Background: The United States health care system faces two fundamental challenges: a high growth rate of health care spending and deficiencies in quality of care. The growth rate of health care spending is the dominant driver of our nation’s long-term federal debt, while the inconsistent quality of care hinders the ability of the health care system to maximize value for patients. To address both of these challenges, public and private payers are increasingly changing the way they pay providers—moving away from fee-for-service towards global payment contracts for groups of providers coming together as accountable care organizations. This thesis evaluates the change in health care spending and in quality of care associated with moving to global payment for accountable care organizations in Massachusetts in the first 4 years. This thesis studies the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Alternative Quality Contract (AQC), a global payment contract that provider organizations in Massachusetts began to enter in 2009. The AQC pays provider organizations a risk-adjusted global budget for the entire continuum of care for a defined population of enrollees insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. It also awards substantial pay-for-performance incentives for organizations meeting performance thresholds on quality measures. This work assesses its effect on spending and quality through the first 4 years of the contract. Methods: Enrollee-level claims data from 2006-2012 were used with a difference-in-differences design to evaluate the changes in spending and quality associated with the Alternative Quality Contract over the first 4 years. The study population consisted of enrollees in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts plans (intervention group) and enrollees in commercial employer-sponsored plans across 5 comparison states (control group). Unadjusted and adjusted results are reported for each comparison between intervention and control. Changes in spending for all 4 AQC cohorts relative to control were evaluated. In adjusted analyses of spending, I used a multivariate linear model at the enrollee-quarter level, controlling for age, sex, risk score, indicators for intervention, quarters of the study period, the post-intervention period, and the appropriate interactions. For analyses of quality, an analogous model at the enrollee-year level was used. Process and outcome quality were evaluated. Results: Seven provider organizations joined the AQC in 2009, with a total of 490,167 individuals who were enrolled for at least 1 calendar year in the study period. The control group had 966,813 unique individuals enrolled for at least 1 year during the study period. Average age, sex, and risk scores before and after the AQC were similar between the two groups. In the 2009 cohort, claims spending grew on average $62.21 per enrollee per quarter less than control over 4 years (p<0.001), a 6.8% savings. Analogously, the 2010, 2011, and 2012 cohorts had average savings of 8.8% (p<0.001), 9.1% (p<0.001), and 5.8% (p=0.04), respectively, by the end of 2012. Savings on claims were concentrated in the outpatient facility setting, specifically procedures, imaging, and tests (8.7%, 10.9%, and 9.7%, respectively, p<0.001). Organizations with and without risk-contracting experience saw similar average savings of 6.3% and 7.7%, respectively, over 4 years (p<0.001). About 40% of savings were explained by lower volume. Pre-intervention trends were not statistically different between intervention and control (-$4.57, p=0.86), suggesting savings were not driven by inherently different trajectories of spending. No differences in coding intensity were found. In sensitivity analyses, estimates were robust to alterations in the model, variables, and sample. Notably, claims savings were exceeded by incentive payments to providers (shared savings and quality bonuses) in 2009-2011, but exceeded incentives payments in 2012, generating net savings. Improvements in quality among intervention cohorts generally exceeded New England and national comparisons. Quality performance on chronic care measures increased from 79.6% pre-intervention to 84.5% post-intervention in the 2009 cohort, compared to 79.8% to 80.8% for the HEDIS national average, a 3.9 percentage-point relative increase over the 4 years. Analogously, preventive care and pediatric care measures increased 2.7 and 2.4 percentage points relative to control, respectively. On outcome measures, achievement of hemoglobin A1c, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure control grew by 2.1 percentage points per year in the 2009 cohort after the AQC, while HEDIS averages remained largely unchanged (Figure). Conclusion: After 4 years, physician organizations in the AQC had lower spending growth relative to control and generally outperformed national averages on quality measures. Shared savings coupled with quality bonuses can exceed savings on claims in initial years, but over time, savings on claims may outgrow incentive payments. Incentive payments themselves may serve meaningful purposes, as quality measures may protect against stinting and shared savings may help ease providers into risk contracts. Changes in utilization suggest that this payment model can help modify underlying care patterns, a likely prerequisite for sustainable reform. The AQC experience may be useful to policymakers, insurers, and providers embarking on payment reform. Combining global budgets with pay-for- performance may encourage organizations to embark on the delivery system reforms necessary to slow spending and improve quality.

