Thesis (M.H.A.)--University of Michigan, 1965.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to identify the populations at high risk of nonadherence to outpatient lung cancer appointments in order to reduce the delay from diagnosis to treatment. The patient navigation system, which helps patients with barriers navigate the health care system, was examined to see if the correct high-risk groups were being addressed. METHODS: A case-control study with 195 subjects from the lung cancer clinics at Boston Medical Center (BMC) was conducted examining three nonadherence case groups: no-shows (n=40), cancelations (n=64) and combined (n=20). Nonadherence was defined as any patient who was a no-show for at least one appointment or who canceled more than one appointment over the three month study period. The combined group incorporated both of these factors. The patients were stratified by 10 patient characteristics, including patient navigation. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for the analysis. A second analysis was done on patients in the patient navigation program (n=33) to determine if the high risk groups identified were being addressed. This was done using ORs and 95% CIs. RESULTS: This study has shown that there are certain patient groups in the lung cancer clinics at BMC that are at higher risk of being nonadherent to lung cancer outpatient appointments. Among those are Hispanic/Latino patients, Spanish and Haitian Creole speaking patients, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients, and those patients who have Medicaid, and with late stage lung cancer patients at significantly higher risk (no-shows: OR-5.26 (1.85, 14.95), cancelations: OR-2.49 (1.12, 5.54), combined: OR-12.49 (1.48, 105.46)). Patients in the patient navigation system were also found to be at significantly higher risk of nonadherence (no-shows: OR-3.85 (1.72, 8.65), cancelations: OR-4.13 (1.89, 9.00), combined: OR-5.15 (1.93, 13.72)) than those not in the program. Some patients were also found to be at significantly decreased odds of nonadherence, including those who were: 1000-1999 days post diagnosis (no-shows: OR-0.14 (0.03, 0.59), cancelations: OR-0.20 (0.06, 0.65), combined: OR-0.07 (0.01, 0.64)); 2000-2999 days post diagnosis (no-shows: OR-0.09 (0.01, 0.80), cancelations: OR-0.06 (0.01, 0.50)); aged 71-75 (cancelations: OR-0.25 (0.08, 0.79)). The subset analysis with the patient navigation data yielded no statistically significant results. CONCLUSIONS: The study identified high-risk populations within the total lung cancer population at BMC that should be addressed by the patient navigation program. This study demonstrated that while the program does have its flaws, it is decreasing the odds of nonadherence of many of the high-risk populations.

Introdução: A varfarina é um dos anticoagulantes orais (ACO) mais utilizados na atenção primária a saúde. Com janela terapêutica estreita, exibe grande variabilidade de resposta farmacológica, e maior suscetibilidade de eventos adversos, como sangramentos e tromboembolismo venoso. Entre os fatores que influenciam na variabilidade de dose destaca-se as interações tanto com medicamentos, como com a dieta e o polimorfismo genético. Objetivos: Estimar a incidência de eventos adversos relacionados ao uso de varfarina e descrever o itinerário do usuário pelo sistema público de saúde para resolução dos problemas. Métodos: trata-se de uma coorte prospectiva realizada por um período de 18 meses com usuários do serviço público de saúde, em uso de varfarina, do município de Ijuí/RS. Os dados foram coletados por entrevistas mensais nas residências e complementados com informações médicas obtidas na atenção primária e terciária. As interações medicamentosas foram checadas em bases de dados e os hábitos alimentares conforme metodologia validada. A estatística utilizada para associar sangramento e Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) e os fatores de risco foi teste de Poison. O projeto foi aprovado no Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da UFRGS, com parecer número 336.259/2013. Resultados: Foram entrevistados e acompanhados 69 pacientes, sendo que 64 concluíram o acompanhamento e 5 faleceram durante o estudo, 55,1% eram do sexo feminino, com idade média de 64,3 ±13,7 anos. O tempo médio de uso de varfarina foi de 5,5 anos, a dose média semanal foi de 30,69±15,19mg e o principal motivo para uso de varfarina foi prótese valvular (39,7%). A média de medicamentos utilizados por usuário foi de 9,6±4,5. Quanto aos eventos, os sangramentos tiveram incidência de 37,7/100 pacientes/ano, o