I takt med att andelen äldre ökar i samhället rapporteras om stigande läkemedelsanvändning. Normala åldersförändringar, ökad risk för multisjuklighet och kroniska sjukdomar i kombination med polyfarmaci och bristande följsamhet medför en ökad risk för läkemedelsrelaterad ohälsa hos äldre. Bristande följsamhet till läkemedelsbehandling är en stor och problematik hos äldre vilket kan medföra negativa konsekvenser för både patienten och samhället. Syftet med studien är att beskriva kunskapsläget avseende associerade faktorer till den äldres upplevelse av följsamhet och bristande följsamhet till läkemedelsbehandling. Studien är en integrativ litteraturstudie med sammanställning av totalt 11 vetenskapliga artiklar både kvalitativa och kvantitativa från databaserna CINHAL, PubMed, Web of Science och Nursing and Allied Health database. Efter granskning av artiklarna framträdde tre huvudteman; Kunskap och förståelse, Minne och vardagliga hinder, Stöd och strategier, utifrån dessa formades tio subteman. I resultatet framkom det att äldres upplevelse av bristande följsamhet till läkemedelsbehandling var associerade till flertal faktorer. Bakomliggande orsaker till äldres upplevelse av bristande följsamhet var således relaterade till bristande kunskap om sin läkemedelsbehandling, kognitiv svikt samt otillräckligt stöd och brist på strategier. Faktorer som hade positiv effekt på följsamhet till läkemedelsbehandling var kunskap och information om sina läkemedel, stöd från anhöriga, stöd och god relation med sin vårdgivare samt hitta rätt strategier. Studiens slutsats är att med hjälp av patientens egna strategier samt vårdgivarens stöd, information och undervisning kan äldres följsamhet till läkemedel främjas och osäker läkemedelsbehandling reduceras. / With the growing number of older people in society there is a report of increasing drug use. Normal age changes, increased risk of multiple morbidity and chronic diseases in combination with polypharmacy and lack of medication adherence entail an increased risk of drug-related illness in the elderly. Lack of medication adherence is a major problem in the elderly, which could have negative consequences for both the patient and society. The purpose of the study is therefore to describe the state of knowledge regarding factors associated with the elderly's experience of medication adherence and lack of medication adherence. The study is an integrative literature study with a compilation of a total of 11 peer reviewed articles both qualitative and quantitative from the databases CINHAL, PubMed, Web of Science and Nursing and Allied Health database. Through review of the articles, three main themes emerged; Knowledge and understanding, Memory and everyday obstacles, Support and strategies, based on these, ten sub-themes were formed. The result showed that the elderly's experience of lack of medication adherence was associated with several factors. The underlying causes of the elderly´s experience of lack of medication adherence were related to lack of knowledge about their drug treatment, cognitive impairment and insufficient support and lack of strategies. Factors that had a positive effect on medication adherence were knowledge and information about their drug treatment, support from relatives, support and a good relationship with their healthcare providers and finding the right strategies. The study concludes that with the help of the patient's own strategies and the support from the healthcare provider, information and education, the elderly's medication adherence can be promoted and unsafe medication treatment can be reduced

L'arthrite juvénile idiopathique (AJI) est une maladie chronique infantile d'origine inconnue caractérisée par de la douleur chronique, des enflures articulaires et de la fatigue. Malgré les effets positifs de l'activité physique (AP) sur les symptômes reliés à l’arthrite et la santé générale, les jeunes atteints d'AJI adoptent souvent un mode de vie sédentaire. Par conséquent, ils sont plus à risque de développer d’autres maladies chroniques telles les maladies cardio-vasculaires. Cela nécessite l’accès à un programme efficace pour inciter ces personnes à faire de l'AP. En réponse à ceci, notre équipe a développé le programme ActiJI livré sur Instagram promouvant l’engagement à l’AP auprès des jeunes personnes vivant avec l’AJI. La présente étude évalue l’utilisabilité d’ActiJI en ciblant la satisfaction et la performance d’utilisation parmi les jeunes atteints d'AJI. Une étude qualitative descriptive a été utilisée. Des adolescents (âgés de 13 à 17 ans) et des jeunes adultes (âgés de 18 à 25 ans) atteints d'AJI ont été recrutés via des associations patients, des centres hospitaliers et de réadaptation. Au total, 28 participants (âge moyen = 18,69 ans) ont complété des entretiens semi-dirigés sur deux cycles itératifs via Zoom (Enterprise Version 5.0.2). Les verbatims ont été transcrits, puis triés, organisés et codés avec MAXQDA 11 selon les recommandations de Huberman et al.. Le processus de codage s'est appuyé sur six thèmes ancrés dans les principes théoriques de l’utilisabilité et définis par les équipes de recherche, ceux-ci comprenaient la confidentialité et la sécurité, l'esthétique du design, les fonctionnalités, l'organisation, la connexion sociale et le contenu de la page. Nos résultats démontrent que le programme ActiJI est vu comme étant sécuritaire, convivial, et est apprécié pour ses activités de groupe et les interactions entre pairs. En particulier, le soutien éventuel offert par les professionnels de santé et les pairs motiveraient les jeunes atteints d'AJI à s'engager davantage dans l'AP. Les participants rapportent que le programme ActiJI est facilement utilisable, et que la page Instagram peut être naviguée efficacement. Les recommandations des participants ont été intégrées au programme ActiJI. Une prochaine étude visera à évaluer la faisabilité d’ActiJI. / Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common childhood chronic rheumatic condition of unknown origin and is characterized by chronic pain, joint inflammation and fatigue. Despite the benefits of physical activity (PA) in mitigating arthritis symptoms and for general health, young people with JIA have a greater tendency to adopt a sedentary lifestyle rather than engage in PA. Consequently, these young people are at greater risk for other chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Access to innovative and attractive means of promoting PA among these young people is sorely needed. In response to this need, our team developed JIActiv an Instagrambased program promoting physical activity among young people living with JIA. The current study aimed to assess the usability of the JIActiv program in terms of user performance and the level of satisfaction among adolescents and young adults living with JIA. We used a descriptive qualitative study design. Adolescents (ages 13 to 17 years) and young adults (aged 18 to 25 years) living with JIA were recruited from rheumatology clinics in rehabilitation and hospital centers, as well as through patient organizations. A total of 28 young people (mean age = 18.69, SD=± 2.28 years) completed semi-structured interviews over two iterative cycles using Zoom (Enterprise Version 5.0.2). The audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed word by word, then sorted, organized, and coded using MAXQDA 11 software following recommendations by Huberman et al.. The coding process was based on six themes anchored within the theoretical principals of usability testing and were specified by the research teams, which included privacy and safety, design aesthetics, functionalities, organization, social connection, and content of the page . Our findings have shown that the JIActiv program is viewed as secure and user-friendly. Participants appreciated the group activities and peer interactions. Notably, the potential support offered by healthcare professionals and peers may motivate those living with JIA to engage more in PA. Study participants reported that the JIActiv program was easy to use, and they navigated the Instagram page effectively. Participant recommendations were integrated within the JIActiv program. A subsequent study will assess the feasibility of JIActiv.

Multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) are defined as two or more health conditions, each requiring treatment and limiting activities for a year or more. In the United States (US), MCCs are more common and costly than any individual chronic condition. The number of adults aged 65 years and older with MCCs is projected to nearly double between 2020 and 2050. Patients with MCCs often experience poor self-reported health and negative symptoms. In addition, they frequently visit emergency departments (EDs) and are hospitalized. Patients with MCCs need ongoing primary care services to manage their symptoms and prevent health deterioration. However, over 20% of the US population (many of whom have MCCs) resides in a primary care Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) and experiences poor access to primary care. The growing nurse practitioner (NP) workforce, which is projected to almost double in size between 2018 and 2030, can help meet the demand. Most NPs are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage chronic conditions and can provide a scope and quality of primary care comparable to physicians in many populations. Therefore, if distributed and supported strategically, the NP workforce can meet the complex care needs of patients with MCCs, especially in HPSAs. Maximizing the potential of the NP workforce to deliver MCC care will require enhanced care environments in the practices where NPs work, characterized by administrative support for NP care delivery and autonomous practice, collegial relationships between NPs and physicians, and NP professional visibility. On the other hand, poor NP care environments can negatively affect the quality of chronic disease care. Thus, improving the NP care environments within practices may increase the capacity of the NP workforce to care for MCC patients. Despite the potential of the NP workforce to meet the need for primary care among patients with MCCs, little is known about the impact of NP-delivered primary care models on outcomes in this population. Furthermore, the impact of HPSA status and NP care environments on NPs’ ability to care for patients with MCCs remains poorly understood. Thus, the overall purpose of this dissertation is to produce evidence on NP-delivered primary care models for patients with MCCs and examine the interplay between practice and community factors in shaping outcomes for these patients. In chapter 1, we introduce the unique healthcare needs of patients with MCCs, and the role of NPs in delivering and expanding access to care. In chapter 2, we synthesize the existing evidence on the effect of NP primary care models, compared to models without NP involvement, on cost, quality, and service utilization by patients with MCCs. Our synthesis suggests that NP-delivered primary care has similar or better impacts on outcomes among patients with MCCs compared to care delivered without NP involvement. In chapter 3, we perform secondary data analysis using multiple linked data sources including 1) patient data from the Medicare claims of 394,424 older adults with MCCs, 2) NP survey data on practice characteristics from 880 NPs at 779 primary care practices across five US states, and 3) data on HPSA status of the practice locations from the Health Resources and Services Administration. We examine differences in hospitalization and ED use among patients who receive care from NP practices in HPSAs compared to those in non-HPSAs. We find a higher likelihood of ED use among patients receiving care in NP practices located in HPSAs compared to practices in non-HPSAs, and no difference in the likelihood of being hospitalized. Our results suggest that relieving provider shortages may reduce ED use by MCC patients in HPSA practices that employ NPs, but may be insufficient to lower hospitalization rates unless combined with other interventions. Finally, in chapter 4, we analyze the same linked secondary data source as in chapter 3 to examine the effect of the NP care environment (measured by the NP survey) on the relationship between the HPSA status of the practice location and ED or hospital use among patients with MCCs. We find that the NP care environment moderates the association between primary care provider shortage areas and hospitalization but not ED use. Further analysis reveals that improved NP care environments have a more pronounced association with lowered odds of hospitalization among patients receiving care from practices located in areas with no shortage of primary care providers (i.e., non-HPSAs) compared to those receiving care in practices with provider shortages (i.e., HPSAs). Our findings suggest that improving the care environment may not have the effect of reducing MCC patients’ need for hospitalization unless sufficient providers are also available to care for patients. We suggest that cohesive solution sets addressing practice- and community-level interventions simultaneously may be needed to improve hospitalization outcomes for patients with MCCs. In the concluding chapter of this dissertation, chapter 5, we present a summary of findings, discuss the dissertation’s strengths, limitations, and its contributions to science. In this chapter, we also discuss implications for policy, practice, and directions for future research.