Introduction: Amputation of lower extremity is the most common form of amputation. An amputation affects all dimensions of a human being, affects several aspects of the individuals life’s and involves great suffering. What quality of life means for these individuals is an inadequately studied area.  Purpose: To examine what factors affected quality of life in individuals that have undergone a lower extremity amputation. Method: This study is a general literature review that methodologically examined and analysed quality of life in individuals that have undergone lower extremity amputation. In this descriptive study only original articles were included and data was collected from Cinahl, PubMed and Psycinfo. Results: From the results four main categories emerged which were function and mobility, external factors, internal factors and adaption to change. Within the categories 11 subcategories surfaced which all represented factors influencing quality of life in individuals who had undergone amputation of one, or multiple, extremities. The subcategories included  factors that directly or indirectly affected quality of life such as type of amputation, comorbidity, lesser need of assistive devices, environmental adaptations, fear of discrimination, acceptance of a new identity, body image, environmental adaption, age at the time of the procedure, prosthesis fit, rehabilitation, healthcare and ability to adapt to the situation. Conclusion: An increased knowledge for healthcare providers, concerning the factors influencing quality of life of amputees, may contribute to a more individualized care and higher quality of life for the affected group. / Bakgrund: Den vanligaste typen av amputation är den av nedre extremitet. En amputation påverkar alla dimensioner av människan, påverkar flera aspekter av individernas liv samt innebär ett stort lidande.  Hur livskvaliteten ser ut för dessa personer är ett otillräckligt studerat område. Syftet: Att undersöka de faktorer som påverkar livskvalitet hos individer som genomgått amputation av nedre extremitet. Metodbeskrivning: Arbetet är utfört som en allmän litteraturstudie som metodiskt granskat och analyserat livskvaliteten hos amputerade individer. Endast originalartiklar har använts för detta beskrivande arbete där data har insamlats från sökmotorerna Cinahl, PubMed och Psycinfo. Huvudresultat: Av huvudresultaten framkom fyra kategorier vilka var funktion och mobilitet, yttre faktorer, inre faktorer och anpassning till förändring. Inom kategorierna synliggjordes 11 subkategorier som alla representerar olika faktorer vilka påverkade livskvaliteten hos individer som amputerat en eller flera nedre extremiteter. Dessa subkategorier var smärtproblematik, fysiska begränsningar, isolering, rätt hjälpmedel, socialt stöd, stigmatisering, psykisk ohälsa, självbild, målbild, rehabiliterande aktiviteter och rollbyte. Subkategorierna inkluderade faktorer som indirekt eller direkt påverkade livskvaliteten vilka var amputationsnivå, samsjuklighet, mindre behov av hjälpmedel, miljöanpassning, rädsla för diskriminering, acceptans av ny identitet, kroppsbild, sjukvård, ålder vid ingreppet, passform på protesen, och anpassning till situationen. Slutsats: En ökad kunskap hos sjukvårdspersonal gällande vilka faktorer som påverkar livskvaliteten hos amputerade kan bidra till en mer individanpassad vård och högre livskvalitet hos gruppen.

Syftet med studien var att beskriva upplevelsen från vård- och återhämtningstiden hos patienter som vårdats på intensivvårdsavdelning. Metoden som används hade en kvalitativ ansats. Data samlades in via intervjuer med 11 patienter som vårdats på intensivvården från två sjukhus i Sverige. Materialet analyserades genom kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultatet blev fyra kategorier och 14 subkategorier. Kategorin Känna trygghet bestod av subkategorierna: Bli väl omhändertagen i vården, Få information och Vikten av stöd. Kategorin Förlust av kontroll innefattade: Sakna vetskap och förståelse, Fragmenterade minnen från vårdtiden, Overklighetsupplevelser samt Känna rädsla, obehag och smärta. Kategorin Stärkas av egna resurser inkluderade subkategorierna: Vikten av positiv inställning, Hoppas och drivas av framsteg samt Bra fysiska förutsättningar och intressen som drivkraft. Kategorin Erfara förändring bestod av subkategorierna: Känna fysisk svaghet, Komplikationer som påverkar ens tillvaro, Vilja leva som tidigare och Tankar kring livet.  Slutsatsen var att god omvårdnad inkluderade patienters behov av att bli sedda, behandlade med omsorg samt minnas och förstå vad som sker. Förståelse bygger på information om den egna sjukdomsbilden, komplikationer och återhämtning. Dessa behov belyser vikten av att i omvårdnaden utgå från patienterna och att integrera dem i vården.   Som vårdpersonal bör vi sträva efter att stärka patienters känsla av sammanhang vilket förutsätter att de är väl insatta i sin sjukdom, vård och behandling samt konsekvenser av det de går igenom.  