Leprosy knowledge among primary care physicians in Southern Brazil: are we underdiagnosing?

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is a chronic infection with high morbidity in Brazil. Primary care physicians' lack of knowledge about the disease may play a significant role in underdiagnosis. This study aimed to assess primary care physicians' ability to identify typical leprosy skin lesions and their knowledge of the subject. METHODS: This cross-sectional study relied on a questionnaire in which participating doctors chose one main diagnostic hypothesis and two differential diagnoses for each skin lesion presented. Five leprosy lesions were included. Questions regarding management, follow-up, and diagnostic workup for the disease were also included. The questionnaire was sent to primary care physicians working in Curitiba, in the Southern Brazilian state of Paraná, and dermatologists, who constituted the control group. RESULTS: Thirty-two primary care physicians and 26 dermatologists agreed to participate in the study. Primary care physicians accurately identified a mean of 1.8 ± 1.2 of the five leprosy skin lesions, while dermatologists accurately identified 2.5 ± 0.9 (P = 0.009). The main misdiagnosed leprosy forms were the lepromatous and histoid variants. Among primary care physicians, 56.2% claimed to have little knowledge of the subject and a large share of participants was unaware of recent updates in treating paucibacillary forms, even within the dermatologist subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care physicians in Curitiba have little information regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of leprosy. Even dermatologists had difficulties with treatment and patient management, emphasizing the constant need for education on this subject.

Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Hearing Loss Among Primary Care Physicians in the Public Health Sector of Mauritius.

Introduction Primary care physicians are essential first points of contact for patients with hearing loss. Thus, knowledge of hearing loss and related aspects is essential to ensure the optimal management of individuals with suspected hearing loss. Objective This study aimed to determine the knowledge of and attitudes toward hearing loss among primary care physicians in the public health sector in Mauritius. Methods In this cross-sectional descriptive cohort study, 320 primary care physicians completed an online questionnaire adapted from previous questionnaires on knowledge of and attitudes toward hearing loss. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and cross-sectional analyses. Results Primary care physicians showed limited knowledge of hearing loss in areas such as early identification and intervention, professionals responsible for hearing assessments, and hearing tests used for assessing hearing sensitivity. However, the responses also showed positive attitudes toward hearing loss. Significant associations between knowledge of and attitudes toward hearing loss were obtained regarding the type of physician, length of practice, and department posted in. Ear, nose, and throat specialists, as well as pediatricians, demonstrated significantly higher scores for both knowledge of and positive attitudes toward hearing loss. Conclusions The findings highlight a strong need for ongoing medical education to spread awareness about hearing loss among primary care physicians in the public health sector of Mauritius.

Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Hearing Loss Among Primary Care Physicians in the Public Health Sector of Mauritius

Abstract Introduction Primary care physicians are essential first points of contact for patients with hearing loss. Thus, knowledge of hearing loss and related aspects is essential to ensure the optimal management of individuals with suspected hearing loss. Objective This study aimed to determine the knowledge of and attitudes toward hearing loss among primary care physicians in the public health sector in Mauritius. Methods In this cross-sectional descriptive cohort study, 320 primary care physicians completed an online questionnaire adapted from previous questionnaires on knowledge of and attitudes toward hearing loss. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and cross-sectional analyses. Results Primary care physicians showed limited knowledge of hearing loss in areas such as early identification and intervention, professionals responsible for hearing assessments, and hearing tests used for assessing hearing sensitivity. However, the responses also showed positive attitudes toward hearing loss. Significant associations between knowledge of and attitudes toward hearing loss were obtained regarding the type of physician, length of practice, and department posted in. Ear, nose, and throat specialists, as well as pediatricians, demonstrated significantly higher scores for both knowledge of and positive attitudes toward hearing loss. Conclusions The findings highlight a strong need for ongoing medical education to spread awareness about hearing loss among primary care physicians in the public health sector of Mauritius.

Adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese and Latin-American Spanish and psychometric properties of the Mental Illness Clinicians' Attitudes Scale (MICA v4).

