Objetivo: O presente estudo objetivou comparar o efeito da intervenção de instrução complementar isolada e associada a recursos auxiliares, na adesão terapêutica medicamentosa de pacientes com epilepsia, além de verificar a correlação entre as medidas de adesão utilizadas - dosagem sérica de drogas antiepilépticas (DAEs), frequência de crises e autorrelato. Método: Realizou-se uma pesquisa clínica, experimental, incluindo 91 indivíduos com diagnóstico de epilepsia em acompanhamento ambulatorial que apresentavam alteração na adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso (Universal Trial Number- U1111-1142-3660). A alocação foi realizada de forma randomizada em Grupo Intervenção 1 (instrução complementar), Intervenção 2 (instrução complementar e lembrete da tomada da medicação por alarme de celular) e Intervenção 3 (instrução complementar e caixa organizadora de medicação). As mensurações da adesão foram realizadas imediatamente antes e quatro semanas após a implantação das intervenções. Resultados: A distribuição dos participantes quanto ao gênero foi similar. A idade média foi de 37,8 anos (dp= 12,1). A escolaridade foi, em média, de 9,8 anos (dp= 3,3). Cerca de metade dos pacientes era da raça negra, não tinha vínculo conjugal e não estava inserida no mercado de trabalho. A duração do tratamento com DAEs foi em média de 20,7 anos (dp=12,9), o Índice de Complexidade do Tratamento Medicamentoso em Epilepsia (ICTME) médio foi 18,8 pontos (dp= 9,8), predominou a politerapia (68,3%) e as crises do tipo focal sintomática (75,6%). Na avaliação inicial, 59,4% dos pacientes tinham percepção de que suas crises não estavam adequadamente controladas e os participantes da amostra informaram apresentar em média 4,9 crises no mês anterior (dp= 13,0). Indicação de baixa e média adesão pelo teste de Morisky foi um critério para inclusão na amostra e 84,6% dos participantes apresentou média adesão antes das intervenções. Na dosagem sérica inicial das DAEs, somente 42% dos participantes tiveram nível inferior ao terapêutico. Não houve correlação entre os resultados das medidas de adesão utilizadas, também não houve associação estatisticamente significativa das categorias do Morisky com a presença de crises e dosagem sérica inferior ao nível terapêutico. Além de tudo, a presença de crise foi independente da dosagem sérica abaixo da desejável. Segundo o teste de Morisky, os três grupos apresentaram melhora na adesão, significativa (p<0,001) e similar (p=0,870), após as intervenções. A frequência de crises e a dosagem sérica indicaram que somente o grupo de intervenção 2 apresentou aumento na adesão na avaliação final; entretanto, quando o efeito clínico desejado com as intervenções foi analisado, não se observou diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os três grupos. Conclusão: A instrução complementar, sobre a doença e regime terapêutico prescrito, aplicada isoladamente apresentou efeito similar ao seu uso associado com o lembrete de tomada de medicamentos por alarme de celular e caixa organizadora de medicamentos. Não obstante, os valores das medidas de adesão não convergiram e, enquanto o escore do teste de Morisky indicou o aumento da adesão dos três grupos após as intervenções, a dosagem sérica e a frequência de crises apontaram essa melhora somente no grupo em que o alarme de celular foi utilizado. / Goal: This studys purpouse is compare the effect of the intervention of additional instruction alone and its association to ancillary resources to the medication adherence of patients with epilepsy, as well as investigate the correlation between the adherence measures used - serum levels of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), frequency of crisis and self-report. Method: We performed a clinical, experimental research, including 91 individuals with a diagnosis of epilepsy in outpatient following with altered adherence to drug treatment (Universal Trial Number- U1111-1142-3660). The allocation was done randomly