tromboembolismo de 4,8/100 pacientes/ano e de óbitos de 4,8/100 pacientes/ano. Os sangramentos apresentaram associação com possuir mais que três interações medicamentosas com a varfarina (p=0,048) e com uso de medicamentos por automedicação (p=0,030). Já para o TTR houve associação com a idade inferior a 65 anos (p=0,032). E 67 usuários estavam suscetíveis a interações medicamentosasas com varfarina, com predomínio das moderadas, sendo a média de interações com este medicamento de 2,91±1,52. A maioria das interações agiam sobre o efeito anticoagulante da varfarina, aumentando a probabilidade de sangramento. Entre as interações que os usuários apresentavam, no momento do sangramento, as mais frequentes foram com: omeprazol, sinvastatina e paracetamol. A maioria dos entrevistados apresentou consumo baixo de vitamina K. Verificou-se que sangramentos e tromboembolismos venosos foram mais frequentes nos pacientes em início de tratamento. E todos os pacientes que foram a óbito durante o acompanhamento (5) eram pacientes com mais de um ano de uso de varfarina. Para a resolução de eventos adversos na maioria dos casos o paciente realizou cuidado domiciliar (53,4%), seguido por busca pela Unidades Básicas de Saúde, 7 pacientes buscaram o serviço de emergência e 5 realizaram internação hospitalar. Observou-se que aproximadamente metade dos pacientes não mostrou seus exames de INR (Razão Normalizada Internacional) ao médico. E na falta de varfarina na rede pública de saúde do município, que ocorreu entre os meses 13 e 16, entre 24,9 a 43,5%, deixaram de usar o medicamento. Os resultados do polimorfismo demonstram que 47 (71,2%) não apresentam polimorfismo ao genótipo CYP2C9, e 24 (36,4%) ao genótipo VKORC1. Avaliando os dois genótipos associados, verifica-se que 17 (25,8%) não apresentam polimorfismo a nenhum destes. Não foi observada associação estatística do polimorfismo com sexo e raça. Observou-se diferença significativa entre a dose utilizada para os diferentes polimorfismos (p=0,013). Da mesma forma, para o VKORC1, houve diferença significativa entre a dose e o genótipo (p=0,018). Conclusão: Estes resultados demonstram a necessidade de uma maior assistência a estes pacientes, buscando melhores resultados clínicos, com menos eventos adversos. / Introduction: Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant (OAC) most used in primary health care. With narrow therapeutic window, shows great variability in drug response, and greater susceptibility to adverse events such as bleeding and venous thromboembolism. Among the factors that influence the amount of variability highlights the interactions with both drugs, as with diet and genetic polymorphism. Objectives: To estimate the incidence of adverse events related to warfarin use and describe the user journey through the public health system to the problems. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study conducted over a period of 18 months with users of the public health service in the use of warfarin, the city of Ijuí/RS. The data were collected monthly interviews in homes and complemented with medical information obtained in primary and tertiary care. Drug interactions were checked in databases and eating habits as validated methodology. The statistics used to associate bleeding and Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) and the risk factors was Poison test. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of UFRGS, with opinion number 336259/2013. Results: We interviewed and followed 69 patients, 64 completed the follow-up and 5 died during the study, 55.1% were female, mean age 64.3 ± 13.7 years. The mean duration of warfarin use was 5.5 years, the average weekly dose was 30.69 ± 15,19mg and the main reason for warfarin use was valvular prosthesis (39.7%). The average per user used medications was 9.6 ± 4.5. As for events, the bleeding had incidence of 37.7 / 100 patients / year, thromboembolism of 4.8 / 100 patients / year and deaths of 4.8 / 100 patients / year. Bleeds were associated with having more than three drug interactions with warfarin (p = 0.048) and use of self-medication by drugs (p = 0.030). As for the TTR was no association with age less than 65 years (p = 0.032). And 67 users were susceptible to medicamentosasas interactions with warfarin, with a predominance of moderate, with an average of interactions with this drug of 2.91 ± 1.52. Most interactions acting on the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the probability of bleeding. Among the interactions that users had, at the time of bleeding, the most common were with: omeprazole, simvastatin