OBJECTIVE: To describe translation to Spanish and Portuguese and adaptation of the Mental Illness Clinicians' Attitudes Scale version 4 (MICA v4). METHODS: The questionnaire was administered to primary care physicians (PCPs) from four Latin-American countries, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Cuba. The validation process included four phases: 1) translation of the questionnaire to Spanish and Portuguese; 2) assessment of face validity; 3) assessment of reliability; and 4) evaluation of construct validity with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). RESULTS: The study sample comprised 427 PCPs. The mean age of the Spanish-speaking sample (n = 252) was 40.1 (S.D = 9.7) years and the mean age of the Portuguese-speaking sample (n = 150) was 40.2 (S.D = 10.9) years. Both models demonstrated "appropriate" internal reliability. Total omega was 0.91 for the Spanish-speaking sample and 0.89 for the Portuguese-speaking sample. The CFA of both questionnaires showed an appropriate fit for a three-factor model (Portuguese: CFI = 0.927; TLI = 0.913; RMSEA = 0.066; Spanish: CFI = 0.945; TLI = 0.935; RMSEA = 0.068). CONCLUSION: The Latin-American versions of the MICA v4 in Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese have appropriate psychometric properties, good internal consistency, and are applicable to and acceptable in the Latin-American context. The instrument proved its validity for collecting data on stigmatizing attitudes among health professionals in different contexts and cultures.

Adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese and Latin-American Spanish and psychometric properties of the Mental Illness Clinicians' Attitudes Scale (MICA v4)

Abstract Objective To describe translation to Spanish and Portuguese and adaptation of the Mental Illness Clinicians' Attitudes Scale version 4 (MICA v4). Methods The questionnaire was administered to primary care physicians (PCPs) from four Latin-American countries, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Cuba. The validation process included four phases: 1) translation of the questionnaire to Spanish and Portuguese; 2) assessment of face validity; 3) assessment of reliability; and 4) evaluation of construct validity with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results The study sample comprised 427 PCPs. The mean age of the Spanish-speaking sample (n = 252) was 40.1 (S.D = 9.7) years and the mean age of the Portuguese-speaking sample (n = 150) was 40.2 (S.D = 10.9) years. Both models demonstrated "appropriate" internal reliability. Total omega was 0.91 for the Spanish-speaking sample and 0.89 for the Portuguese-speaking sample. The CFA of both questionnaires showed an appropriate fit for a three-factor model (Portuguese: CFI = 0.927; TLI = 0.913; RMSEA = 0.066; Spanish: CFI = 0.945; TLI = 0.935; RMSEA = 0.068). Conclusion The Latin-American versions of the MICA v4 in Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese have appropriate psychometric properties, good internal consistency, and are applicable to and acceptable in the Latin-American context. The instrument proved its validity for collecting data on stigmatizing attitudes among health professionals in different contexts and cultures.

Evaluating the Levels of Awareness of and Attitudes on Advance Directives Among Primary Care Physicians in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: Advance directives (ADs) are legal documents designed to guarantee a patient's preference of care for the future. Primary care physicians (PCPs) have long been identified as key to promoting AD completion among patients. Furthermore, PCPs' levels of awareness of and attitudes toward ADs have been related to positive completion rates in patients. In this project, we sought to identify the levels of awareness and attitudes towards ADs in Puerto Rican PCPs. METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires were distributed at primary care medical conferences in Puerto Rico (PR) to explore the levels of awareness and attitudes of PCPs on ADs. RESULTS: A total of 332 surveys were collected. Overall, PCPs in PR had high selfrated knowledge of ADs, with the highest being reported among internal medicine physicians (8.63 ± 1.51). However, this self-rating was in stark contrast with the lower than 60% level of awareness of and commitment to reading the applicable laws on ADs in PR across all specialties. Puerto Rican PCPs showed strongly positive attitudes towards ADs and recognized them as useful tools for patients, healthcare workers, and families, enabling them to make healthcare decisions. Internal medicine practitioners showed the strongest positive attitudes of all PCPs. Despite the perceived usefulness of ADs, Puerto Rican PCPs had a low predisposition to complete their own ADs in the short term. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that improvements in the education of health professionals with regard to ADs are needed to increase in physicians both their knowledge of the legal standards governing ADs and their commitment to ensuring that patients complete such directives.

Practical approach lung health-global alliance against chronic respiratory diseases (PAL-GARD) initiative in Brazil.