由於慢性疾病的流行程度有著全球性上升的趨勢，它經已成為一個公共衛生的問題，為醫療系統帶來沉重的負擔。慢性疾病的發病率以老年人為最高，慢性疾病對老年人的生理、心理、社交及經濟等，構成尤其嚴重的後果。由於香港的人口持續老化，所以預計患有慢性疾病的人口數目在將來幾十年會不斷增加。但是，現時對患有慢性疾病的老年人所提供的照顧不足，再加上本地老年人擁有的多種特徵，例如社會經濟地位較低，健康讀寫能力較弱，及同時患有多重疾病，都有可能對醫護人員提供的護理造成障礙。提升慢性病患者掌管健康的能力，例如提供自我管理的支援，增強他們的信心，及協助他們作出有關健康的判斷及決策，有機會能解決慢性疾病所引起的問題。雖然過往的研究已經發現自我管理教育課程能夠改善慢性病患者的生理、心理及社交健康，及提升患者的健康行為，可是這類課程對老年人的成效，依然缺乏足夠科研證據的支持。 / 作者在這論文中進行了兩項研究，去探討自我管理教育課程對患有慢性疾病的長者的健康行為、生理、心理、社交、生活質素及醫療服務的使用的影響。甲項研究是一個半實驗性研究，探討¬「慢性疾病自我管理課程」對患有不同種類慢性疾病的長者的效果。乙項研究是一個隨機控制實驗，研究「糖尿病自我管理課程」對患有非胰島素依賴的長者的效果。 / 甲項研究招募了患有一種或以上慢性疾病，及居住在社區的長者進行研究。三百零二名治療組的參加者接受了一個為期六星期的「慢性疾病自我管理課程」，當中包括六課以小組模式進行的課堂，每堂為兩小時三十分。課程由專業人員或非專業的長者義工組長帶領。二百九十八名對照組的參加者則繼續接受六個月慣常的護理。每位參加者都會在基線及六個月後接受測試，測試包括自我管理行為、自我效能感、健康狀況及醫療服務的使用。 / 利用單向共變數分析法，結果顯示治療組的所有的自我管理行為和自我效能感測試都有顯著改善 (p < .05)。在十項健康狀況測試中，有五項有明顯改善 (p < .05)。另外，醫療服務的使用則沒有明顯改變。 / 乙項研究是利用隨機方法，分別把九十位及八十七位患有非胰島素依賴的長者分配到治療組及對照組。治療組的參加者參與了為期八堂，每星期一堂，每堂兩小時的「糖尿病自我管理課程」。對照組參加者則在八星期內繼續接受慣常的護理。所有參加者都會在基線及八星期後接受測試，測試包括身高體重指數、腰臀比例、血糖及血壓水平、糖尿病相關的認識、糖尿病指定及總稱的生活質素、及營養攝取。 / 利用單向共變數分析法，結果顯示治療組的糖尿病相關的認識 (p < .0005)，糖尿病指定生活質素的滿意分類 (p = .045)，及總稱生活質素的精神健康分類 (p = .003)皆有明顯的改善。治療組的總能量 (p = .018)及飽和脂肪攝取 (p = .03)都有明顯減少。在各生理及人體測量指標及其他生活質素測試，則沒有明顯改變。 / 此研究增加對疾病指定及非疾病指定的自我管理教育課程於社區上患有慢性疾病的長者的成效的認識。研究結果發現針對長者而設計的課程有機會改善長者的行為、心理及社交狀況，長者亦可以通過課程學習自我管理技巧及改變健康行為，從而改善健康。由長者義工組長帶領的課程有可能跟由專業人員帶領的課程的效果相近。研究結果象徵著自我管理課程需要融入醫療系統的慣常服務當中，以達致最大的成效。本論文亦為如何於各個護理層面及本地環境推行自我管理課程作出詳細討論。對於將來的研究發展，本論文建議加長跟進測試的時間及利用更大的實驗樣本探討自我管理課程於長者身上的成效，疾病指定及非疾病指定課程的效果亦需要作出比較，個別自我管理課程的特徵對課程成效的影響亦需要詳盡地探討。 / The global epidemic of chronic disease has become a public health issue and created a huge burden on health care systems and societies. Older population is highly susceptible to chronic disease. The high prevalence of chronic disease among older adults results in a series of physical, psychosocial and financial consequences in this patient group. In Hong Kong, as the population continues to age, the number of people having chronic disease is expected to increase rapidly in next few decades. The care for older adults with chronic disease is yet suboptimal. Local older people are predisposed to a number of characteristics, such as low socioeconomic status, poor health literacy and multiple morbidities, which may hinder professionals to provide effective care. Empowering patients through supporting self-management, increasing confidence and assisting decision-making of people with chronic disease has been found to be a solution to the problem. Although literature has suggested that self-management education programmes may improve physical and psychosocial outcomes, and promote health-related behaviours among people with chronic disease, the evidence of the effects of such programmes in older adults is still lacking. / Two studies have been conducted to examine the effects of self-management education programmes in improving health behaviours, physical and psychological status, quality of life and health care utilization in older people with chronic disease. Study One is a quasi-experimental trial exploring the effects of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme (CDSMP) in older adults with a wide range of chronic diseases. Study Two is a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of the Diabetes Mellitus Self-Management Programme (DMSMP) in older adults with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. / In Study One, community-dwelling older people with one or more chronic disease were recruited. The intervention group (n = 302) received the 6-week CDSMP, which consisted of 6 group sessions with each session lasting for 2.5 hours. The programme was facilitated either by professional and older lay leaders. The control group (n = 298) continued their usual care for 6 months. Self-management behaviours, self-efficacy, health status, and health care utilization of participants were assessed at baseline and 6 months. / The one-way analysis of covariance showed that the intervention group has significant improvements in all self-management behaviours and self-efficacy outcomes, and 5 out of 10 health status measures (all p < .05). No significant change was detected in the use of health care services. / In Study Two, older people with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 90) or control (n = 87) group. The intervention group attended the DMSMP comprising 8 weekly 2-hour sessions. The control group received usual care for 8 weeks. Body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, blood glucose and blood pressure levels, diabetes-related knowledge, disease-specific and generic quality of life, and nutritional intakes were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. / Using the one-way analysis of covariance, the intervention group found significant improvements in diabetes-related knowledge (p < .0005), the satisfaction subscale score in the diabetes-specific quality of life measure (p = .045), and the mental health score in the generic quality of life measure (p = .003). Significant reductions of total energy (p = .018) and saturated fat intakes (p = .03) were also demonstrated in the intervention group. No significant change was detected in the physiological outcomes, anthropometric indices and other quality of life and nutritional measures. / The present studies enrich the knowledge of the effects of disease-specific and generic self-management education programmes for older adults with chronic disease living in the community. It demonstrated that the programmes specifically tailored for older adults may improve a wide range of behavioural and psychosocial outcomes. Older adults may be able to learn new skills for self-management and change behaviours to improve their health. The effects of using older lay persons to lead such programmes may be similar with those using professional staff. The findings imply that self-management programmes need to be integrated into the routine service of health care systems and community care in order to have maximal effects. The implementation of self-management support at different levels of care and under the local context was discussed. Further studies should be conducted to explore the effects of self-management programmes on older people using prolonged follow-ups and larger sample size. The comparative effects of disease-specific and generic self-management programme should be evaluated. The individual influences of various essential features of self-management interventions need to be determined explicitly. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Chan, Lap Sun. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 265-302). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese; some appendixes also in Chinese. / Chapter CHAPTER ONE --- INTRODUCTION / The epidemiology of chronic disease --- p.1 / Causes of the epidemiology of chronic disease --- p.3 / Risk factors of chronic disease --- p.4 / Self-management approach in managing chronic disease --- p.5 / The research problem --- p.8 / Chapter CHAPTER TWO --- LITERATURE REVIEW / Challenges in managing chronic disease --- p.10 / Specific concerns for older people --- p.12 / Chronic disease management --- p.16 / Introduction --- p.16 / Patient-centred care --- p.18 / Frameworks for improving care of chronic disease --- p.20 / Chronic Care Model --- p.20 / Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions --- p.22 / Service delivery model of chronic disease management --- p.24 / Global strategies in chronic disease management --- p.26 / Empirical evidence of the Chronic Care Model --- p.29 / Self-management --- p.34 / Definitions --- p.34 / Conceptualizing self-management --- p.37 / Patient-professional relationship --- p.37 / The goal of self-management --- p.40 / Self-management tasks and skills --- p.41 / Perspectives and barriers of self-management in older adults with chronic disease --- p.44 / Self-management education and support --- p.50 / Introduction --- p.50 / Comparison with traditional patient education --- p.51 / Characteristics of self-management education --- p.53 / Theoretical basis in self-management education --- p.53 / Self-efficacy theory --- p.56 / Teaching problem-solving skills and making action plans --- p.58 / Individualizing self-management education --- p.59 / Continuity of self-management support --- p.60 / Framework of delivering self-management support services --- p.62 / Global implementation of self-management education --- p.65 / Empirical evidence of the effects of self-management interventions --- p.70 / Effects of self-management interventions in general --- p.71 / Effects of self-management interventions for older adults with chronic disease --- p.77 / Effects of self-management interventions for patients with chronic disease in Hong Kong --- p.85 / Methodological issues in self-management studies --- p.88 / Establishing self-management interventions for older adults --- p.90 / Establishing self-management interventions under the local context --- p.93 / Summary of Literature Review --- p.94 / Chapter CHAPTER THREE --- METHODS (STUDY ONE) / Introduction --- p.97 / Methodology --- p.98 / Research objectives --- p.98 / Null hypotheses --- p.99 / Study design --- p.100 / Participants --- p.101 / Recruitment and procedure --- p.101 / Intervention --- p.103 / Adaptations of programme delivery for local older participants --- p.106 / Sample size calculation --- p.107 / Outcome measures --- p.108 / The questionnaire --- p.108 / The Abbreviated Mental Test, Hong Kong version (AMT) --- p.109 / Frailty Index (FI) --- p.109 / Statistical analysis --- p.112 / Primary analysis --- p.112 / Secondary analysis --- p.112 / Focus group --- p.114 / Chapter CHAPTER FOUR --- RESULTS (STUDY ONE) / Participants --- p.116 / Baseline --- p.118 / Comparing baseline and 6 months outcomes of intervention group --- p.123 / Comparing baseline and 6 months outcomes of control group --- p.125 / Comparing outcomes between intervention and control groups at 6 months --- p.127 / Subgroup analysis --- p.130 / Comparison among age subgroups --- p.132 / Comparison among education level subgroups --- p.133 / Comparison among frailty level subgroups --- p.133 / Comparing professional staff-led and older lay-led programmes at 6 months --- p.140 / Focus group --- p.142 / Chapter CHAPTER FIVE --- DISCUSSION (STUDY ONE) / Introduction --- p.145 / Demographics characteristics --- p.145 / Baseline outcomes --- p.147 / Effects of the CDSMP on older adults with chronic disease --- p.148 / Self-management behaviours and self-efficacy --- p.148 / Health status --- p.148 / Health care utilization --- p.149 / Comparing with existing literature --- p.150 / Effects of age, education level and frailty level on the outcomes --- p.154 / Age --- p.154 / Education level --- p.154 / Frailty level --- p.155 / Effects of leaders on the outcomes --- p.156 / Qualitative findings --- p.157 / Feasibility of training older people to be lay leaders --- p.160 / Summary of the discussion --- p.162 / Chapter CHAPTER SIX --- METHODS (STUDY TWO) / Introduction --- p.164 / Methodology --- p.166 / Research objectives --- p.166 / Null hypothesis --- p.166 / Study design --- p.167 / Pilot study --- p.168 / Participants --- p.169 / Recruitment and procedure --- p.170 / Intervention --- p.172 / Educational talks --- p.174 / Exercise practice --- p.174 / Goal setting and problem-solving --- p.177 / Issues of designing self-management programme for local older adults --- p.177 / Sample size calculation --- p.178 / Outcome measures --- p.179 / Diabetes Knowledge scale (DKN) --- p.179 / 24-hour food recall --- p.180 / Anthropometric measurements --- p.181 / Clinical health indicators --- p.182 / Quality of life --- p.183 / Statistical analysis --- p.185 / Primary analysis --- p.185 / Secondary analysis --- p.186 / Focus group --- p.186 / Chapter CHAPTER SEVEN --- RESULTS (STUDY TWO) / Participants --- p.188 / Baseline --- p.190 / Comparing baseline and 8 weeks outcomes of intervention group --- p.193 / Comparing baseline and 8 weeks outcomes of control group --- p.195 / Comparing outcomes between intervention and control group at 8 weeks --- p.197 / Nutritional intakes --- p.200 / Comparing baseline, 8 weeks and 6 months outcomes of intervention group --- p.203 / Focus group --- p.206 / Chapter CHAPTER EIGHT --- DISCUSSION (STUDY TWO) / Introduction --- p.208 / Demographics characteristics --- p.209 / Baseline outcomes --- p.210 / Effects of the DMSMP on older adults with type 2 DM --- p.213 / Knowledge and nutritional intakes --- p.213 / Anthropometric measures and clinical health indicators --- p.214 / Quality of life --- p.217 / Long-term effects of the DMSMP on intervention group participants --- p.219 / Comparing with existing literature --- p.220 / Comparing with a local study --- p.226 / Qualitative findings --- p.227 / Summary of the discussion --- p.231 / Chapter CHAPTER NINE --- CONCLUSION / Overall effects of self-management interventions for older adults with chronic disease --- p.232 / Strengths of the study --- p.238 / Using a more stringent study design --- p.238 / Incorporated essential features of self-management interventions into current programmes --- p.239 / Demonstrated a collaborative model between health and social sectors --- p.240 / Limitations of the study --- p.241 / The integrity of study sample --- p.241 / Issues in the representativeness of study sample --- p.241 / High attrition rate in the longitudinal follow-up (The DMSMP) --- p.243 / Unknown uptake rate --- p.244 / The study design --- p.244 / Non-randomized allocation of participants (The CDSMP) --- p.244 / The lack of control for attention effect --- p.246 / The implementation of study intervention --- p.247 / Using multiple components --- p.247 / The absence of blinding (The DMSMP) --- p.248 / The evaluation and statistical analysis --- p.248 / Short duration of follow-up --- p.248 / Limitations of post-hoc analyses --- p.249 / Diffusion of self-management interventions for older adults --- p.250 / Considerations to the adoption of current self-management interventions --- p.251 / Relative advantage --- p.251 / Compatibility --- p.251 / Complexity --- p.252 / Trialability --- p.252 / Observability --- p.253 / Experience of implementing self-management interventions in the UK and the US --- p.254 / Considerations to the implementation of current self-management interventions --- p.256 / Strategies applied in promoting the adoption and implementation of current self-management interventions --- p.257 / Recommendations for local implementation of self-management interventions --- p.259 / Recommendations for future research --- p.261 / Conclusion --- p.264