and acetaminophen. Most respondents showed low consumption of vitamin K. It was found that bleeding and venous thromboembolism were more frequent in patients starting treatment. And all patients who died during follow-up (5) were patients with more than one year of warfarin use. For adverse event resolution in most cases the patient underwent home care (53.4%), followed by search for the Basic Health Units, 7 patients sought emergency services and 5 held hospitalization. It was observed that approximately half of the patients showed their INR test (International Normalized Ratio) to the doctor. And in the absence of warfarin in public municipal health, which occurred between the months 13:16, from 24.9 to 43.5% stopped using the drug. The polymorphism results demonstrate that 47 (71.2%) did not have the polymorphism CYP2C9 genotype, and 24 (36.4%) the VKORC1 genotype. Evaluating the two genotypes associated, it is found that 17 (25.8%) did not show any polymorphism thereof. There was no statistical association of the polymorphism with gender and race. A significant difference between the dose for different polymorphisms (p = 0.013). Likewise, for the VKORC1, a significant difference between the dose and genotype (p = 0.018). Conclusion: These results demonstrate the need for further assistance to these patients, looking for better clinical outcomes, with fewer adverse events.

Introdução: A varfarina é um dos anticoagulantes orais (ACO) mais utilizados na atenção primária a saúde. Com janela terapêutica estreita, exibe grande variabilidade de resposta farmacológica, e maior suscetibilidade de eventos adversos, como sangramentos e tromboembolismo venoso. Entre os fatores que influenciam na variabilidade de dose destaca-se as interações tanto com medicamentos, como com a dieta e o polimorfismo genético. Objetivos: Estimar a incidência de eventos adversos relacionados ao uso de varfarina e descrever o itinerário do usuário pelo sistema público de saúde para resolução dos problemas. Métodos: trata-se de uma coorte prospectiva realizada por um período de 18 meses com usuários do serviço público de saúde, em uso de varfarina, do município de Ijuí/RS. Os dados foram coletados por entrevistas mensais nas residências e complementados com informações médicas obtidas na atenção primária e terciária. As interações medicamentosas foram checadas em bases de dados e os hábitos alimentares conforme metodologia validada. A estatística utilizada para associar sangramento e Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) e os fatores de risco foi teste de Poison. O projeto foi aprovado no Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da UFRGS, com parecer número 336.259/2013. Resultados: Foram entrevistados e acompanhados 69 pacientes, sendo que 64 concluíram o acompanhamento e 5 faleceram durante o estudo, 55,1% eram do sexo feminino, com idade média de 64,3 ±13,7 anos. O tempo médio de uso de varfarina foi de 5,5 anos, a dose média semanal foi de 30,69±15,19mg e o principal motivo para uso de varfarina foi prótese valvular (39,7%). A média de medicamentos utilizados por usuário foi de 9,6±4,5. Quanto aos eventos, os sangramentos tiveram incidência de 37,7/100 pacientes/ano, o tromboembolismo de 4,8/100 pacientes/ano e de óbitos de 4,8/100 pacientes/ano. Os sangramentos apresentaram associação com possuir mais que três interações medicamentosas com a varfarina (p=0,048) e com uso de medicamentos por automedicação (p=0,030). Já para o TTR houve associação com a idade inferior a 65 anos (p=0,032). E 67 usuários estavam suscetíveis a interações medicamentosasas com varfarina, com predomínio das moderadas, sendo a média de interações com este medicamento de 2,91±1,52. A maioria das interações agiam sobre o efeito anticoagulante da varfarina, aumentando a probabilidade de sangramento. Entre as interações que os usuários apresentavam, no momento do sangramento, as mais frequentes foram com: omeprazol, sinvastatina e paracetamol. A maioria dos entrevistados apresentou consumo baixo de vitamina K. Verificou-se que sangramentos e tromboembolismos venosos foram mais frequentes nos pacientes em início de tratamento. E todos os pacientes que foram a óbito durante o acompanhamento (5) eram pacientes com mais de um ano de uso de varfarina. Para a resolução de eventos adversos na maioria dos casos o paciente realizou cuidado domiciliar (53,4%), seguido por busca pela Unidades Básicas de Saúde, 7 pacientes buscaram o serviço de emergência e 5 realizaram internação hospitalar. Observou-se que aproximadamente metade dos pacientes não mostrou seus exames de INR (Razão