Background: To evaluate the impact of training primary care physicians (PCPs) in the use of the practical approach lung health-global alliance against chronic respiratory diseases (PAL-GARD) upon their diagnostic skills. Methods: In this real-life three-phase study, PCPs were allocated to a PAL-GARD training or control group. Patients who sought a primary care health facility due to cough, dyspnea and/or wheezing were eligible. The clinical diagnoses made by PCPs during the baseline and post-intervention phase were audited by a panel of pulmonologists. Kappa inter-rater statistics was used to compare agreement between PCPs and pulmonologists. Results: Thirty PCPs evaluated 536 patients, 358 in the intervention and 178 in the control group. According to Kappa, there was an increase in the agreement in the diagnosis of asthma (from 0.546 to 0.638), tuberculosis (from 0.393 to 0.655) and acute respiratory infections (ARI) (from 0.577 to 0.584) was observed in the PAL-GARD group, but there was a reduction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (from 0.430 to 0.284). Conclusions: In this setting, PAL-GARD-based guide and training improved the clinical diagnosis of common respiratory diseases with the exception of COPD.

Exposure to indoor air pollution/outdoor air pollution: the silent killers ­ A pilot study / Exposição à poluição do ar interno/poluição do ar externo: os assassinos silenciosos ­ Estudo piloto

Objective: To identify possible risks factors of exposure to indoor air pollution (IAP)/outdoor air pollution (OAP) and their relationship with noncommunicable diseases in men and women treated by primary care physicians. Method: In total, 551 patients (382 women) attended three basic health units in Uruguaiana, Brazil, for various complaints, and completed a questionnaire about risk factors for exposure to IAP/OAP. Results: Women were significantly more exposed to wood-burning pollutants (79.6% vs. 52.7%, p < 0.0001) for having more housework-related activities; men had more outdoor activities and spent extended periods in traffic (47.3% vs. 18.8%, p < 0.0001). Arterial hypertension (AH)/ chronic respiratory disease (CRD) were more frequent among women. Patients with AH/CRD were more exposed to OAP because of their work (18.1% vs. 11%, p = 0.02) or for living near a source of air pollution (45.6% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.0002) or on a street with heavy traffic (41.7% vs. 33%, p = 0.04). Passive smoking, active smoking, using wood, charcoal, or firewood for cooking, heating, or drying, or burning charcoal indoors were not associated with a higher prevalence of AH/CRD. Conclusion: Exposure to OAP was associated with AH/CRD. Women were more exposed to IAP from burning firewood, and men were more exposed to fossil fuel burning. Knowledge of these behaviors should be directed to primary care physicians and all health professionals so that preventive and educational measures can be implemented.

Objetivo: Identificar possíveis fatores de risco da exposição à poluição intradomiciliar (PID) e extradomiciliar (PED) e sua relação com doenças não transmissíveis (DNT) em homens e mulheres tratados por médicos de atenção primária. Método: Quinhentos e cinquenta e um pacientes (382 mulheres) atendidos em três unidades básicas de saúde em Uruguaiana, Brasil, por queixas diversas, responderam a um questionário sobre os fatores de risco para exposição à PID/PED. Resultados: As mulheres foram significantemente mais expostas aos poluentes da queima de lenha (79,6% vs. 52,7%, p < 0,0001) por terem mais atividades domésticas; os homens praticaram mais atividades ao ar livre e passaram longos períodos no trânsito (47,3% vs. 18,8%, p < 0,0001). Hipertensão arterial (HA) / Doença respiratória crônica (DRC) foram mais frequentes entre as mulheres. Pacientes com HA/DRC foram mais expostos à PED devido ao trabalho (18,1% vs. 11%, p = 0,02), ou por viver perto de uma fonte de poluição do ar (45,6% vs. 29,6%, p = 0,0002), ou em uma rua com trânsito intenso (41,7% vs. 33%, p = 0,04). O fumo passivo, o fumo ativo, o uso de lenha ou carvão para cozinhar, aquecer ou secar ou queimar carvão em ambientes fechados não foram associados a maior prevalência de HA/DRC. Conclusão: A exposição à PED foi associada a HA/CRD. As mulheres foram mais expostas à PID pela queima de lenha, e os homens foram mais expostos à queima de combustíveis fósseis. O conhecimento destes comportamentos deve ser direcionado aos médicos da atenção básica e a todos os profissionais da saúde, para que medidas preventivas e educacionais possam ser implementadas.

Management of chronic kidney disease: perspectives of Brazilian primary care physicians.