Personcentrering är viktigt för patienters känsla av sammanhang och därmed deras hälsa och livskvalité under och efter sjukhusvård. / The aim of this study was to describe the experience from the hospital stay and time of recovery in patients admitted to intensive-care unit. The method used had a qualitative approach. Data was collected through interviews with 11 patients who had received intensive-care from two hospitals in Sweden. Data was analyzed with qualitative content analysis. The result was four categories and 14 subcategories. The category To feel secure included the subcategories: Good patient care, Receive information and The importance of support. The category Loss of control comprised of the subcategories: Lacking knowledge and understanding, Fragmented memories of the hospital stay, Experiences of unreality and To feel fear, pain and discomfort. The category Strengthen by their own resources included the subcategories: Importance of positive attitude, To hope and be driven by success and also Good physical conditions and activities as the driving force. The category Experience changes contained the subcategories: Feel physical weakness, Complications that affects your life, Wish to live as before and Thoughts about life.  The conclusion was that good nursing care included patient’s needs to be seen, treated with care and remember and understand what was happening. Understanding was based on information about their own illness, complications and recovery. These needs highlights the importance of basing nursing care on the patient and to integrate them in their own care and treatment. Health professionals should strive to strengthen the patient’s sense of coherence which implies that they are well versed in their illness, care and treatment and consequences of what they are going through. Person-centering is important for the patient’s sense of coherence and thus their health and quality of life during and after hospitalization.

Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, descritivo de abordagem quantitativa, que teve por objetivo avaliar o processo de identificação do neonato admitido na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal e semi-intensiva de um hospital privado no Município de São Paulo. A casuística compôs-se de 540 oportunidades de análise, selecionadas pela amostragem probabilística aleatória simples. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de maio a agosto de 2010, por meio de um formulário, contendo as três etapas do processo de identificação: componentes de identificação, condições da pulseira e quantitativo de pulseiras. Os dados foram analisados em função da estatística descritiva, e sendo aplicado o teste estatístico com significância de 5%. No que diz respeito ao desempenho geral do processo, o percentual de conformidade foi de 82,2%. No que tange as três etapas integrantes do processo, o maior índice de conformidade (93%) foi atribuído a segunda etapa e o menor (89,3%) a terceira etapa, com diferença estatística significante (p=0,046). Em relação a primeira etapa, a presença do código de internação obteve (98,5%) de conformidade; na segunda,o melhor percentual (99,8%), foi atribuído à confecção correta da pulseira e na terceira, houve (88,5%) de conformidade para o grupo de neonatos em condições especiais, não apresentando diferença estatística significante p=0,895. Acredita-se que os achados deste estudo subsidiem as reestruturações necessárias no processo de identificação dos recém-nascidos e o estabelecimento de metas assistenciais e gerenciais, para a melhoria contínua da qualidade e da segurança dos pacientes. / This is an exploratory, descriptive study of quantitative approach, aiming to evaluate the identification procedure for newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive and semi-intensive care unit of a private hospital in the city of São Paulo. The sample consisted of 540 opportunities for analysis, selected by the simple random probability sampling. Data collection occurred between May and August 2010, using a form containing the three phases of the identification procedure: identification components, conditions of ID bracelet and quantitative of ID bracelets. Data were analyzed according to descriptive statistics and the statistical test was applied with a significance of 5%. Regarding performance of the general process, the percentage of compliance was 82.2%. Regarding the three phases of the process, the highest compliance rate (93%) was related to the second phase and the lowest (89.3%) to the third phase, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.046). Regarding the first phase, the presence of a hospitalization code obtained (98.5%) of compliance, in the second, the best percentage (99.8%) was attributed to correct manufacturing of the ID bracelet and third, with (88, 5%) of compliance for the group of newborns under special conditions, showing no statistically significant difference p = 0.895. It is believed that the findings of this study will subsidize the necessary reorganization of newborn identification procedure and establishment of assistance and management of goals for the constant improvement of quality and patient safety.