in Intervention Group 1 (supplementary statement), Intervention 2 (supplementary investigation and medication reminder alarm of mobile phone) and Intervention 3 (supplementary instruction and medication organizer box). Measurements were taken immediately before and four weeks after the implantation of the interventions. Results: The distribution of participants according to gender was similar. The average age was 37,8 years (SD = 12,1). Schooling was on average 9,8 years (SD = 3,3). About half of patients were black, had no marital bond and were not inserted in the labor market. The treatment with AEDs lasted on average 20,7 years (SD = 12,9), the Epilepsy Medication and Treatment Complexity Index (EMTCI) average was 18,8 points (SD = 9,8), polytherapy (68,3%) and symptomatic focal seizures (75,6%) were predominant. At baseline, 59,4% of patients thought that their seizures were not adequately controlled and the sample reported an average of 4,9 seizures the previous month (SD = 13,0). Indication of low and intermediate adherence by Morisky test was a criterion for inclusion in the sample and 84,6% of participants showed an average adherence before interventions. Considering the initial serum levels of AEDs, only 42% of participants had less than the therapeutic level. There was no correlation between the results of the adherence measures used, and there was no statistically significant association of the categories of Morisky on the presence of seizures and serum level less than the therapeutic level. Above all, the frequency of crisis was independent of the serum level below the desired dosage. According to the Morisky test, the three groups showed improvement in adherence, significant (p <0,001) and similar (p = 0,870) after the intervention. The frequency of seizures and the serum level indicated that only the intervention group 2 showed increase in adherence at the final evaluation; however, when the desired clinical effect with the interventions was analyzed, no statistically significant difference among the three groups was seen. Conclusion: The additional instruction on the illness and prescribed treatment regimen applied alone had similar effect to its use associated with medication reminder alarm by mobile phone and medication organizer box. Nevertheless, the values of the adherence measurements have not converged, and while the score of the Morisky test indicated increased adherence of the three groups after intervention, the serum level and the frequency of seizures showed improvement only in the group where the alarm cell was used.

INTRODUÇÃO: A neutropenia febril (NF) é uma complicação freqüente e potencialmente fatal no manejo do paciente onco-hematológico. Estudos recentes demonstram que a NF consiste em um grupo heterogêneo de pacientes com riscos variados. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a taxa de falência ao tratamento de primeira linha, taxa de internação e óbito. Além disso, estudamos as variáveis clínico-laboratoriais em relação aos desfechos, a validação do índice Multinational Association for Supportive Care of Cancer (MASCC) modificado e a taxa de positividade de hemocultura e urocultura, como também o perfil de sensibilidade ao cefepima. CASUÍSTICA E METODOLOGIA: Estudo retrospectivo unicêntrico. Os dados foram obtidos através dos prontuários do Hospital-Dia no período de Julho de 2001 a Junho de 2006. Foram avaliados eventos com NF tratados com cefepima 2g (2x/dia), associado ou não, a teicoplamina 400mg/dia. RESULTADOS: Em 128 pacientes, estudamos 178 eventos de NF. A taxa de falência ao tratamento de primeira linha foi de 36,5%, taxa de internação 20,7% e óbito em 6,2% entre os eventos de NF. Na análise multivariada do estudo das categorias clínico-laboratoriais e dos desfechos encontramos como dados significantes em relação ao risco da falência ao tratamento de primeira linha: Idade < 60 anos (OR: 2,11 IC95%: 1,71-2,51, p = 0,004) e creatinina sérica > 1,2mg/dL (OR: 7,19, IC95%: 1,81 30,71 