Normalizada Internacional) ao médico. E na falta de varfarina na rede pública de saúde do município, que ocorreu entre os meses 13 e 16, entre 24,9 a 43,5%, deixaram de usar o medicamento. Os resultados do polimorfismo demonstram que 47 (71,2%) não apresentam polimorfismo ao genótipo CYP2C9, e 24 (36,4%) ao genótipo VKORC1. Avaliando os dois genótipos associados, verifica-se que 17 (25,8%) não apresentam polimorfismo a nenhum destes. Não foi observada associação estatística do polimorfismo com sexo e raça. Observou-se diferença significativa entre a dose utilizada para os diferentes polimorfismos (p=0,013). Da mesma forma, para o VKORC1, houve diferença significativa entre a dose e o genótipo (p=0,018). Conclusão: Estes resultados demonstram a necessidade de uma maior assistência a estes pacientes, buscando melhores resultados clínicos, com menos eventos adversos. / Introduction: Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant (OAC) most used in primary health care. With narrow therapeutic window, shows great variability in drug response, and greater susceptibility to adverse events such as bleeding and venous thromboembolism. Among the factors that influence the amount of variability highlights the interactions with both drugs, as with diet and genetic polymorphism. Objectives: To estimate the incidence of adverse events related to warfarin use and describe the user journey through the public health system to the problems. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study conducted over a period of 18 months with users of the public health service in the use of warfarin, the city of Ijuí/RS. The data were collected monthly interviews in homes and complemented with medical information obtained in primary and tertiary care. Drug interactions were checked in databases and eating habits as validated methodology. The statistics used to associate bleeding and Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) and the risk factors was Poison test. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of UFRGS, with opinion number 336259/2013. Results: We interviewed and followed 69 patients, 64 completed the follow-up and 5 died during the study, 55.1% were female, mean age 64.3 ± 13.7 years. The mean duration of warfarin use was 5.5 years, the average weekly dose was 30.69 ± 15,19mg and the main reason for warfarin use was valvular prosthesis (39.7%). The average per user used medications was 9.6 ± 4.5. As for events, the bleeding had incidence of 37.7 / 100 patients / year, thromboembolism of 4.8 / 100 patients / year and deaths of 4.8 / 100 patients / year. Bleeds were associated with having more than three drug interactions with warfarin (p = 0.048) and use of self-medication by drugs (p = 0.030). As for the TTR was no association with age less than 65 years (p = 0.032). And 67 users were susceptible to medicamentosasas interactions with warfarin, with a predominance of moderate, with an average of interactions with this drug of 2.91 ± 1.52. Most interactions acting on the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the probability of bleeding. Among the interactions that users had, at the time of bleeding, the most common were with: omeprazole, simvastatin and acetaminophen. Most respondents showed low consumption of vitamin K. It was found that bleeding and venous thromboembolism were more frequent in patients starting treatment. And all patients who died during follow-up (5) were patients with more than one year of warfarin use. For adverse event resolution in most cases the patient underwent home care (53.4%), followed by search for the Basic Health Units, 7 patients sought emergency services and 5 held hospitalization. It was observed that approximately half of the patients showed their INR test (International Normalized Ratio) to the doctor. And in the absence of warfarin in public municipal health, which occurred between the months 13:16, from 24.9 to 43.5% stopped using the drug. The polymorphism results demonstrate that 47 (71.2%) did not have the polymorphism CYP2C9 genotype, and 24 (36.4%) the VKORC1 genotype. Evaluating the two genotypes associated, it is found that 17 (25.8%) did not show any polymorphism thereof. There was no statistical association of the polymorphism with gender and race. A significant difference between the dose for different polymorphisms (p = 0.013). Likewise, for the VKORC1, a significant difference between the dose and genotype (p = 0.018). Conclusion: These results demonstrate the need for further assistance to these patients, looking for better clinical outcomes, with fewer adverse events.