AIM: To investigate primary care physicians' knowledge of and attitudes toward care for chronic kidney disease patients. BACKGROUND: In Brazil, care for chronic kidney disease, a global public health problem, is provided by the Brazilian National Health System, which is organized around primary care. The study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of primary care physicians about the management of chronic kidney disease. METHOD: This research is based on quantitative and qualitative data. The participants were 92 physicians from 81 primary care units located in eight cities of the São Paulo/Brazil health region, who answered a self-administered questionnaire. FINDINGS: Only 59% and 58% of the physicians recognized smoking and obesity, respectively, as risk factors for chronic kidney disease. Health appointments and drug therapy predominated as disease prevention strategies and less than 30% mentioned multiprofessional care and health education groups. For early diagnosis, isolated serum creatinine was the most used test and 64.6% stated they classified the disease stages. Exclusive follow-up in primary care decreased from 79% in stage 1 to 19.5% in stage 3B and the patients' monitoring in the healthcare network varied from 8.7% in stage 1 to 70.6% in stages 4 and 5ND, suggesting early referrals and lack of referral at the necessary stages. Access to information on the referred patient was, predominantly, through the patient's report and 74% of the physicians did not have matrix support regarding chronic kidney disease. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the healthcare teams need to update their knowledge and procedures to be able to provide a comprehensive and efficient approach to treating chronic kidney disease in primary care.

Nivel de conocimientos sobre demencia frontotemporal en una muestra de médicos que evalúan regularmente a pacientes con demencia en Lima-Perú / Knowledge level of fronto-temporal dementia in a sample of physicians that regularly assessing patients with dementia in Lima-Peru

Resumen Médicos especialistas en geriatría, psiquiatría y neurología no han recibido entrenamiento respecto al diagnóstico diferencial de demencia, en particular acerca de demencia frontotemporal (DFT). Objetivo: Evaluar el nivel de conocimiento de los médicos sobre DFT. Material y Método: La encuesta se llevó a cabo durante simposios y congresos científicos desde enero de 2016 hasta julio de 2017. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: ser médico general o especialista en Geriatría, Neurología y Psiquiatría cuyo proceso de formación como médico y especialista haya sido realizado en universidades peruanas. Se analizaron 217 encuestas de las cuales 13 fueron eliminadas. La encuesta estuvo dividida en tres partes: la primera sobre datos generales de los médicos, la segunda parte fue acerca del diagnóstico de demencia y la tercera sobre datos específicos de DFT. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó STATA versión 12. Resultados: El 90% de los médicos encuestados fueron médicos especialistas en: Psiquiatría (41,3%), Geriatría (31,3%) y Neurología (15,4%). El 98,5% de médicos encuestados afirmó diagnosticar demencia. Los médicos especialistas tuvieron un mejor desempeño al momento de identificar las pruebas empleadas. El 72,1% de médicos encuestados no pudo reconocer ningún tipo de DFT, mientras que el 27,9% reconoció al menos 1 tipo de DFT. El 43,8% de médicos encuestados identificó correctamente 5 o más de los síntomas presentados en DFT. Conclusiones: El nivel de conocimientos entre médicos especialistas encuestados acerca del diagnóstico de demencia es aceptable, sin embargo es deficiente cuando se trata específicamente acerca del diagnóstico de DFT.

Physicians with specialty in geriatrics, psychiatry and neurology have not received training about the differential diagnosis of dementia, particularly regarding fronto-temporal dementia (FTD). Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of physicians about FTD. Material and Method: The survey was carried out during symposiums and scientific congresses from January 2016 to July 2017. Inclusion criteria: being a general practitioner or specialist in Geriatrics, Neurology and psychiatry whose training process as a physician and specialist has been carried out in Peruvian universities. We analyzed 217 surveys of which 13 were eliminated. The survey was divided into three parts, the first about general data of doctors, the second part was about the diagnosis of dementia; and the third on specific data of FTD. STATA version 12 was used for the statistical analysis. Results: 90% of the doctors surveyed were specialists in: Psychiatry (41.3%), Geriatrics (31.3%) and Neurology (15.4%). The 98.5% of physicians surveyed claimed to diagnose dementia. The medical specialists performed better when identifying the tests used. 72.1% of the doctors surveyed could not recognize any type of FTD, while 27.9% recognized at least 1 type of FTD. 43.8% of physicians surveyed identified 5 or more of the symptoms presented in FTD. Conclusions: The level of knowledge among medical specialists surveyed about the diagnosis of dementia is acceptable, however it is deficient when it is specifically about the diagnosis of FTD.

Provider supply, utilization, and infant health: evidence from a physician distribution policy

We analyze a policy that substantially expanded the supply of primary care physicians in Brazil. The program is associated with a significant increase in doctor visits across all age groups, and greater utilization of doctors as source of prenatal care. However, this increased used of doctors was accompanied by significant reductions in prenatal care from nurses. As a result of this shift in the provider of care, there were no gains in widely-used metrics of infant health, including birth weight, gestation and infant mortality. These findings suggest that physicians and nurses may be good substitutes in terms of neonatal health.