p= 0,005). Os dados significantes para o risco de internação foram: Ausência do diagnóstico de Linfoma não - Hodgkin (OR: 2,42 IC95%: 2,04 2,8, p= 0,011) Tabagismo (OR: 3,14, IC95% 1,14 8,66, p=0,027) e creatinina sérica > 1,2mg/dL (OR: 7,97, IC95% 21,19 - 28,95, p=0,002). Em relação ao óbito, o único dado de risco significante foi a saturação de oxigênio < 95% (OR: 5,8, IC95% 1,50 - 22,56, p = 0,011). Em relação ao índice MASCC modificado e seu impacto sobre os desfechos obtivemos os seguintes resultados: Falência do tratamento de primeira linha e (baixo risco versus alto risco): 35,2% x 53,8%, p=0,232; Internação (baixo risco versus alto risco): 18,2% x 53,8%, p = 0,006; óbito (baixo risco versus alto risco): 4,3% x 30,8%, p=0,004. As taxas de hemocultura e urocultura positivas foram respectivamente: 13% e 8%. O agente isolado mais freqüente nos dois exames foi Eschericia coli. Em relação ao perfil de sensibilidade dos agentes isolados e testados, 100% foram sensíveis ao cefepima. CONCLUSÕES: Os eventos de NF em tratamento ambulatorial apresentaram taxas satisfatórias em relação aos desfechos. Os dados sugerem que os riscos como: Ausência de Linfoma não - Hodgkin, tabagismo, creatinina sérica > 1,2mg/dL e oximetria de pulso < 95% merecem ser considerados como fatores de riscos para desfechos indesejáveis. O índice MASCC modificado mostrou-se eficaz para classificar os eventos classificados como alto risco na nossa população. Em relação aos agentes isolados e testados, 100% são sensíveis ao antibiótico de primeira linha cefepima. / BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Febrile Neutropenia (FN) is a frequent adverse event and potentially lethal in patients with haematologic malignancies. Nowadays, FN represents a heterogeneous group with different risk for serious complications and death. We studied the first line antibiotic failure, hospitalization rate and death. In addition, it was compared clinical and laboratory data with outcomes, validation of the usefulness of Modified Multinational Association for Supportive Care of Cancer (MASCC) and blood culture and urine culture rate identification. DESIGN AND METHODS: We elaborated a retrospective study. It was evaluated patients with haematologic malignancies who were treated with Cefepime 2g intravenous (IV) twice a day, with or without Teicoplanin 400mg (IV) once a day. RESULTS: Of the 178 FN events, it was observed: first line antibiotic failure 36,5%, hospitalization rate 20,7% and deaths 6,2%. In multivariate analyses, it was evidenced with risk to first line antibiotic failure: Age < 60 years (OR: 2,11, CI95%: 1,71-2,51, p =0,004), serum creatinine > 1,2mg/mL (OR: 7,19, CI95%: 1,81 30,71 p= 0,005). In hospitalization the risks were: Without diagnosis of Non- Hodgkin Lymphoma (OR: 2,42, CI95%: 2,04 2,8, p= 0,011), smoking (OR: 3,14, CI95% 1,14 8,66, p=0,027), serum creatinine > 1,2mg/dL (OR: 7,97, CI95%21,19- 28,95, p=0,002). Relating to death, the risk was transcutaneous oximetry < 95% (OR: 5.8, CI95%: 1.50 22.56, p = 0.011). Analyzing MASCC index, 165 events were classified as low-risk and 13 as high-risk. Outpatient treatment failures were reported in connection with 7 (53.8%) high-risk episodes and 30 (18.2%) low-risk, p=0.006. In addition, death in 7 (4.2%) low-risk and 4 (30.8%) high-risk events, p=0.004. Microbiological infection documented was identified in 13% and 8% in blood cultures and urine cultures, respectively. The most common agent isolated was E. coli and 100% were sensitive to cefepime. INTERPRETATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: The outpatient treatment with intravenous antibiotic was satisfactory. The risks: Haematologic malignancies other than Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, smoking, serum creatinine elevated and oximetry < 95% should be considered in FN evaluation. It was validated MASCC index in the Brazilian population. Relating to microbiological agents studied 100% were not resistant for cefepime.

