 0,03]. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes internados no hospital geral em enfermarias clínicas apresentaram prevalência de 7,2% de ideação suicida. Alguns sintomas, quando presentes em intensidade moderada a grave, deveriam alertar ao clínico-geral para investigar a presença de ideação suicida: tristeza, sensação de fracasso, perda do interesse nas pessoas e insônia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation and the depressive symptoms associated to it in medical inpatients. METHODS: All adults consecutively admitted to the medical wards of a University Hospital had their names recorded, were randomized and evaluated during the first week of admission. Socio-demographic data were collected and the Patient Health Questionnaire (question 9, assessing suicidal ideation), the Beck Depression Inventory and the Charlson comorbidity index were applied. The Student t test, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used. RESULTS: Of the 1,092 patients who composed the sample, 79 (7.2%) reported having suicidal ideation. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for gender, age, physical comorbidity and the presence of a depressive syndrome, the following symptoms when in moderate to severe degree discriminated patients who had suicidal ideation: sadness [RR: 3.18; CI 95% = 1.78-5.65; p < 0.001], feeling like a failure [RR: 2.01; CI 95% = 1.09-3.72; p = 0.03], loss of interest in people [RR: 2.69; CI 95% = 1.47-4.94; p = 0.001] and insomnia [RR: 1.74; CI 95% = 1.05-2.89; p = 0.03]. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of suicidal ideation in medical inpatients was 7.2%. When present in a moderate to severe degree, symptoms like sadness, feeling like a failure, loss of interest in people and insomnia should alert the medical team to assess suicidal ideation.

Venturas y desventuras del radiólogo de guardia / Fortunes and misfortunes of the radiologist on-call

El trabajo del radiólogo de guardia no es fácil, pero además el número de urgencias radiológicas se ha incrementado a lo largo de los años. Esto no sólo se debe a la gran cantidad de personas que acuden a los Servicios de Urgencias, sino también al aumento del espectro de exploraciones radiológicas para evaluar casos urgentes. Así, el gran volumen de pacientes como el elevado número de doctores, enfermeras y personal sanitario dando diversas instrucciones en la atención pueden transmitir, en ocasiones, a los Servicios de Emergencias la apariencia de un pseudo "campo de batalla". En este escenario, las vivencias del radiólogo de guardia, sus venturas y desventuras, resultan tan positivas como negativas. En este artículo, se presentan y discuten los factores y posibles situaciones problemáticas con mayor implicancia en el trabajo del radiólogo de guardia, así como también las potenciales medidas para abordarlas, evitarlas o resolverlas.

The job of the radiologist on-call is not easy and the number of radiological emergencies have increased over the years, but not only to the larger number of patients visiting the emergency departments, but also to broader spectrum of radiological's examinations requiered to asses emergency cases. The greater volume of patients, together with a larger number of doctors, nurses and other health professionals, giving diverse instructions for patients care, can at times give the emergency room the appearance of a pseudo-battlefield. The different experiences of the on-call radiologist in such setting can be both positive and negative. The contributing factors and possible measures for dealing with, avoiding or solving potentially problematic situations which, in turn, may create major implications for the on-call radiologist in carrying out his work are presented and discussed in this article.

A importância da participação cidadã nas políticas de saúde: o caso da reestruturação dos serviços de saúde materno-infantil em Portugal / Citizen Participation relevance in health policies: the case of the maternal and child health services restructuring in Portugal

As questões em torno da participação cidadã tornaram-se indiscutivelmente centrais na análise dos processos públicos de decisão das sociedades ditas democráticas. Uma das maiores dificuldades tem, no entanto, residido na ampla definição das modalidades participativas a considerar neste domínio. Neste trabalho assume-se que as ações de protesto são uma modalidade legítima de participar nos processos públicos de decisão. Analisa-se, para tal, o processo de encerramento de blocos de parto em Portugal, uma das medidas da recente reestruturação dos serviços de saúde materno-infantil, executada entre Maio de 2006 e Dezembro de 2007, e as consequentes ações de protesto encetadas pelas populações das localidades afetadas pela medida. Avalia-se a forma como a implementação não informada e participada de uma medida focada em critérios como segurança e qualidade da prestação de cuidados de saúde pode, mesmo assim, desencadear movimentos de contestação, sobretudo enquanto estratégia dos cidadãos para participar na (re)formulação de uma política pública.