Este estudo analisa uma política que ampliou substancialmente a oferta de médicos de atenção primária no Brasil. O programa está associado a um aumento significativo de consultas médicas em todas as faixas etárias e `a maior utilização de médicos como fonte de assistência pré-natal. No entanto, esse aumento no uso de médicos foi acompanhado por reduções significativas no número de consultas pré-natais fornecidas por enfermeiras. Como resultado dessa mudança no provedor da atenção, não houve ganhos em métricas amplamente utilizadas de saúde infantil, incluindo peso ao nascer, gestação e mortalidade infantil. Esses resultados sugerem que médicos e enfermeiras podem ser bons substitutos em termos de saúde neonatal.

The prevalence of burnout, psychological distress and frequently used coping strategies among primary care health workers in North West and North Central Regional Health Authorities

Background: The prevalence of mental health issues among health care workers, including primary care workers, has reached concerning levels globally. The presence of the more common conditions such as the burnout syndrome and psychological distress among primary care workers in Trinidad and Tobago has not been examined. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the burnout syndrome and psychological distress among primary care health care workers in Trinidad, as well as their associations with socio-demographic factors, workplace factors and stress coping strategies. Research Design and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 245 primary care physicians and nurses within the North West and North Central Regional Health Authorities. The Maslach Burnout Inventory, General Health Questionnaire and the Brief COPE measured outcomes through a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of burnout among participants was 32.7% and 25.3% were distressed. Younger age groups (<45 years) had significant associations with both burnout [OR 2.91 (1.66-5.12)] and distress [OR 2.73 (1.48-5.04)]. Physicians were also significantly more likely to be burnt out as compared to nurses [OR 2.95 (1.69-5.14)]. Increased odds for burnout were also found for those who had no children, or less than three children, those with postgraduate qualifications or enrolled in a training programme. Spending less thanfour hours a day in leisure activities increased the odds of both burnout and psychological distress. Avoidant and emotion focused coping were significantly associated with burnout and distress. Use of religion was significantly associated with those in the non-burnout and non-distressed groups. Conclusion: The results reveal that prevalence of mental health issues is significant among primary care workers in these two settings. Individual and organizational prevention and intervention strategies can be utilized to address this issue, targeting physicians, younger workers and addressing stress coping strategies.

Nivel de conocimiento sobre Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad en médicos del Servicio Rural y Urbano Marginal de Salud en Lima, Perú / Knowledge level of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among general physicians in Lima, Peru

Introducción: El trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH), exhibe una prevalencia mundial del 5% y la mayoría de las consultas médicas tienen lugar en clínicas de Atención Primaria. En tal contexto, se plantea la necesidad de que los médicos del Servicio Rural y Urbano Marginal de Salud (SERUM) conozcan suficientemente aspectos del diagnóstico y manejo de este trastorno, para su oportuna derivación al especialista. Objetivos: Determinar el nivel de conocimiento que tienen los médicos serumistas en relación al diagnóstico, manejo y pronóstico del TDAH. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal basado en la aplicación de una encuesta a médicos serumistas, revisada por la Asociación de Profesionales Peruanos para el estudio del Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad. Resultados. De un total de 550 encuestas, 63,5% (349) cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se encontró que el 80,5 % de estos probandos tenían un alto nivel de conocimiento general sobre el TDAH. Sin embargo, sólo el 16,9% mostró un nivel similar en relación al diagnóstico y el 73,1% alcanzó un nivel de conocimiento medio. En relación al tratamiento, 56,2 % de la muestra tuvo un nivel alto y 39,8 %, un nivel medio de conocimiento. Conclusiones: Los médicos serumistas encuestados en Lima muestran un alto nivel de conocimiento global en relación al TDAH, consideran apropiadamente el tratamiento mixto de elección y dan importancia al pronóstico del paciente no tratado. La mayoría, sin embargo, no basa su diagnóstico en los criterios del DSM5 o CIE 10 y no identifican fármacos de primera línea para el manejo del trastorno. Se postula la necesidad de mejorar estos aspectos

Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a worldwide prevalence of 5%, and most of medical consultations to children with the diagnosis take place in Primary Care settings. It would be necessary for physicians of the Rural and Urban-Marginal Health Service (SERUM) in Peru to have sufficient knowledge about the diagnosis and management of this disorder for its timely referral to the specialist. Objectives: To determine the knowledge level that SERUM primary care physicians have regarding diagnosis, management and prognosis of ADHD. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive, observational and transversal study, based on the application of a survey instrument, specifically designed for the study of ADHD, and revised by the Peruvian Association of Professionals. Results: From a total of 550 surveys applied, 63.5% (349) met the inclusion criteria. It was found that 80.5% of these probands had a high level of general knowledge about ADHD, but only a 16.9% has a similar knowledge level regarding diagnosis, and 73.1%, an intermediate level. Regarding treatment, 56.2% of the sample had a high and 39.8%, an average knowledge level.Conclusions: SERUM-associatedprimary care physicians in Lima have a high knowledge level about general aspects of ADHD as they consider a combined treatment as the management of choice, and give importance to the prognosis of the non-treated patient. However, most of them do not base their diagnosis on DSM-5 or ICD-10 criteria, and do not identify first-line pharmacological agents for the management of the disorder. The need to improve this aspects is emphasized.

Knowledge on fibromyalgia among general practitioners, from Chiclayo-Peru, 2016. / Conocimientos de fibromialgia en médicos de atención primaria de la provincia de Chiclayo-Perú, 2016.

OBJECTIVE: Knowledge about fibromyalgia in general practitioners in the province of Chiclayo, Peru, 2016. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross sectional descriptive study. Non-probability sampling, census type. In all, 145 physicians were evaluated through a questionnaire of 14 questions, validated by experts and a pilot. The analysis was performed using STATA v. 13. RESULTS: Accuracy in questions involving diagnosis was 41.1% and in questions about treatment: 65%; 75.1% 'had seen patients with fibromyalgia' previously. The average on locating pain points was 2.2±2.8. Only 2.8% identified 11 or more painful points; 54.5% answered that 'the diagnosis is clinical and exams are for the differential diagnosis'; 46.1% in Ministerio de Salud (MINSA) and 28.3% in Seguro Social de Salud (EsSalud) answered the item about diagnostic criteria (P=.021); 65.7% said that psychotherapy, pregabalin and aerobic exercise were the most effective therapeutic triad, with no differences between MINSA and EsSalud: 61.5% vs. 68.6% (P=.23); 59.3% responded that drugs that had proved to be useful were: Pregabalin, duloxetine and amitriptyline; 66.2% responded that the most effective physical therapy is aerobic exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia by general doctors in Chiclayo is poor. There are some differences in knowledge depending on the age and type of institution to which each belongs.

O desafio do Programa Mais Médicos para o provimento e a garantia da atenção integral à saúde em áreas rurais na região amazônica, Brasil / The challenges faced by the More Doctors Program in providing and ensuring comprehensive health care in rural areas in the Amazon region, Brazil / El desafío del Programa Más Médicos para la provisión y garantía de la atención integral de la salud en áreas rurales en la región amazónica, Brasil

A pesquisa objetivou avaliar como o Programa Mais Médicos vem sendo implementado em áreas rurais e a contribuição do provimento de médicos para garantir atenção integral à saúde. Realizou-se estudo em município predominantemente rural no estado do Pará, conduzindo-se 42 entrevistas com: profissionais, gestores de saúde, conselheiros e usuários; submeteram-se as entrevistas à análise de conteúdo. Os resultados sugerem melhorias na atenção primária à saúde ­ como aumento de consultas e ampliação do acesso aos serviços de atenção básica ofertados ­ atribuídas à presença do médico e às estratégias mais equitativas adotadas. No entanto, ainda persistem desafios a enfrentar para garantir atenção integral à saúde nas zonas rurais, como a manutenção do programa e a superação de problemas recorrentes, como: falta de medicamentos e exames, limitações no retorno dos pacientes referidos a outros serviços e fragilidades na rede de atenção à saúde.(AU)

The objective of this research was to assess how the More Doctors Program has been implemented in rural areas and the contributions made by providing physicians to ensure comprehensive health care. A study was conducted in a predominantly rural city in the state of Pará, involving 42 interviews with health professionals and managers, council members and users. The interviews then underwent content analysis. The results suggest that there have been improvements in primary health care ­ such as a higher number of consultations and expanded access to the primary care services offered ­ that can be attributed to the presence of the physicians and the use of more equitable strategies. However, there are still challenges to be confronted in order to ensure comprehensive health care in rural areas, such as maintenance of the program and overcoming recurrent problems, such as: lack of drugs and tests; limitations in follow-up on patients referred to other services; and weaknesses in the health care network.(AU)