Objectives: 1) To determine 2010 pharmacy-related ambulatory care sensitive condition (ACSC) hospital discharges by Tennessee (TN) county; 2) To explore pharmacy-related ACSC hospital discharges across county characteristics for Tennessee counties, including community pharmacies per county, age, and county rurality; 3) To explore pharmacy-related ACSC hospital discharges across age for northeastern Tennessee counties. Methods: Data were obtained from the TN Department of Health Statistics (hospital discharge data), TN Board of Pharmacy (licensed community pharmacies), the United States (US) Census Bureau (county-level populations), the Office of Rural Health Policy (rural designations), and the US Health Resources and Services Administration (health professional shortage area designations). ACSC discharges were determined using the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality's (AHRQ's) Prevention Quality Indictors (PQIs) for asthma, bacterial pneumonia, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, and short-term and long-term diabetes complications. County-level analyses were population adjusted and analyzed across age. Analyses were conducted using SPSS and ArcGIS software. Results: In 2010, 79,683 hospital discharges were noted for pharmacy-related ACSCs, 55% of which were for residents 65 and over. For northeast Tennessee counties, 8,538 were documented accounting for 11% of Tennessee pharmacy-related ACSCs discharges. Bacterial pneumonia, heart failure, and COPD accounted for nearly 65% of discharges in northeastern Tennessee counties. The number of community pharmacies per Tennessee county was statistically significantly negatively correlated with county-level bacterial pneumonia (r=-0.339; p=0.001), CHF (r=-0.215; p=0.036), and COPD (r=-0.403; p<0.001) hospital discharges. Implications/Conclusions: Community pharmacies have the potential to positively impact the health needs of Tennesseans by targeting services (e.g., MTM, immunizations, adherence assistance) based on ambulatory care sensitive conditions. Future research is warranted to quantify current services and determine the capacity to provide such services.

In the modern society, chronic diseases have become the leading causes of death. With early recognition and proper management, however, many of the complications from chronic diseases could be prevented or delayed. Taking such a proactive approach in managing a population often requires the use of team-based approaches and delegation of certain clinical and nonclinical tasks to nonphysician team members. This three-study dissertation used a combination of methods to explore contextual factors that influence primary care teamwork and physician-pharmacist collaboration. The first study quantitatively examined baseline barriers and facilitators of physician-pharmacist collaboration in clinics participating in the Collaboration Among Pharmacists and Physicians To Improve Outcomes Now (CAPTION) Trial. Pharmacist expertise and clinic staff support were found to be the most important facilitators for physicians, while insurance reimbursement and task design factors were important for pharmacists. The second study characterized clinic personnel experience participating in the CAPTION trial and explored determinants of disease state control. Higher proportions of indigent and minority populations and higher baseline pharmacy structure scores were found to be associated with lower blood pressure control. The third study qualitatively examined organizational influences on primary care team effectiveness and the roles of pharmacists in a separate sample of primary care clinics. A lack of organizational rewards for teamwork in primary care was identified and pharmacists were integrated into clinic workflow in various degrees. These findings will be informative for practice managers and health care professionals seeking to redesign their practice to meet increasing needs of patients with chronic diseases.

Urinary tract infections are diagnosed in female populations primarily in ambulatory care settings in the United States. Yet, published evidence documents that many of the antibiotics prescribed in these settings are unnecessary, erroneous, or, inappropriately prescribed. Improper management of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in nonpregnant women has resulted in higher morbidity rates due to antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this retrospective observational cohort study was to explore a current national database for associations between nonpregnant American female patients who were exposed to poverty and at risk for urinary tract infection antibiotic resistance in an ambulatory care setting. Krieger's ecosocial theory was utilized as the study's theoretical foundation to complement current public health social change priorities. Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were analyzed to explore potential associations with urinary tract infections and antibiotic resistance. The sample consisted of ambulatory patients with urinary tract infection symptoms (n=45). The independent variables selected were antibiotics prescribed initially in 3 months or less after the onset of urinary tract infection symptoms, the continuation of antibiotics prescribed in 12 months or less after recurrence, and three classes of antibiotics prescribed for urinary tract infection symptoms known as broad-spectrum, narrow-spectrum, and combined broad- and narrow-spectrum antibiotics, while the dependent variable was urinary tract infection antibiotic resistance. Relationships between the variables were analyzed using binary logistic regression, however, there were no statistically significant outcomes. Promoting antibiotic stewardship programs in all health care settings in the U.S. can effect positive social changes that will prevent further antibiotic resistance.