A qualidade dos serviços desenvolvidos por uma instituição de saúde depende muito da competência técnica e da habilidade de interação e comunicação de seus trabalhadores para com o usuário. As intervenções técnicas realizadas pela equipe de enfermagem requerem avaliações permanentes face aos riscos que comportam. Este estudo, observacional e seccional, analisou a qualidade e o tempo de execução dos procedimentos, banho e curativo, realizados pela equipe de enfermagem em pacientes internados na unidade médico-cirúrgica de um Hospital Universitário no estado do Paraná, tomando por referência o grau de dependência assistencial desta clientela. A população alvo foi constituída dos seguintes procedimentos: banho, em três tipologias (aspersão, aspersão com auxílio de cadeira de banho e banho no leito) e curativos executados em pacientes classificados segundo grau de dependência da assistência de enfermagem (I, II, III e IV). A amostragem para ambos os procedimentos foi por conveniência. Os dados foram coletados por meio de observação direta com a utilização de um instrumento tipo check list (lista de verificação). A qualidade dos procedimentos foi analisada com base no Índice de Positividade (IP) para cada item do instrumento e no escore de acertos, obtidos em cada procedimento; o tempo de execução foi avaliado em minutos. A qualidade da execução do procedimento foi considerada satisfatória quando a mediana do IP e do escore mediano de acertos fosse ? 70%. Foram observados 258 banhos de aspersão (42,6% grau I, 42,6% grau II e 14,8% grau III); 98 de aspersão com auxílio de cadeira de banho (12,5% grau I, 26,5% grau II, 54,1% grau III e 7,1% grau IV) e 46 banhos no leito (4,3% grau I, 37% grau III e 58,7% grau IV). O IP superou 70% apenas no banho de aspersão com auxílio de cadeira de banho em pacientes classificados no grau IV e no banho no leito no grau I. Os itens mais comprometidos estão relacionados à orientação/comunicação/interação com o paciente, higiene oral, desinfecção concorrente do leito, inspeção das condições da pele e valorização das queixas do paciente. Os resultados obtidos nos scores medianos de acertos nas três tipologias de banho, nos quatro graus de dependência também evidenciaram baixa qualidade, uma vez que somente no banho de aspersão com auxílio de cadeira de banho, grau IV e banho no leito grau I, 50% dos procedimentos alcançaram scores de até 80% e 76,5% de acertos, respectivamente. No procedimento curativo dos 168 observados, 33,9% foram em pacientes de grau I, 38,7% de grau II, 19,6% de grau III e 7,8% de grau IV. Em todos os graus de dependência, alcançou-se o índice de positividade total recomendado (? 70%). Entretanto, itens como preparo adequado do ambiente, conferência do prazo de validade dos materiais, respeito aos princípios de assepsia e manutenção da seqüência lógica do procedimento mostram baixa positividade. Os scores medianos de acertos foram superiores a 70% em todos os graus de dependência, indicando que o procedimento atende um padrão de qualidade. Tanto nos banhos como nos curativos não foram observadas diferenças no tempo despendido entre os diferentes graus de dependência. / The quality of services offered by a health institution depends greatly on worker?s technical competence and interaction and communication abilities towards the client. Technical interventions performed by the nursing team require permanent evaluations of the risks involved. This observational and sectional study analyzed quality and time of execution of bathing and wound dressing procedures performed by the nursing team on hospitalized patients in a medical-surgical unit of a University Hospital in the State of Paraná, based on care dependency degrees of these clients. Target population was constituted by the following procedures: bathing, in three typologies (shower bath, shower bath with aid of a wheel chair and bed bath) and changing wound dressings on patients classified according to the nursing care dependency degree (I,II,III and IV). Convenience sampling was employed for both procedures. Data was collected through direct observation while using a check list instrument for documentation (verifying list). Procedure quality was analyzed based on the Positive Index (IP) for each item on the instrument and on the correct procedures score; execution time was evaluated in minutes. Quality of procedure execution was considered satisfactory when the IP median and the median correct procedure score was ? 70%. In this study 258 aspersion baths (42,6% degree I, 42,6& degree II and 14,8% degree III); 98 shower baths aided by wheel chair (12,5% degree I, 26,5% degree II, 54,1% degree III and 7,1% degree IV) and 46 bed baths (4,3% degree I, 37% degree III and 58,7% degree IV). The IP surpassed 70% only in the shower bath with aid of a wheel chair on patients classified as degree IV and on bed bath, degree I. The most frequently compromised items were related to orientation/communication/interaction with the patient, oral hygiene, bed disinfection, skin condition inspection and valuing patient complaints. Results obtained on the median of the correct procedures scores on the three bathing typologies, on the four dependency degrees also highlight low quality, because only in the shower bath with aid of a wheel chair, degree IV, and bed bath, degree I, 50% of the procedures reached 80% and 76,5% correct procedure scores, respectively. In the observed wound dressing procedures of the 168 patients, 33,9% were patients of degree I, 38,7% of degree II, 19,6% of degree III and 7,8% of degree IV. In all dependency degrees the recommended positivity index was reached (? 70%). Items such as adequate environment preparation, validity time frame checking, respect to aseptic principles and maintenance of procedure?s logical sequence, however, show low positivity. Medium scores were also superior to 70% in all dependency levels, indicating that the procedure meets a quality standard. It was not observed difference on time frame spent in the different dependency degrees in bathing and wound dressing procedures.

Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo com delineamento exploratório-descritivo, cujos objetivos foram analisar a percepção dos trabalhadores de enfermagem de uma empresa de medicina diagnóstica acerca da qualidade da assistência de enfermagem prestada, considerando-se as dimensões de estrutura, processo e resultado e conhecer os fatores intervenientes na qualidade dessa assistência sob a ótica dos trabalhadores de enfermagem. A população foi constituída por 203 profissionais de enfermagem de uma empresa de medicina diagnóstica. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre os meses de maio e junho de 2010, por meio de um questionário, empregando-se a escala de Likert. Os dados foram analisados em função dos índices percentuais e testes estatísticos específicos. O instrumento de coleta de dados mostrou-se confiável, obtendo-se o Alpha de Cronbach igual a 0,90. Na caracterização dos sujeitos, foi verificado que 55% eram auxiliares de enfermagem, 36% técnicos de enfermagem e 9% enfermeiros; 83% pertenciam ao sexo feminino e 17% ao sexo masculino, com idade média de 34,1 anos e, em média, 10,8 anos de formação e 6,6 anos de atuação na instituição. Na dimensão de estrutura, os participantes demonstraram percepção favorável aos aspectos que envolveram os materiais, equipamentos, mobiliário, disponibilização dos equipamentos de proteção individual (EPIs), capacitação da equipe e a existência de protocolos referentes à segurança do usuário, porém não houve clareza na tendência acerca do quantitativo de trabalhadores e adequação da área física. Em processo, os itens com melhores percentuais relacionaram-se ao cumprimento das ações e orientações que evitam as não conformidades e riscos ao usuário; quanto aos piores resultados nessa dimensão, o desperdício de tempo devido às distâncias percorridas na área física da instituição foi apontado com maior ênfase. Referente à dimensão de resultado, evidenciou-se maior favorabilidade relacionada à atitude ética dos trabalhadores e à satisfação dos profissionais com a qualidade do atendimento. Na comparação das três dimensões, a melhor avaliada foi a de resultado com escore de 59,0 (dp±10,1) e a pior foi a de processo, 56,8 (dp± 10,3). Acredita-se que este estudo contribua para a reorganização dos pontos vulneráveis nas dimensões avaliadas, sobretudo na de processo, que apresentou menor favorabilidade. / This is about a quantitative study with an exploratory-descriptive shaping, whose objectives were to analyze the perception of the nursing staff of a company of diagnostic medicine about the quality of the nursing care delivered, taking into account the dimensions of structure, process and result and to know the factors which intervene in the quality of this care under the nursing staff\'s view. The population consisted of 203 nursing professionals of a company of diagnostic medicine. The data collection occurred between May and June, 2010, through a questionnaire using the Likert scale. These data were analyzed considering the percentage rates and specific statistic tests. The instrument of data collection turned out to be reliable, obtaining the Cronbach\'s Alpha equal to 0.90. In the characterization of the subjects, it was verified that 55% were nursing assistants, 36% nursing technicians and 9% were graduate nurses. 83% were females and 17%, males, with average age of 34.1 years old and, on average, 10.8 years of nursing experience and 6.6 years working in the institution. In the structure dimension, the participants showed perception favorable to the aspects which involve the materials, equipment, furniture, access to the individual protection equipment (IPE), training of the team and the existence of the protocols related to the user\'s security. However, the tendency about the number of workers and physical area adequacy were not clear. In the process dimension, the items with best percentage rates related to the fulfillment of actions and guidance which avoid the noncompliance and risks to the user; as for the worst results in this dimension, the waste of time due to distances between the physical areas in the institution was pointed out with bigger emphasis. As for the result dimension, the study showed higher favorability to the ethical attitude and the workers satisfaction with the care quality. Comparing the three dimensions, the best assessed one was the result dimension with the score of 59.0 (dp±10.1) and the worst one was the process dimension, 56.8 (dp± 10.3). It is believed that this study may contribute to the reorganization of the vulnerable points in the dimensions assessed, mainly in the process dimension, which showed lower favorability.