This qualitative study focuses on the experiences of adults with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a neuromuscular condition, and explores what living with this disease encompasses. The study is structured around two fundamental research questions that amount to people's experiences regarding how (in which areas) the disease affects them, and how they continuously deal with it. In order to address the research questions, data gathered from participants was qualitatively analysed, using grounded theory methodology. The study culminated in the formulation of a substantive grounded theory as to how affected people manage the disease's manifestations in order to optimise their continuous adaptation and well-being. A tripartite of concerns comprised the core concern, whereas the basic social psychological process of engaging with CMT emerged as the core strategy used by affected people to deal with the concerns. The core's three sub processes constituted three mostly sequential stages that CMT-affected people pass through in their adaptation to the disease. The identified theory and existing stage models of adaptation to chronic illnesses and disabilities were juxtaposed and discussed. The three stages were compared to and integrated with the relevant literature. These actions revealed that there are a number of new formulations and processes contained in all three stages, and that the first and last stages (orientating and optimising) are themselves unique. It emerged that there is no theoretical end-point to the adaptation process, but that a relative saturation point amounted to a variant of an outcome, called qualified wellness. For most, the core strategy was successful in resolving the main concern. A few, however, still experienced fear and agony about inheritance and dependency issues. This study contributes, via the route of knowledge and insight empowerment, to the well-being of people with CMT, including those who are struggling but do not know that they have this disease. Broadening of insight may also benefit medical help professionals and streamline service delivery. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

People expenencmg chronic pain encounter increases m needs and endure the consequences of failure to satisfy needs. In much of the management of people with chronic pain, chronic pain is considered an abstract phenomenon with little attention given to the human experience. Numerous literature focus on a mechanistic reductionistic approach in management of chronic pain. Most literature is written by medical practitioners, nurses and psychologists from a health-care oriented methodology, whereas minimal research literature was contributed from a pastoral care and counselling perspective. This dissertation explores the needs and feelings of people with chronic pain to identify their needs at the various developmental stages of their pain experience, and within their relevant ecosystems, in order to develop a pastoral response. / Practical Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology)

Contexte: Les facteurs de risque comportementaux, notamment l’inactivité physique, le comportement sédentaire, le tabagisme, la consommation d’alcool et le surpoids sont les principales causes modifiables de maladies chroniques telles que le cancer, les maladies cardiovasculaires et le diabète. Ces facteurs de risque se manifestent également de façon concomitante chez l’individu et entraînent des risques accrus de morbidité et de mortalité. Bien que les facteurs de risque comportementaux aient été largement étudiés, la distribution, les patrons d’agrégation et les déterminants de multiples facteurs de risque comportementaux sont peu connus, surtout chez les enfants et les adolescents. Objectifs: Cette thèse vise 1) à décrire la prévalence et les patrons d’agrégation de multiples facteurs de risque comportementaux des maladies chroniques chez les enfants et adolescents canadiens; 2) à explorer les corrélats individuels, sociaux et scolaires de multiples facteurs de risque comportementaux chez les enfants et adolescents canadiens; et 3) à évaluer, selon le modèle conceptuel de l’étude, l’influence longitudinale d’un ensemble de variables distales (c’est-à-dire des variables situées à une distance intermédiaire des comportements à risque) de type individuel (estime de soi, sentiment de réussite), social (relations sociales, comportements des parents/pairs) et scolaire (engagement collectif à la réussite, compréhension des règles), ainsi que de variables ultimes (c’est-à-dire des variables situées à une distance éloignée des comportements à risque) de type individuel (traits de personnalité, caractéristiques démographiques), social (caractéristiques socio-économiques des parents) et scolaire (type d’école, environnement favorable, climat disciplinaire) sur le taux d’occurrence de multiples facteurs de risque comportementaux chez les enfants et adolescents canadiens. Méthodes: Des données transversales (n = 4724) à partir du cycle 4 (2000-2001) de l’Enquête longitudinale nationale sur les enfants et les jeunes (ELNEJ) ont été utilisées pour décrire la prévalence et les patrons d’agrégation de multiples facteurs de risque comportementaux chez les jeunes canadiens âgés de 10-17 ans. L’agrégation des facteurs de risque a été examinée en utilisant une méthode du ratio de cas observés sur les cas attendus. La régression logistique ordinale a été utilisée pour explorer les corrélats de multiples facteurs de risque comportementaux dans un échantillon transversal (n = 1747) de jeunes canadiens âgés de 10-15 ans du cycle 4 (2000-2001) de l’ELNEJ. Des données prospectives (n = 1135) à partir des cycle 4 (2000-2001), cycle 5 (2002-2003) et cycle 6 (2004-2005) de l’ELNEJ ont été utilisées pour évaluer l’influence longitudinale des variables distales et ultimes (tel que décrit ci-haut dans les objectifs) sur le taux d’occurrence de multiples facteurs de risque comportementaux chez les jeunes canadiens âgés de 10-15 ans; cette analyse a été effectuée à l’aide des modèles de Poisson longitudinaux. Résultats: Soixante-cinq pour cent des jeunes canadiens ont rapporté avoir deux ou plus de facteurs de risque comportementaux, comparativement à seulement 10% des jeunes avec aucun facteur de risque. Les facteurs de risque comportementaux se sont agrégés en de multiples combinaisons. Plus précisément, l’occurrence simultanée des cinq facteurs de risque était 120% plus élevée chez les garçons (ratio observé/attendu (O/E) = 2.20, intervalle de confiance (IC) 95%: 1.31-3.09) et 94% plus élevée chez les filles (ratio O/E = 1.94, IC 95%: 1.24-2.64) qu’attendu. L’âge (rapport de cotes (RC) = 1.95, IC 95%: 1.21-3.13), ayant un parent fumeur (RC = 1.49, IC 95%: 1.09-2.03), ayant rapporté que la majorité/tous de ses pairs consommaient du tabac (RC = 7.31, IC 95%: 4.00-13.35) ou buvaient de l’alcool (RC = 3.77, IC 95%: 2.18-6.53), et vivant dans une famille monoparentale (RC = 1.94, IC 95%: 1.31-2.88) ont été positivement associés aux multiples comportements à risque. Les jeunes ayant une forte estime de soi (RC = 0.92, IC 95%: 0.85-0.99) ainsi que les jeunes dont un des parents avait un niveau d’éducation postsecondaire (RC = 0.58, IC 95%: 0.41-0.82) étaient moins susceptibles d’avoir de multiples facteurs de risque comportementaux. Enfin, les variables de type social distal (tabagisme des parents et des pairs, consommation d’alcool par les pairs) (Log du rapport de vraisemblance (LLR) = 187.86, degrés de liberté = 8, P < 0,001) et individuel distal (estime de soi) (LLR = 76.94, degrés de liberté = 4, P < 0,001) ont significativement influencé le taux d’occurrence de multiples facteurs de risque comportementaux. Les variables de type individuel ultime (âge, sexe, anxiété) et social ultime (niveau d’éducation du parent, revenu du ménage, structure de la famille) ont eu une influence moins prononcée sur le taux de cooccurrence des facteurs de risque comportementaux chez les jeunes. Conclusion: Les résultats suggèrent que les interventions de santé publique devraient principalement cibler les déterminants de type individuel distal (tel que l’estime de soi) ainsi que social distal (tels que le tabagisme des parents et des pairs et la consommation d’alcool par les pairs) pour prévenir et/ou réduire l’occurrence de multiples facteurs de risque comportementaux chez les enfants et les adolescents. Cependant, puisque les variables de type distal (telles que les caractéristiques psychosociales des jeunes et comportements des parents/pairs) peuvent être influencées par des variables de type ultime (telles que les caractéristiques démographiques et socioéconomiques), les programmes et politiques de prévention devraient également viser à améliorer les conditions socioéconomiques des jeunes, particulièrement celles des enfants et des adolescents des familles les plus démunies. / Background: Behavioural risk factors including physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and being overweight are major modifiable causes of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. These lifestyle risk factors also co-occur in individuals and lead to increased risks of chronic diseases morbidity and mortality. Although single behavioural risk factors have been extensively studied, little is known about the distribution, clustering patterns and potential determinants of multiple behavioural risk factors for chronic diseases, particularly in children and adolescents. Objectives: This thesis aims 1) to describe the prevalence and clustering patterns of multiple chronic disease behavioural risk factors in Canadian children and adolescents; 2) to explore potential individual, social and school correlates of multiple chronic disease behavioural risk factors in Canadian children and adolescents; and 3) to assess, based on the conceptual framework of this study, the longitudinal influence of selected individual (sense of self, sense of achievement), social (social relations, others’ behaviours) and school (collective commitment to success, comprehension of rules) distal variables (variables situated at an intermediate distance from behaviours), as well as selected individual (demographics and personality traits), social (parental socioeconomic characteristics) and school (type of school, supportive environment, disciplinary climate) ultimate variables (variables situated at an utmost distance from behaviours) on the rate of occurrence of multiple chronic disease behavioural risk factors in Canadian children and adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional data (n = 4724) from Cycle 4 (2000-2001) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY) were used to describe the prevalence and clustering patterns of multiple behavioural risk factors in Canadian youth aged 10-17 years. Clustering was assessed using an observed to expected ratio method. Ordinal logistic regression was used to explore correlates of multiple behavioural risk factors in a cross-sectional sample (n = 1747) of Canadian youth aged 10-15 years from Cycle 4 (2000-2001) of the NLSCY. Prospective data (n = 1135) from Cycle 4 (2000-2001), Cycle 5 (2002-2003) and Cycle 6 (2004-2005) of the NLSCY were used to assess the longitudinal influence of selected distal and ultimate variables (as described above in the objectives) on the rate of occurrence of multiple behavioural risk factors in Canadian youth aged 10-15 years; this analysis was performed using longitudinal Poisson models. Results: Sixty-five percent of Canadian youth had two or more behavioural risk factors compared to only 10% with no risk factor. Behavioural risk factors clustered in multiple combinations. Specifically, the simultaneous occurrence of all five risk factors was 120% greater in males (observed/expected (O/E) ratio = 2.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31-3.09) and 94% greater in females (O/E ratio = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.24-2.64) than expected by chance. Older age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.21-3.13), caregiver smoking (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.09-2.03), reporting that most/all of one’s peers smoked (OR = 7.31, 95% CI: 4.00-13.35) or drank alcohol (OR = 3.77, 95% CI: 2.18-6.53), and living in a lone-parent family (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.31-2.88) increased the likelihood of having multiple health risk behaviours. Youth with high self-esteem (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85-0.99) and youth from families with post-secondary education (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.41-0.82) were less likely to have a higher number of behavioural risk factors. Finally, social distal variables (caregiver smoking, peer smoking, peer drinking) (Log-likelihood ratio (LLR) = 187.86, degrees of freedom = 8, P < 0.001) and individual distal variables (such as self-esteem) (LLR = 76.94, degrees of freedom = 4, P < 0.001) significantly influenced the rate of occurrence of multiple behavioural risk factors. Individual ultimate variables (age, sex, anxiety) and social ultimate variables (parental education, household income, family structure) exerted a less pronounced influence on the rate of co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors among youth. Conclusion: The results suggest that public health interventions should primarily target the individual distal (such as self-esteem) and social distal variables (such as parental smoking, peer smoking and peer drinking) to reduce or prevent the occurrence of multiple behavioural risk factors among youth. However, since distal variables (such as psychosocial characteristics and others’ behaviours) may be influenced by ultimate variables (such as demographic and socioeconomic characteristics), prevention programs and policies should also aim to improve the socioeconomic conditions of children and adolescents, particularly those of youth from less affluent families.