Enhancing primary care is key to the Canadian health care reform. Considered as an indicator of primary care access and quality, hospitalisations for ambulatory care sensitive (ACS) conditions are commonly reported by Canadian organisations as sentinel events signaling problems with the delivery of primary care. However, the literature calls for further research to identify what lies behind ACS hospitalisation rates in regions with a predominantly urban population benefiting from universal access to health care. A theoretical model was built and, using an ecological design, multiple regressions were implemented to identify which neighbourhood characteristics explained the socio-economic gradient in ACS hospitalisation rates observed in Ottawa. Among these neighbourhoods, healthy behaviour and - to a certain extent - health status were significantly associated with ACS hospitalisation rates. Evidence of an association with primary care accessibility was also signaled for the more rural neighbourhoods. Smoking prevention and cessation campaigns may be the most relevant health care strategies to push forward by policy makers hoping to prevent ACS hospitalisations in Ottawa. From a health care equity perspective, targeting these campaigns to neighbourhoods of low socio-economic status may contribute to closing the gap in ACS hospitalisations described in this current study. Reducing the socio-economic inequalities of neighbourhoods would also contribute to health equity.

The aim of this study was to describe peripheral vascular patients´experiences of quality of care in connection whith ambulatory care, and to identify if ambulatory treatment responded to patients´expectations. / Syftet med studien var att beskriva perifert kärlsjuka patienters erfarenheter av vårdkvalitet i samband med dagkirurgisk vård och identifiera om dagkirurgisk behandling motsvarade patienters förväntningar. Detta mättes med hjälp av frågeformuläret Kvalitet Ur Patientens Perspektiv - KUPP. Designen var en beskrivande empirisk studie med kvantitativ ansats. Patienterna valdes konsekutivt och bestod av 47 respondenter (22 män och 25 kvinnor). Samtliga patienter vårdades elektivt där intentionen varit dagsjukvård. Resultatet visade att patienterna generellt varit nöjda med vårdkvaliteten. Balans eller övergod kvalitet skattades på frågor inom dimensionen fysiskt - tekniska förutsättningar och inom dimensionen kontextspecifik där påståenden om dagsjukvård besvarats. Vårdkvaliteten bedömdes även hög vad gäller medicinsk vård och väntetid, läkarens och sjuksköterskans engagemang och visad respekt och att patienterna fått tillräcklig information om själva ingreppet före behandlingen. Brister identifierades vad gäller patienternas erfarenheter av information om resultatet efter behandling. På frågor som berörde läkares och sjukaköterskors empatieka kvaliteter bedömdes vårdkvaliteten vara hög men på andra frågor inom dimensionen identitetsorienterat förhållningssätt bedömdes vårdkvaliteten bristande. detta gällde frågor som berörde information om ansvarig person, delaktighet och information/undervisning i egenvård. Slutsatsen blev att patienterna generellt var nöjda med vårdkvaliteten men att det fanns frågor där kvalitetsförbättrande åtgärder bör ges prioritet.

Objective¡G The purpose of this research is (1) to find out the overall trends of the common avoidable hospitalization diseases in Taiwan since the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), (2) to compare the different distributions of the common avoidable hospitalization diseases across age groups, genders, regions, and the hospital¡¦s characters, (3) to make the related useful information and suggestions of improving avoidable hospitalizations to the policy makers, hospitals, and the general public. Method¡G Standardized rates of avoidable hospitalization from 1997 to 2004 were derived from the National Health Insurance database and the Taiwan census data. In this research, we focus on the four main diseases¡GAsthma, Pneumonia, Diabetes, Hypertension as the avoidable hospitalization diseases. Logistic regression and chi-squire tests are used to detect and describes trends in data. Results¡G During the 8-year research period, AHCs (Avoidable Hospitalization Conditions)of Asthma and Hypertension decline overall, conversely, AHCs of Pneumonia and Diabetes show increasing trends overall¡Fin the hospital characters aspects, AHCs are mostly occurred in the local hospitals¡Ffrom the viewpoint of the patients¡¦ characters, AHCs of Asthma and Pneumonia are always occurred in children male, on the other hand, AHCs of Diabetes and Hypertension are always occurred in female and above 65 years old¡Fin the regional aspect, the AHCs of Asthma and Pneumonia are comparatively higher in east Taiwan. Conclusion¡G According to the results of this research, we can find that the avoidable hospitalizations in Taiwan still need to be improved. We suggest the policy makers and the hospitals may use the ¡uavoidable hospitalization¡vas an indicator to monitor the quality of care and the outpatient care quality in Taiwan¡¦s healthcare system. Thus can not only reduce the unnecessary expenditure, but also can offer the general public better quality of healthcare and improve their quality of life.