Trata-se de um estudo exploratório descritivo, de abordagem quantitativa, cujo objetivo foi analisar a qualidade da assistência de enfermagem em uma unidade de emergência de adultos de um hospital de ensino, na percepção dos usuários, nas dimensões avaliativas de estrutura, processo e resultado. O estudo foi realizado em um hospital de ensino localizado em um município de grande porte, no interior do Estado de São Paulo. A população foi constituída por 260 participantes e os dados foram coletados no período de agosto a outubro de 2008, através de um questionário, empregando-se a escala Likert. Os dados foram analisados em função dos índices percentuais e testes estatísticos específicos. O instrumento mostrou-se confiável para a população estudada, sendo o valor obtido de Alpha de Cronbach igual a 0,88. Na caracterização dos usuários, verificou-se que 52,7% pertenciam ao sexo masculino, com média de idade de 46,9 anos, sendo que a maior parte dos usuários entrevistados possuía ensino fundamental (54,6%) e médio (30,4%). Na avaliação da dimensão de estrutura buscou-se compreender a relação da assistência de enfermagem com os recursos humanos, materiais, físicos e organizacionais, onde a maioria dos sujeitos mostrou percepção favorável relacionada ao conforto, aos equipamentos, à limpeza dos sanitários, ao acesso à unidade, à sinalização interna e à disponibilidade de medicamentos. Na dimensão de processo foram articulados todos os procedimentos realizados pela equipe de enfermagem e os itens que obtiveram melhores percentuais foram os referentes ao respeito dispensado pela equipe de enfermagem, segurança na realização dos cuidados, procedimentos realizados corretamente e rapidez no atendimento aos usuários em estado grave. Na dimensão de resultado procurou-se retratar o impacto da assistência na saúde dos usuários, onde houve elevada concordância nas questões que tratavam da humanização nos cuidados, melhoria da saúde e com o tratamento executado pela equipe de enfermagem. Na comparação das três dimensões, a que obteve maior escore foi a de resultado com 36,20 (dp± 4,20) e o menor a de estrutura com 33,20 (dp ± 3,80). Frente ao exposto, acredita-se que este estudo possa contribuir para a reformulação dos aspectos avaliados nas três dimensões, sobretudo os de estrutura, por terem apresentado menor favorabilidade / This study aims at assessing the quality of nursing care at an Adult Emergency care unit affiliated with a university hospital, as perceived by its users. A three-component evaluation model was proposed, comprising the users view on the emergency care structure, processes and outcome. The research was carried out in a densely populated city in the state of São Paulo Brazil, between August and October 2008. An exploratory descriptive methodology was chosen within a quantitative framework and a Likert-type scale questionnaire was applied to the 260 patients studied. Reliability was ensured by a 0, 88 Cronbachs Coefficient Alpha. The mean age of the patients was 46,9, 52% of them were male and most had finished elementary school and graduated from high school. The structure component was defined as the articulation between nursing care and human and material resources at the emergency center and its organizational structure; a favorable perception was shown regarding comfort, equipment, cleanliness of lavatories, access to the center, internal signage, and availability of medicines. The process component involved all procedures carried out by the nursing staff; highest scores were given to safety of procedures, accuracy of procedures, promptness in emergency care and respect towards patients. The outcome component was concerned with the impact of nursing intervention in the health of the patients; a positive perception of humanization of care, after-care general health, and the treatment offered by the nursing staff was reported. When the results for all components were tabulated and compared, the component of the result obtained better scores in favorability, with an average of 39.84 (SD ± 4.66) and structure had the worst score, average of 36.48 (SD ± 4.23). The structure component thus deserves a special emphasis for further research. It is hoped this study may offer a contribution towards improved nursing care at the Adult Emergency Unit

Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo com delineamento exploratório-descritivo, cujos objetivos foram conhecer a percepção dos trabalhadores de enfermagem de um hospital de ensino acerca da segurança do paciente, considerando-se as dimensões de cultura de segurança, e identificar os principais fatores que acarretam danos ao paciente na referida instituição. O estudo foi desenvolvido em um hospital público e de ensino, e a população constituída por 95 profissionais de enfermagem. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre os meses de maio a outubro de 2011, por meio de um questionário baseado na Agency Health Research Quality, empregando-se a escala de Likert e considerando-se as dez dimensões de cultura de segurança e duas variáveis de resultado: expectativas e ações dos supervisores e gerentes na promoção da segurança do paciente, aprendizado organizacional melhoria contínua, trabalho em equipe no âmbito das unidades, abertura para as comunicações, feedback e comunicação a respeito de erros, respostas não punitivas aos erros, pessoal, apoio da gestão hospitalar para a segurança do paciente, trabalho em equipe pelas unidades hospitalares, transferências internas e passagens de plantão, percepções generalizadas sobre segurança, frequência de relatórios de eventos. Os dados foram analisados em função testes estatísticos específicos. O instrumento de coleta de dados mostrou-se confiável, obtendo-se o Alpha de Cronbach igual a 0,88. Na caracterização dos sujeitos, foi verificado que 65,3% eram auxiliares de enfermagem, 26,3% enfermeiros e 8,4% técnicos de enfermagem; 73,7% do sexo feminino; 67,4% com idade entre 30 e 49 anos e com tempo de formação de 11 a 15 anos. Como principais resultados do estudo, podemos citar que, na dimensão abertura para as comunicações e comunicação a respeito dos erros, o maior índice encontrado foi de 35,8%, que afirmam que às vezes conversam livremente sobre algo que está errado e às vezes têm retorno sobre mudanças implantadas em função de eventos adversos notificados. Em relação à dimensão respostas não punitivas aos erros, 50,5% acreditam que seus erros podem ser usados contra eles; quanto ao número de eventos reportados, 76,8% nunca preencheram um relatório de eventos adversos. As dimensões que apresentaram percepção favorável foram o trabalho em equipe no âmbito das unidades e transferências internas e passagens de plantão, 64,2% consideram que os profissionais colaboram entre si quando há sobrecarga de trabalho e 44,2% afirmam que as informações sobre o cuidado do paciente não se perde com a passagem de plantão. Acreditamos que este estudo possa contribuir para as intervenções necessárias nas dimensões avaliadas e fornecer subsídios para o aprimoramento de processos assistenciais e gerenciais com foco na segurança do paciente / This is a quantitative study with descriptive exploratory design, which aimed to know the perception of nursing staff in a teaching hospital on patient safety, considering the dimensions of safety culture and identify the main factors that cause damage to the patient in that institution. The study was conducted in a public hospital and teaching and a population of 95 nurses. Data collection occurred between the months from May to October 2011, through a questionnaire based on the Agency Health Research Quality, using a Likert scale and considering the ten dimensions of safety culture and two outcome variables: expectations and actions of supervisors and managers in promoting patient safety, organizational learning - continuous improvement, teamwork within units, opening for communication, feedback and communication about error, non-punitive responses to errors, personnel, support hospital management to patient safety, teamwork by hospitals, internal transfers and tickets call, generalized perceptions about safety, frequency of events reported. The data were analyzed according to specific statistical tests. The data collection instrument was reliable, yielding a Cronbach\'s alpha equal to 0.88. The characterization of the subjects, it was found that 65.3% were nursing assistants, nurses 26.3% and 8.4% nursing technicians, 73.7% female, 67.4% aged between 30 and 49 years and training time from 11 to 15 years. As main results, we may mention that the size opening for communication and communication about the errors, the highest rate found was 35.8%, who say that sometimes talk freely about something that is wrong and sometimes has a payoff on changes implemented due to adverse events reported. In relation to the size non-punitive responses to errors, 50.5% believe that their errors can be used against them, on the number of reported events, 76.8% never filled out a report of adverse events. The dimensions that were presented favorable perception teamwork within units and internal transfers and tickets call, 64.2% believe that professionals collaborate with each other when there is extra work and 44.2% say the information about the patient care is not lost with the shift change. We believe this study contributes to the necessary interventions in the dimensions evaluated and provide subsidies for the improvement of care processes and management with a focus on patient safety