En 2011, l’Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal (ASSSM), en partenariat avec les Centres de santé et services sociaux (CSSS) de la région, a coordonné la mise en œuvre d’un programme de prévention et de prise en charge intégré sur le risque cardiométabolique. Ce programme, s’inspirant du Chronic Care Model et s’adressant aux patients atteints de diabète et d’hypertension artérielle, est d’une durée de deux ans et comporte une séquence de suivis individuels avec l’infirmière et la nutritionniste, de cours de groupe et de séances d’activité physique. L’objectif de ce mémoire est d’évaluer, à l’aide d’un devis quasi-expérimental, l’impact de la variation dans l’implantation de certains aspects du programme dans les six CSSS participant à l’étude sur les résultats de santé des patients. Cinq aspects du programme ont été retenus : les ressources, la conformité au processus clinique prévu dans le programme régional, la maturité du programme, la coordination interne au sein de l’équipe de soins et la coordination externe avec les médecins de 1re ligne. Des analyses de différence de différences, incluant des scores de propension afin de rendre les groupes comparables, ont été effectuées dans le but d’évaluer l’influence de ces aspects sur quatre indicateurs de santé : l’hémoglobine glyquée, l’atteinte de la cible de tension artérielle et l’atteinte de deux cibles d’habitudes de vie concernant la répartition des glucides alimentaires et la pratique d’activité physique. Les résultats indiquent que les indicateurs de santé sélectionnés se sont améliorés chez les patients participant au programme et ce, indépendamment des variations dans son implantation entre les CSSS participant à l’étude. Très peu d’analyses de différence de différences ont en effet relevé un impact significatif des variables d’implantation étudiées sur ces indicateurs. Les résultats suggèrent que les effets bénéfiques d’un tel programme sont davantage tributaires de la prestation des interventions auprès des patients que d’aspects organisationnels liés à son implantation. / In 2011, the Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal (ASSSM), in partnership with the Health and social service centres (CSSS) of the region, coordinated implementation of an integrated and interdisciplinary program for prevention and management of cardiometabolic risk. The program, based on the Chronic Care Model and designed for patients with diabetes and hypertension, consists of a two-year sequence of individual follow-ups with a nurse and a nutritionist, group classes and physical activity sessions. The objective of this master’s thesis is to assess the impact of variations in implementation of some aspects of the program in the six CSSS participating in this study on patients’ health outcomes. Five aspects of implementation have been selected: resources, conformity to the clinical process proposed in the regional program, maturity of the program, internal coordination within the CSSS team and external coordination with primary care physicians. Analysis of difference in differences, including propensity scores that make the groups comparable, have been calculated to assess the impact of those aspects on four health outcomes: glycated hemoglobin, reaching the blood pressure level target and reaching two targets of lifestyle habits regarding the distribution of dietary carbohydrates and the practice of physical activity. The results show that the program yielded expected effects in regard to patients’ selected health outcomes, regardless of implementation variations among the studied CSSS. Indeed, few analysis revealed a significant impact of the implementation variables on those outcomes. Results suggest that beneficial effects of this program depend more on services provided to patients than on specific organisational aspects of its implementation.

Objective: The promotion of self-management support for people with LTCs is a health policy priority across the UK (LTCAS 2008; DoH 2012). Self-management support is designed to change and improve care for people with LTCs, who form an increasing proportion of the population requiring healthcare and treatment. For health organisations models of care, which support self-management, require greater emphasis on person-focused rather than disease-focused manifestations of health and represents a new model of care delivery requiring changes in practice. Current research demonstrates that health policies are increasingly complex, involve multiple organisations and often fail to translate into effective practice (Noyles et al. 2014). The deficit between what works and what happens in practice is referred to as the “implementation deficit” (Pressman and Wildasky 1984) and traditionally it has been difficult to breakaway from the idea that the policy process is best viewed from the top-down (Barett and Fudge 1981). However, there remains a need to understand the processes of implementation, which takes account of the variation, the multiple layers and interactions which takes place between policy-maker and -implementer as policy becomes practice (Hupe 2011). Implementation of self-management is a contemporary focus in UK health policy and this thesis explains what processes are used to implement self-management policy for people with LTCs into everyday practice in one health board. Methods: A case study approach was used to investigate the policy process with data collected using thirty-one semi-structured interviews with policy-makers and regional and local policy-implementers plus eight hours of observation of national and regional policy meetings. To provide context to the implementation process data also included thirteen policy documents. Data analysis used the retrospective application of NPT as a theoretical framework with which to explore the implementation processes. NPT is an emerging theory that is being promoted as a means of understanding implementation, embedding and integration of new ideas in healthcare (McEvoy et al. 2014). The application of NPT focuses on four mechanisms, termed work (May and Finch 2009: 547), which promote incorporation of new ideas in practice. These areas of work are coherence, cognitive participation, collective action and reflexive monitoring (Mair et al. 2012). Findings: The findings suggest that there are a number of important influences operating behind or as part of the policy implementation process. These included the need for a shared understanding, getting stakeholders involved to drive forward policy, work promoting collaboration and participation was the most detailed and important in the process of policy implementation; the course of policy was affected by factors which facilitated or inhibited stakeholders acceptance of self-management; and NPT fosters key analytical insights. Conclusion: Understanding the process of policy implementation in healthcare and how practice changes as a result of policy is subject to a wide range of influences. What emerges are five key recommendations relating to understanding policy implementation. (1) understanding the concept of self-management is important in promoting policy implementation. This understanding benefits from dialogue between policy-makers and -implementers. (2) stakeholder involvement supports implementation particularly the role of clinical leadership and leadership through existing networks but also value in establishing new organisational structures to create a receptive context. (3) develop participation and collaboration through use of the patient voice which helped simplify the policy message and motivate change. (4) other resources help policy implementation and where these are evident then policy is implemented and where they are absent then implementation is not embedded. Lack of evidence was a particular area of constraint. (5) NPT has shown that social context is important, and provides for this. But in addition there is evidence that historical perspectives and previous experience are also important influence on receptivity to implementation. This research contributes to the development of theory and practice in the area of implementation science. The exploration of the policy implementation has revealed the action and work which policy-makers and -implementers are engaged in while implementing policy. It has tested the utility of NPT in a real-life setting using all four mechanisms.