At the Primary Health Care Centre in Vännäs (VPHCC), northern Sweden, a development work was implemented in 1976-1980. The overall purpose was to enhance primary health care planning. In trying to improve health care delivery cooperation with community members was initiated and some organizational changes like a new appointment system, a new medical record and local care programs for some common diseases were introduced. Official statistics were also used for comparative purposes. The aims of the work were postulated (increased accessibility, higher continuity, more equitable distribution and enhanced cooperation) and suitable methods were designed. From postal surveys, chartreviews and administrative data (from hospitals, out-patient clinics and health centres) figures and information were collected. Accessibility was studied by waiting room time which was reduced and continuity, analyzed with a new concept - visit based provider continuity - was improved. The question of equitable distribution was studied by the consultation rates at different out-patient clinics. It seemed as if the local development work changed the patterns of utilization but some important issues were not decisively answered. Repeated postal surveys reflected the question of equitable distribution and the cooperation between the VPHCC and the community members. Positive responses were recorded in aspects like telephone accessibility and health care information. In a tracer study of diabetes the quality of care was studied. The local care program was actually implemented in the daily practice but the question of care quality needs further penetration. Within the frames of the development work new methods in the health care planning were introduced. Our work started from the prerequisits of the VPHCC and other health centres might find other ways of planning for care provision. On a general level, however, the structure of our work - defining aims, means and evaluation methods - can be used by others. / <p>Diss. (sammanfattning) Umeå : Umeå universitet, 1986, härtill 6 uppsatser.</p> / digitalisering@umu

Introduction: Induced abortion is a common medical intervention. Whether psychological sequelae might follow induced abortion has long been a subject of concern among researchers, and there is lack of knowledge about the relationship between posttraumatic disorder (PTSD) and induced abortion. Aims: To study and compare PTSD, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and anxiety- and depressive symptoms among women seeking abortion, allowing for demographic variables. Further aims were to assess risk factors and to assess PTSD and PTSS following induced abortion in relation to experienced care at the clinic. Methods: This was a multi-centre cohort study targeting women who requested an induced abortion at the outpatient clinics of the gynaecology and obstetrics departments of six public hospitals in Sweden. All women who requested an induced abortion before the end of gestational week 12 were approached for participation. PTSD, PTSS, anxiety- and depressive symptoms, personality traits and women’s perceptions of abortion care were measured by means of questionnaires. Measurements were made at the first visit before the abortion as well as three- and six-months thereafter. Data collection was performed from September 2009 to January 2011. Results: 1,514 women filled out the questionnaire before the abortion. Abortion-seeking women did not suffer from PTSD to a greater extent than the general Swedish female population. Few women (51/720) developed PTSD or PTSS after the abortion, 11 did so due to trauma experience related to the abortion. Women at risk of posttraumatic stress were more likely to be young, having anxiety- or depressive symptoms and personality traits related to neuroticism. Furthermore, women with PTSD or PTSS were more likely to perceive certain aspects of the abortion care as deficient. Conclusions: The vast majority of women coped well with the induced abortion. Few developed posttraumatic stress post abortion. The majority did so because of trauma experiences unrelated to the induced abortion. Young women and women with mental distress are vulnerable groups that need to be paid attention to in abortion care. These women are at risk for negative experiences of the abortion care, and may be at risk of PTSD or PTSS post abortion / <p>Contact: Sophiahemmet University, Box 5605, SE-114 86 Stockholm, Sweden</p>