Estudo descritivo, exploratório, tipo corte transversal com 178 pacientes em uso de anticoagulação oral em seguimento ambulatorial com os objetivos de: caracterizar os pacientes em uso de terapia de anticoagulação oral (TAO) segundo variáveis sóciodemográficas, clínicas e relacionadas à TAO; analisar a associação entre qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde com a idade e o sexo dos pacientes; analisar a associação entre qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde com o tempo de uso do anticoagulante oral (ACO), presença de complicações e indicação da TAO; analisar a associação entre a presença de complicações pelo uso de ACO com a presença de orientações prévias recebidas pelos pacientes. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas individuais e consulta aos prontuários dos pacientes, sendo a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, avaliada pelo instrumento SF-36. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva, teste t student, ANOVA e teste Exato de Fisher. Verificamos que a maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino; com idade média de 55,6 anos; aposentados (36,9%); com o primeiro grau incompleto (71,1%); renda familiar média de 896,3 reais; casados (65,2%); e procedentes de outras cidades do Estado de São Paulo (83,2%). As principais indicações para o uso de ACO foram uso de prótese cardíaca metálica (50,6%) e fibrilação atrial (33,1%). A maioria (83,0%) fazia uso da varfarina e a dose média dos ACOs foi 31,1 mg/semana, com o tempo médio de uso de 7 anos e valor médio do INR de 2,4 (de 0,5 a 6,8). A presença de complicações foi relatada por 74 participantes, sendo a maioria do tipo hemorrágica (94,6%) e que resultaram em 28 internações. A associação entre QVRS e a idade foi constatada nos domínios Capacidade funcional (p=0,017) e Dor (p=0,041) e com o sexo foi verificada nos domínios Saúde Mental (p=0,005) e Dor (p=0,020). Observamos que a avaliação dos pacientes na maioria dos domínios da QVRS foi melhor entre pacientes em tratamento a longo prazo (acima de 10 anos de uso do ACO). Mas, constatamos diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos apenas nos domínios Capacidade Funcional (p=0,000), Aspectos físicos (p=0,044) e Estado geral de saúde (p=0,044). Não confirmamos a associação da QVRS com a presença de complicações, mas constatamos essa associação quando analisamos indicação de ACO, sendo as diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos nos domínios Aspectos Físicos (p=0,028) e Capacidade Funcional (p=0,029). Outra associação verificada foi entre a presença de complicações pelo ACO e informações prévias recebidas pelos pacientes (p= 0,045). Avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e sua associação com variáveis sócio demográficas e clínicas nos possibilitou identificar aspectos importantes a serem considerados no planejamento da assistência dos pacientes em uso de anticoagulantes orais. / This descriptive and exploratory study, of transversal type, with 178 patients using oral anticoagulant in outpatient segment, aims at characterizing the patients undergoing oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) according to sociodemographic and clinical variables and variables related to OAT. It also aims at analyzing the association between the quality of life related to health (QLRH) and the patients age and gender; the association between QLRH to the time of use of oral anticoagulant (OAC), OAT complications and indications; the association between complications with the use of OAC and previous orientations given by the patients. Data have been collected through individual interviews with the patients and consultations to their medical records. The QLRH has been evaluated with the instrument SF- 36. Data were assessed through descriptive statistical analysis, Students t-Test, ANOVA and Fishers Exact Test. It has been found that most patients were females; with average age of 55,6 years old; retired (36,9%); with first degree incomplete (71,1%); average family income of 896,3 reais; married (65,2%) and coming from other cities within the state of São Paulo (83,2%). OACs main indications were the use of metallic cardiac prosthesis (50,6%) and atrial fibrillation (33,1%). Most patients were in use of warfarin and the average dose of the OACs was 33,6 mg/week and an average time of use of 7 years and average value of INR of 2,4 (from 0,5 to 6,8). Complications have been reported by 74 patients, mostly of hemorrhage type (94,6%) resulting in 28 inpatient services. The association between QLRH and age was found in Functional Capacity (p=0,017) and Pain (p=0,041) and the association between QLRH and gender was found in Mental Health (p=0,005) and Pain (p=0,020). It has been observed that the patients evaluation in most domains of QLRH was better among those undergoing long-term treatment (over 10 years of OAC use). However, statistically significant differences have been found among the groups only in the Functional Capacity (p=0,000), Physical Aspects (p=0,044) and General Health State (p=0,044) domains. An association between QLRH and complications have not been found, but such an association has been found when analyzing the indication of OAC, having statistically significant differences among the groups in the following domains: Physical Aspects (p=0,028) and Functional Capacity (p=0,029). Another association found was complications due to the use of OAC and previous information given by the patients (p= 0,045). Evaluating the quality of life related to health and its association to sociodemographic and clinical variables enabled this study to identify important aspects that shall be stressed when planning medical assistance to patients in use of oral anticoagulant.