Introdução: A realização do eletrocardiograma (ECG), através do Sistema de Tele- ECG, é ferramenta fundamental para aprimorar a assistência às Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis (DCNT) na Atenção Primária de Saúde (APS). Aprimorar o conhecimento dos enfermeiros que atuam nesse âmbito da assistência na realização e avaliação do ECG adequadamente deve contribuir diretamente na prevenção das Doenças Cardíacas. Objetivo: Desenvolver um Caderno Didático para apoio do Enfermeiro na Realização e Avaliação do Eletrocardiograma na APS. Método: Tratase de uma pesquisa qualitativa do tipo estudo de caso. Os dados foram coletados em diferentes fontes, tais como o banco de dados do Sistema Tele-ECG do Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia relativos à população atendida no Ambulatório da Várzea do Carmo de São Paulo, prontuários disponíveis nesse ambulatório e revisão de literatura. Resultados: Os dados apontaram que no período de 2010 a 2015, o perfil dos pacientes atendidos no Ambulatório Várzea do Carmo era 58% feminina e 42% masculina; a maior faixa etária era de 51 a 60 anos em ambos os sexos; uso de medicamentos ocorre em 41% dessa população. O diagnóstico de ECG normal foi em média 44% para ambos os sexos. Na faixa etária de 51 a 60 anos foi de 41%, e foram decrescentes em todas as faixas etárias acima desta e na faixa etária de 0 a 11 meses. A alteração eletrocardiográfica ocorreu em 30% dos diagnósticos totais e as principais arritmias foram: bradicardia sinusal, extrassístole, fibrilação atrial, ritmo ectópico, flutter atrial, bloqueios de ramo, sobrecarga e infartos cicatrizados. O defeito técnico na execução da técnica foi de 7,29% dos exames realizados no total de 62.850. A revisão de literatura sistematizada realizada nas bases de dados SibiUSP, IEEEXplore, Proquest, Pubmed, BVS, Cinahal, não localizou evidências de manuais de educação permanente para enfermeiros da APS sobre a temática, além de referências em plataformas correlacionadas ao Ministério da Saúde do Brasil, Diretrizes e Normas Técnicas sobre ECG e Arritmias. Face ao perfil da população usuária e as evidências encontrada na literatura construiu-se um caderno de recomendações práticas para os enfermeiros que atuam na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF). Esse caderno foi elaborado com os seguintes itens: conceito de ECG, técnicas para realização e avaliação do traçado eletrocardiográfico, avaliação de risco das arritmias e outros achados do ECG, breve apresentação das urgências cardiológicas. Conclusão: Pretende-se que o Caderno Didático produzido possa apoiar a educação permanente sobre o ECG, a assistência, controle e prevenção das DCNT no âmbito da APS e colaborar na expansão com qualidade do acesso a este procedimento nas unidades especializadas. / Introduction: Electrocardiogram (ECG), through the Tele-ECG System, is a fundamental tool to improve the assistance to Chronic Non-communicable Diseases (CNCD) in Primary Health Care (PHC). Improving the knowledge of nurses working in this area of care in the performance and evaluation of ECG should contribute directly to the prevention of heart disease. Objective: Develop a Didactic Booklet for Nurse Support in the Performance and Evaluation of the Electrocardiogram in APS. Method: This is a qualitative case-study research. The data were collected in different sources, such as the database of the Tele-ECG System of the Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology related to the population attended in the Várzea do Carmo Outpatient Clinic of São Paulo, charts available in this outpatient clinic and literature review. Results: The data showed that in the period from 2010 to 2015, the profile of the patients attended at the Várzea do Carmo Outpatient Clinic was 58% female and 42% male; the largest age group was 51 to 60 years old in both genders; drug use occurs in 41% of this population. The diagnosis of normal ECG was on average 44% for both genders. In the age group of 51 to 60 years was 41%, and were decreasing in all age groups above this and in the age group of 0 to 11 months. The electrocardiographic alteration occurred in 30% of the total diagnoses and the main arrhythmias were: sinus bradycardia, extrasystole, atrial fibrillation, ectopic rhythm, atrial flutter, branch block, overload and healed infarction. The technical defect in the execution of the technique was 7.29% of the examinations carried out in the total of 62,850. The systematized literature review carried out in the databases SibiUSP, IEEEXplore, Proquest, Pubmed, BVS, Cinahal, found no evidence of permanent education manuals for APS nurses on the subject, in addition to references on platforms correlated to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, Guidelines and Technical Norms on ECG and Arrhythmias. Considering the profile of the user population and the evidence found in the literature, a book of practical recommendations was developed for nurses working at the Family Health Strategy (FHS). This book was elaborated with the following items: ECG concept, techniques for conducting and evaluating the electrocardiographic tracing, risk assessment of arrhythmias and other ECG findings, brief presentation of cardiac urgencies. Conclusion: It is intended that the Didactic Book produced can support the permanent education on the ECG, the assistance, control and prevention of NCDs within the framework of the PHC and collaborate in the expansion with quality of access to this procedure in the specialized units.