El objetivo de la encuesta fue evaluar cómo se ha implementado el Programa Más Médicos en áreas rurales y la contribución de la provisión de médicos para asegurar atención integral de la salud. Se realizó un estudio en un municipio predominantemente rural en el Estado de Pará, por medio de 42 entrevistas con profesionales, gestores de salud, consejeros y usuarios y las mismas pasaron por análisis de contenido. Los resultados sugieren mejoras en la atención primaria de la salud, como aumento de consultas y ampliación de acceso a los servicios de atención básica ofrecidos, atribuidas a la presencia del médico y a las estrategias más equitativas adoptadas. No obstante, todavía persisten desafíos que hay que enfrentar para asegurar la atención integral de la salud en las zonas rurales y también el mantenimiento del programa y la superación de problemas recurrentes, tales como falta de medicamentos y exámenes, limitaciones en el retorno de los pacientes referidos a otros servicios y fragilidad en la red de atención de la salud.(AU)

Adesão às listas de medicamentos essenciais por médicos brasileiros em atuação no sistema único de saúde / Adherence to the essential medicines lists by brazilian physicians in the unified health system

OBJETIVO: Investigou-se a adesão de médicos brasileiros em atuação no SUS a listas de medicamentos essenciais (LME), buscando conhecer o papel das LME na prática prescritiva e identificar a aceitação e barreiras para sua utilização no Brasil. MÉTODOS: O estudo, de âmbito nacional, entrevistou médicos da Atenção Primária e da hospitalar de 30 unidades públicas de saúde de municípios com e sem LME definida. Na análise dos dados foram utilizadas técnicas da pesquisa qualitativa em saúde. As categorias finais de análise foram: (i) contato com diferentes LME; (ii) utilização das LME na prática clínica; (iii) percepção do conceito de medicamentos essenciais. RESULTADOS: Foram ouvidos 58 médicos, sendo 11 do Nordeste e do Centro-Oeste e 12 do Sudeste, Norte e Sul. Apenas 17 dos 58 médicos entrevistados informaram contato anterior com uma LME, a maior parte referindo-se à lista municipal. Quando perguntados se utilizavam a Rename em sua prática clínica, todos os entrevistados responderam que não. Dentre os motivos citados, estão (i) a indisponibilidade dos medicamentos (da lista) no momento requerido; (ii) a falta de orientação necessária para o uso; (iii) a impressão de que a composição da lista é inadequada à demanda clínica. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados das falas expõem desconhecimento e baixa adesão a LME. Ainda que tenham tido algum contato prévio com uma LME, esta não é valorizada como fonte de informações para a prescrição baseada em evidências.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the adherence to the essential medicines lists (EML) by Brazilian physicians practicing in the public health system and the role of the EML in prescribing practices, identifying barriers to their use in Brazil. METHODS: A nationwide study interviewed physicians from diverse public healthcare settings in 30 facilities, in municipalities with different statuses in regard to the existence of EMLs. Research data was analyzed through content analysis and perception analysis techniques. The final analytical categories were (i) physician's contact with different EMLs, (ii) use of EMLs in clinical practice and (iii) physician's perceptions regarding the essential medicines concept. RESULTS: A total of 58 physicians were interviewed, from all five Brazilian regions: eleven from the Northeast, eleven from the Mid-West, and twelve each from the Southeast, the North and the South. Seventeen of the 58 physicians reported previous contact with an EML, most of which had occurred with municipal lists. All physicians informed that they did not use the Brazilian Essential Medicines List (RENAME) in their clinical practices. Among the main reasons for this were: (i) unavailability of listed medicines at required moment, (ii) the lack of necessary information and training for adequate use of EML, and (iii) the perception that the composition of the EML is inadequate for clinical demands. CONCLUSIONS: Results from content analysis exposed low awareness regarding EMLs and the essential medicines concept, in addition to a low level of adherence to EMLs. Even though some physicians reported having previous contact with an EML, this tool is not valued as an evidence-based information source for writing prescriptions.