O emprego da psicoterapia de grupo no atendimento em saúde mental, sobretudo em contextos institucionais, tem se expandido em ritmo acelerado em nossa realidade, não havendo uma expansão correlata de pesquisas na área, conforme aponta a literatura especializada. Esse estudo visa contribuir com o conhecimento sobre essa prática, estudando um grupo de apoio com pacientes psiquiátricos ambulatoriais (16 sessões), em condições naturais, em um serviço de saúde mental de Ribeirão Preto. Objetivou-se compreender as possibilidades e limites dessa intervenção descrevendo o desenvolvimento do grupo através das formas de manejo do coordenador e investigando os fatores terapêuticos presentes no grupo segundo a perspectiva de seus participantes. O grupo foi composto por dez pacientes de ambos os sexos, de 29 a 65 anos, predominantemente casados e com escolaridade de 1o grau incompleto. Com diagnósticos psiquiátricos diversos, tinham indicação prevalente de uso de medicação ansiolítica e/ou antidepressiva. Observação e registro audio-gravado do grupo e Questionário do Incidente Crítico (QIC) constituíram as principais fontes de dados. Consultas aos prontuários dos pacientes e notas de campo também foram realizadas durante o período de coleta de dados. Os dados foram analisados por procedimentos qualitativos e quantitativos. Efetuou-se, com base na transcrição e nos registros de observação das sessões, a descrição da temática e da dinâmica das mesmas. A análise do manejo do grupo foi realizada por procedimentos de análise categorial de conteúdo das intervenções do coordenador (N=1904). A análise das respostas dos pacientes ao QIC (N=112), foi realizada por procedimentos de análise categorial de conteúdo, tendo como base um sistema descritivo dos fatores terapêuticos proposto na literatura. Os dados dos prontuários e as anotações de diário de campo foram utilizados na contextualização dos dados derivados da análise das outras fontes. Os resultados da análise do manejo do grupo nos remetem a oito categorias de intervenção: reiteração (48%); investigação (16%); elucidação (13%); confrontação (11%); enquadre (7%); avaliação (2%); orientação (1%) e fala interrompida (2%). O sistema a priori de categorias de análise do QIC não se mostrou suficiente para a classificação de todas as respostas, levando à criação de novas categorias. Nossos resultados apontam para a presença de dez categorias derivadas da percepção dos pacientes sobre o grupo: universalidade (23%); aprendizagem vicária (22%); distanciamento (13%); desesperança (9%); instilação de esperança (7%); altruísmo (6%); aceitação (5%); auto revelação (4%); orientação (4%) e catarse (3%). Apenas 5% das respostas ao QIC foram não classificáveis. Estes resultados remetem à presença de fatores terapêuticos e não terapêuticos no grupo, tal como vivenciado pelos pacientes. Assim, este estudo possibilita uma compreensão sobre o modo como os pacientes vivenciaram o processo deste grupo – tendo em vista os sentidos que produziram a partir de sua participação neste – e, em conjunção com seus quadros clínicos e com o entendimento sobre o funcionamento do grupo através da descrição de seu manejo, situa algumas possibilidades e limites deste tipo de tratamento, considerando o contexto em que ocorre e a clientela que usualmente o integra. (FAPESP) / The use of group psychotherapy in mental health attendance, specially in institutional contexts, it has been expanding in a accelerated rhythm in our reality, with no correlate expansion of researches in this area, according to the specialized literature. This study aims to contribute with the knowledge about this practice, by studying in natural conditions, a support group with psychiatric outpatients (16 sessions) in a mental health center of Ribeirão Preto. It was objectified to understand the limits and the possibilites of this type of treatment, by describing group’s development through the cordinator’s handling and investigating the therapeutic factors existing on this group according to the participants’perspective. The group was composed by ten patients of both sexes, aging 29 to 65 years old, mainly married and having not complete junior hight school. With several psychiatric diagnoses, they pointed out the principal use of anxiolytics and antidepressant medication. Observation and audio-recorded tapes of the group, and the Critical Incident Questionaire (CIQ) constituted the main sources of data. Consultations to the patients'' files and field notes were also accomplished during the period of data collection. The data were analyzed by qualitative and quantitative procedures. Based on sessions’ transcription it was made the thematic and dynamic description of all the group’meetings. The analysis of the group’s handling was accomplished by procedures of categorial content analysis of the coordinator''s interventions (N=1904). The analysis of the patients’answers to the CIQ (N=112) was also accomplished by procedures