As questões relativas ao parto e sua assistência apresentam-se como problemas relevantes de saúde pública. O enfrentamento das adversidades presentes na assistência à saúde materna tem envolvido diversas iniciativas resultando em avanços em várias direções. Os estudos sobre as práticas assistenciais em saúde vêm tematizando questões como a influência considerável da dimensão relacional na qualidade dos cuidados prestados. Este trabalho aborda tal dimensão no contexto da assistência ao parto. Objetivo: Descrever e analisar pontos de conexão entre as vivências das parturientes durante o trabalho de parto e parto e o suporte oferecido. Aspectos metodológicos: Estudo descritivo, qualitativo, utilizando técnica de entrevista semi-estruturada com parturientes e provedoras de cuidados (doulas) e observação de rotinas em maternidade de São Paulo, em 2004. Resultados: Verificou-se a relevância e a valorização das relações interpessoais no processo da parturição. Processo este referido pelas parturientes como experiência de elevado grau de estresse com vivências de dor, medo, angústia e ansiedade. Identificou-se também disposições subjetivas, entre as doulas, de solicitude, acolhimento e diálogo no exercício de provimento dos cuidados. / Issues related to childbirth and its appropriate care represent a relevant part of the public health concerns. When dealing with the various adversities that appear in the practice of the maternal health care, professionals of the area have launched many initiatives that resulted in advancements in various directions. Studies carried out on health care practices have been focusing questions such as the considerable influence of the dimension of interpersonal relationships on the quality of the services rendered. This paper approaches such dimension in the context of the childbirth care. Hypothesis: the beneficial effects coming from the emotional/psychological support provided for women during labor and birth depend on the quality of the interpersonal relationships established among the agents involved in the situation. Objective: The target of the present study is to describe and analyze the existing connecting points between the childbearing women\' s experiences during labor and birth and the suport they are provided for. Methodological aspects: This paper comprehends a qualitative/descriptive study that uses semi-structured interview techniques among with childbearing women and caregivers (doulas), besides observation of routine practices in maternity hospitals of São Paulo city. Results: Both the relevance and valorization concerning interpersonal relationships during the process of parturition were verified, such process being described by childbearing women as an experience that brings about a high degree of stress, with pain, fear, anguish, and anxiety playing important roles. During the provision of care, subjective dispositions of solicitude, acceptance, and dialogue were also detected among doulas. Final considerations: Data analysis enabled us to consider the intersubjective space of relationships as the point where interlocutions take place, being marked by the listening of the childbearing women\' s demands and the acceptance and reassurance of the processes they are experiencing, thus characterizing it as a resource equivalent to those prescribed as technologies appropriate to the birth care.

Amidst mounting federal debt, slowing the growth of health care spending is one of the nation’s top domestic priorities. This dissertation evaluates three current policy ideas: (1) global payment within an accountable care contracting model, (2) physician fee cuts, and (3) expanding the role of competitive bidding in Medicare. Chapter one studies the effect of global payment and pay-for-performance on health care spending and quality in accountable care organizations. I evaluate the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Alternative Quality Contract (AQC), which was implemented in 2009 with seven provider organizations comprising 380,000 enrollees. Using claims and quality data in a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences design, I find that the AQC was associated with a 1.9 percent reduction in medical spending and modest improvements in quality of chronic care management and pediatric care in year one. Chapter two studies Medicare’s elimination of payments for consultations in the 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. This targeted fee cut (largely to specialists) was accompanied by a fee increase for office visits (billed more often by primary care physicians). Using claims data for 2.2 million Medicare beneficiaries, I test for discontinuities in spending, volume, and coding of outpatient physician encounters with an interrupted time series design. I find that spending on physician encounters increased 6 percent after the policy, largely due to a coding effect and higher office visit fees. Slightly more than half of the increase was accounted for by primary care physician visits, with the rest by specialist visits. Chapter three examines competitive bidding, which is at the center of several proposals to reform Medicare into a premium support program. In competitive bidding, private plans submit prices (bids) they are willing to accept to insure a Medicare beneficiary. In perfect competition, plans bid costs and thus bids are insensitive to the benchmark. Under imperfect competition, bids may move with the benchmark. I study the effect of benchmark changes on plan bids using Medicare Advantage data in a longitudinal market-level model. I find that a $1 increase in the benchmark leads to about a $0.50 increase in bids among Medicare managed care plans.