Burnout entre médicos da Saúde da Família: os desafios da transformação do trabalho / Burnout among Family Healthcare physicians: the challenge of transformation in the workplace

Compreender como os conflitos com a instituição e desacordos quanto às atribuições de membros da equipe, são apreendidos e reconstruídos pelos médicos da Saúde da Família, sob a perspectiva do "burnout". Métodos: Pesquisa qualitativa desenvolvida no Recife, entre agosto de 2005 e novembro de 2006, com 24 médicos. Foram selecionadas quatro equipes a partir de avaliação da gerência (acesso geográfico, conflitos na equipe, entre equipe e Distrito, entre equipe e comunidade e violência pública na área), em cada um dos seis Distritos Sanitários. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas. Resultados: Os médicos revelam enorme discrepância entre expectativas e realidade do trabalho. Rejeitam a priorização institucional da consulta e cobrança de produtividade. Sofrem diante do que consideram à perda da identidade profissional: atribuições da enfermeira questionam o núcleo histórico da sua prática -o diagnóstico e o tratamento da doença. Sobretudo entre aqueles com maiores expectativas na conversão do modelo, existe descrédito quanto às mudanças e há o desejo de desistir. Observa-se amplo conjunto de elementos que favorecem o desenvolvimento simultâneo de esgotamento e ineficácia profissional, e que provocam atitudes negativas, reforçando a necessidade da promoção da saúde no trabalho.

The scope of this paper is to understand how conflicts with the institution and disagreements regarding team members'attributions are interpreted by Family Healthcare physicians from the burnout perspective. Qualitative research was conducted with 24 doctors in Recife between August 2005 and November 2006 based on management evaluation (geographic access, conflicts within the team, between teams and the District, between the team and the community and public violence in the area), and four teams were selected in each of the six Health Districts. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted. An enormous discrepancy between the expectations of physicians and the reality of the workplace was detected. They reject the institutional consultation priority and demands for productivity. They suffer from what they consider loss of professional identity, with nurses attributions questioning the historic essence of their practice. There is discredit concerning change and a desire to abandon the profession, especially amongst those with the highest expectations concerning conversion of the model. A broad set of elements was detected that favor simultaneous exhaustion and professional inefficiency and provoke negative attitudes, stressing the need for promoting health in the workplace.

Non-participation bias in health services reseach using data from an integrated electronic prescribing project: the role of informed consent / Sego por falta de participación en la investigación de los servicios de salud al usar datos de un proyecto integrado de prescripción electrónica: el papel del consentimiento informado / Sesgo pela falta de participação na pesquisa dos serviços de saúde ao usar dados de um projeto integrado de prescrição eletrônica: o papel do consentimento informado

Electronic prescribing potentially reduces adverse outcomes and provides critical information for drug safety research but studies may be distorted by non-participation bias. 52,507 patients and 28 physicians were evaluated to determine characteristics associated with consent status in an electronic prescribing project. Physicians with less technology proficiency, seeing more patients, and having patients with higher fragmentation of care were less likely to obtain consent. Older patients with complex health status, higher income, and more visits to the study physician were more likely to consent. These systematic differences could result in significant non-participation bias for research conducted only with consenting patients.

La prescripción electrónica reduce, potencialmente, los resultados adversos. y proporciona información crítica para una investigación segura en drogas, pero los estudios pueden ser distorsionados por un sesgo por falta de participación. Se evaluó a 52.505 pacientes y a 28 médicos para determinar características asociadas con el estatus del consentimiento en un proyecto de prescripción electrónica. Los médicos con menor eficiencia tecnológica, con más cantidad de pacientes que, además, mostraban mayor fragmentación en su atención, presentaban menor opción de obtener consentimiento. Los pacientes de más edad, con estatus de salud complejo, mayor ingreso y con más visitas al médico a cargo, manifestaban mayor disposición a consentir. Estas diferencias sistemáticas podrían desembocar en un sesgo significativo por falta de participación en la investigación llevada a cabo sólo con pacientes con consentimiento.

A prescrição eletrônica reduz potencialmente os resultados adversos e proporciona informação crítica para uma pesquisa segura em drogas, porém os estudos podem ser destorcidos por um sesgo por falta de participação. Avaliou-se 52.505 pacientes e a 28 médicos para determinar características associadas com o estatus do consentimento num projeto de prescrição eletrônica. Os médicos com menor eficiência tecnológica, com mais quantidade de pacientes que os outros, mostravam maior fragmentação em sua atenção, apresentavam menos opção para conseguir o consentimento. Os pacientes mais idosos, com estudos de saúde maiôs complexos, maiores salários e com mais visitas ao médico, manifestavam maior disposição de consentir. Estas diferenças sistemáticas poderiam desembocar num erro significativo por falta de participação na pesquisa levada a cabo somente com pacientes que consentiram.