of categorial content analysis, based on a descriptive system of the therapeutic factors proposed in the literature. The data origineted from the files and the fields notes were used on the comprehension of the data derived from the analysis of the other sources. The analysis of the cordinator’s handling of the group resulted in eight categories of intervention: reiteration (48%); investigation (16%); elucidation (13%); confrontation (11%); setting rules (7%); evaluation (2%); guideness (1%) and interrupted speach (2%). The descriptive system of the therapeutic factores used on the initial analysis of QIC was not sufficient for classification all the answers, driving us to new categories. Our results point for the presence of ten categories derived from the patients'' perception of the group: universality (23%); vicarious learning (22%); distant (13%); hopeless (9%); instilation of hope (7%); altruism (6%); acceptance (5%); self disclosure (4%); guideness (4%) and catharsis (3%). Just 5% of CIQ‘s answers were not classify. These results show us the presence of therapeutic and non therapeutic factors in the group, according to the patients’perspective. Thus, this study contribute to an understanding about the way patients lived the process of this group according to the meanings produced by them after the group’sessions and, in conjunction with their clinical condition and with the understanding of the group development through the description of the cordinator’handling, it shows some possibilities and some limits of this type of treatment, considering the context where it happens and the patients that usually compose those types of groups. (FAPESP)

Masters in Public Administration - MPA / Globally, substance abuse has had a profound impact on society, compounding factors around public health and safety, as well as the social fabric of family systems and communities. The substance abuse problem is complex and requires a comprehensive approach to addressing the phenomenon. Treatment for substance abuse is one aspect of addressing the problem and aims to reduce the harm associated with the use thereof. Treatment demand has increased consistently in South Africa over the past few years and the need for services has been articulated in key legislative and policy documents. Substance abuse is a well-researched field in South Africa; however, limited research exists that captures the experience and perceptions of service users that received outpatient treatment. Various studies conducted in Cape Town in the Western Cape have confirmed an inextricable link between substance abuse and the structural challenges present in historically disadvantaged communities. This study explores the experiences of service users who had completed an outpatient substance-abuse treatment programme in the City of Cape Town's health clinics in Parkwood and Delft South. The objectives of the study are to explore the individual-level and service-level factors impacting on service users' experiences of outpatient substance-abuse treatment, to explore the outcomes of outpatient substance-abuse treatment for service users and to make service-level recommendations and recommendations for further study. Nine research participants for the qualitative study were purposively sampled, as they required certain attributes to respond to the area of study. Data was collected in the form of semi-structured interviews in order to allow for the in-depth exploration into the experiences of service users. Data was analysed with the use of conceptual analysis, where themes were thematically grouped and analysed. Key findings in the study were that the City's outpatient treatment programme is designed exclusively for adult service users. It was, however, found that the age of substance use and the onset of abuse occurred between the ages of 11 and 17-years. The study highlighted the need for the City to modify its outpatient programme to address the needs of youth service users and children of service users to facilitate their adjustment to a parent in recovery. A further finding in the study was the challenges experienced by service users, particularly female service users. It emerged that female service users experienced more stigmatisation than males accessing the service. The need for aftercare treatment post-treatment was a gap identified in the study. In the exploratory study, participants' experiences and perceptions of the City's outpatient programme were positive. The scope of the study was therefore narrow. Recovery, however, remains a challenge for service users due to triggers brought on by structural challenges present in disadvantaged communities, again highlighting the need for coordinated efforts by all government spheres to address the scourge of substance abuse. As a prospect for further study, it is proposed that the long-term impact of the City’s outpatient programme be considered with a larger sample of participants.

Elopement is a potentially dangerous behavior that can result in accidental injury or death. Assessment and treatment of elopement in children has most frequently been examined using behavioral approaches. Most of these evaluations have typically been conducted in settings where assessment and treatment occurred over extended periods of time (such as inpatient units, residential treatment centers, or day treatment programs). As more children present for assessment and treatment of elopement in outpatient clinics, a need exists for efficient and pragmatic means of assessing and treating elopement. This study examined a novel way to assess and treat elopement behavior in young children in an outpatient setting. The purpose of the current study was to address three questions: (a) Could a brief methodological approach be used for rapidly assessing and treating elopement in young children within typical outpatient time constraints, (b) could a competing stimuli treatment including brief preference assessments, differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors, and response cost reduce elopement attempts and increase latency to elopement, and (c) could the initial treatment protocol be expanded to further clarify effective treatment strategies through component analyses? Data were collected within a brief multielement (across conditions) design combined with multiple baseline (across 2 participants). The results of this study suggested that (a) a brief methodological approach to assessing elopement can be successfully implemented within typical outpatient constraints, (b) the competing stimuli treatment can be used to reduce elopement attempts and increase latency to elopement in young children, (c) supplementing the initial protocol with a component analysis can further specify effective treatment strategies. These results extend the elopement literature by assessing and treating elopement within typical outpatient clinic setting time constraints.

During fiscal years 2006 and 2007, nearly 1 in 4 Veterans failed to keep their individual nutrition appointments, impeding clinic workflow, productivity, and management of weight and nutrition related health conditions. The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of nutrition appointment attendance in the Veteran population. This study examined the cognitive and structural factors that influence nutrition appointment attendance. Specifically, the study sought to determine: Veteran reported reasons for non-attendance and factors associated with appointment attendance. The research design entailed sequential use of qualitative and quantitative methods. Individual, semi-structured interviews and a mail survey were used to identify factors associated with outpatient nutrition appointment attendance. Seventeen individuals were purposively selected to represent appointment attenders (8 individuals) and non-attenders (9 individuals) in the following age groups: 18-44, 45-64, and 65 and older. Individual interviews were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. For the survey portion of the study, 349 surveys were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics of the survey sample. Bivariate comparisons of attenders and non-attenders revealed significant relationships between appointment keeping and the following variables: past nutrition appointment attendance, non-VA insurance, health status, income, BMI, forgetting, satisfaction, perceived importance, understanding of scheduling system, RD knowledge, family support, how referred, reminders, input to appointment time, travel, weather, difficulty with transportation, family care, feeling well, cost, parking time, and preferred day. Regression analyses suggest that only perceived family support, past attendance history, health status, and BMI remained correlated with appointment keeping when controlling for other factors. The results of this study will be used to identify ways to reduce no-shows thus increasing clinic efficiency of ambulatory care nutrition programs. The impact of increasing nutrition appointment attendance includes: improved access to nutrition appointments, more efficient use of resources, improved management of nutrition related conditions, and improved patient satisfaction.

No description available.